Gametech Terms Glossary: Gametech Terms in 2024
A
Achievements
Achievements are virtual rewards or recognition given to players for completing specific tasks, goals, or challenges within a game, often providing additional goals and motivations.
Animation
Animation in games refers to the process of creating and rendering visual movements and actions for characters, objects, or environmental effects to bring them to life.
Art Style
Art style in games refers to the visual aesthetic, design choices, and overall artistic direction used to create the game's graphics and visual elements.
Artificial Intelligence (Ai)
Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to the simulation of human intelligence in machines.
Asset Pipeline
An asset pipeline is a system or process used in game development to manage and optimize the workflow for creating, organizing, and importing game assets, such as 3D models, textures, and sounds.
Asset Store
An asset store is an online marketplace or platform where game developers can browse, purchase, or download pre-made game assets, such as 3D models, textures, or sound effects.
Augmented Reality
Augmented Reality (AR) is a technology that overlays digital information, such as images or data, onto the real world, enhancing the user's perception and interaction with their environment.
Augmented Reality (Ar)
Augmented Reality (AR) overlays digital content onto the real world, enhancing the user's perception of reality.
C
Character Customization
Character customization refers to the ability for players to personalize their in-game characters' appearance, traits, abilities, and equipment.
Cheating
Cheating refers to the act of using unauthorized methods or tools to gain an unfair advantage in a game.
Cloud Gaming
Cloud Gaming allows users to play games remotely on servers, which stream the gameplay to their devices.
Cloud Gaming Platforms
Cloud Gaming Platforms allow users to play games directly over the internet without the need for a dedicated gaming device.
Computer Vision
Computer Vision is a field that focuses on enabling computers to understand and interpret visual information.
Controller Support
Controller support in games refers to the functionality and compatibility of game inputs with various gamepad controllers, ensuring smooth and intuitive control for players.
Cutscene
A cutscene is a non-interactive cinematic sequence or video in a game that advances the story, reveals information, or provides visual storytelling.
Cutting-Edge Graphics
Cutting-edge graphics refers to advanced and state-of-the-art visual technology, rendering techniques, and graphical effects used in games to achieve highly realistic or visually impressive graphics.
D
Dlc
DLC stands for Downloadable Content, referring to additional content, features, or expansions that can be downloaded and added to a base game, often providing new experiences, levels, or items.
Downloadable Content (Dlc)
Downloadable Content (DLC) is additional game content that can be purchased and downloaded after the initial release.
E
E-Sports
E-sports, or electronic sports, refers to competitive video game tournaments or organized leagues where professional players or teams compete for prizes and recognition.
Easter Eggs
Easter Eggs are hidden features or messages within a game, often intended as a playful surprise for players.
Esports
Esports refers to competitive video gaming, often in organized leagues and tournaments.
F
F2P
F2P stands for Free-to-Play, a business model in which a game is available to play at no cost, but may offer in-game purchases or advertisements to generate revenue.
First-Person Shooter (Fps)
First-person Shooter (FPS) games are characterized by the player experiencing the game from a first-person perspective and engaging in combat.
Free-To-Play (F2P)
Free-to-play (F2P) games can be played without initial purchase and often generate revenue through in-game purchases.
G
Game Analyst
A game analyst is a professional who analyzes and studies player behavior, game data, and market trends to provide insights and recommendations for game improvements, monetization, and player engagement strategies.
Game Balance
Game balance refers to the intentional design and tuning of a game to ensure fair and enjoyable gameplay, where no single strategy or player has a significant advantage.
Game Capture
Game Capture refers to the process of recording or capturing gameplay footage for sharing or editing.
Game Consoles
Game Consoles are dedicated devices designed for playing video games.
Game Design
Game Design involves the creation and development of the rules, mechanics, and overall structure of a game.
Game Design Document (Gdd)
A Game Design Document (GDD) is a written document that outlines the concept, features, mechanics, and specifications of a video game, serving as a blueprint for the development team.
Game Development
Game Development refers to the process of creating a video game, including concept, design, programming, testing, and production.
Game Development Studios
Game Development Studios are companies that specialize in creating and developing video games.
Game Engine
A Game Engine is a software framework that developers use to build and create video games.
Game Engines
Game Engines are software frameworks that provide developers with tools and libraries for building games.
Game Jam
A game jam is a gathering of game developers, usually held in a limited amount of time, where participants create and develop games based on a specific theme or set of constraints.
Game Jams
Game Jams are events where developers create video games in a short amount of time, often based on a theme or constraint.
Game Mods
Game Mods are modifications made by players to alter the gameplay, graphics, or other aspects of a game.
Game Monetization
Game monetization refers to the methods and strategies used to generate revenue from a game, such as in-app purchases, subscription models, advertisements, or downloadable content.
Game Music
Game Music refers to the musical compositions and soundtracks created specifically for video games.
Game Publishers
Game Publishers are companies responsible for funding, marketing, and distributing games.
Game Streaming
Game Streaming allows players to broadcast their gameplay live over the internet to viewers.
Game Streaming Services
Game Streaming Services provide the infrastructure and technology for users to stream and play games remotely.
Game Testing
Game Testing involves the evaluation and verification of a game's functionality, performance, and quality.
Gamemaster (Gm)
A gamemaster (GM) is a person who oversees and facilitates a role-playing or tabletop game, guiding the game's narrative, enforcing rules, and portraying non-player characters.
Gamepad
A gamepad, also known as a controller, is a handheld device with buttons, thumbsticks, and triggers, used to play games on consoles or computers.
Gameplay
Gameplay refers to the specific interactions and mechanics that define how a game is played.
Gametech
Gametech refers to the use of technology in the gaming industry to enhance gameplay experiences.
Gamification
Gamification is the application of game design elements and principles in non-game contexts to enhance engagement and motivation.
Graphics
Graphics in games encompass the visual elements, including 2D and 3D rendering, textures, and visual effects.
H
Hackers
Hackers are individuals who attempt to exploit vulnerabilities in games or disrupt the gameplay experience of others.
High Score
A high score is the highest achieved score in a game or game mode, often recorded and displayed to encourage competition and challenge players to achieve a higher score.
Hud
HUD stands for Heads-Up Display, which is the visual interface or overlay in a game that displays important information, such as health, score, and ammunition, directly in the player's view.
I
Indie Games
Indie Games are video games created and developed independently by small teams or individuals.
Input Lag
Input lag refers to the delay between a player's input, such as pressing a button or moving a controller, and the corresponding action or response on-screen, which can affect gameplay responsiveness and immersion.
Inventory System
An inventory system in games is a feature or component that allows players to manage and keep track of their owned items, equipment, resources, or collectibles within the game world.
L
Leaderboards
Leaderboards are in-game ranking systems that display and compare the scores or achievements of players, providing competition and motivation.
Level Design
Level Design is the process of creating the layouts, environments, and challenges within a game's levels or stages.
Level Editor
A level editor is a tool or software that allows game designers or players to create and design game levels or environments, often providing a graphical interface and object placement features.
Localization
Localization is the process of adapting a game to be suitable for different languages, cultures, and regions.
Loot Box
A loot box is a virtual item in a game that can be purchased or earned and contains randomized virtual items, such as weapons, skins, or boosts, creating an element of chance or surprise.
M
Machine Learning (Ml)
Machine Learning (ML) is a subset of AI that focuses on getting machines to learn from data.
Massively Multiplayer Online (Mmo)
Massively Multiplayer Online (MMO) refers to games that can support thousands of players simultaneously in a persistent online world.
Microtransactions
Microtransactions are small purchases made within a game, usually for virtual goods or additional content.
Mixed Reality (Mr)
Mixed Reality (MR) combines elements of both virtual reality and augmented reality to create immersive experiences.
Mixer
Mixer was a streaming platform where users could watch and stream video games, which has since been shut down.
Mobile Gaming
Mobile Gaming refers to playing games on smartphones, tablets, or portable gaming devices.
Modding
Modding refers to the act of modifying or customizing a game, often by adding or changing content using community-created mods.
Modding Tools
Modding tools are software or programs that enable players or game developers to modify or create custom content for a game, such as new levels, characters, or assets.
Mods
Mods, short for modifications, are user-created content or alterations made to a game, often providing new features, levels, or assets to enhance or modify the original game.
Monetization
Monetization refers to the process of generating revenue from a game, often through in-app purchases, advertising, or subscriptions.
Motion Capture
Motion capture, or mocap, is the process of recording and digitizing real-world movements of actors or objects to animate characters or objects in a game.
Multiplayer
Multiplayer refers to the ability for multiple players to play a game together, either cooperatively or competitively, using network connectivity.
Multiplayer Gaming
Multiplayer Gaming involves multiple players interacting in the same game environment, either cooperatively or competitively.
N
Natural Language Processing (Nlp)
Natural Language Processing (NLP) involves the interaction between computers and human language.
O
Open World
Open World games allow players to freely explore a virtual world without strict linear progression.
P
Pathfinding
Pathfinding is the algorithmic process in games that determines an optimal path or route for a character or object to navigate obstacles or reach a specific destination.
Pc Gaming
PC Gaming refers to gaming on personal computers, which offer greater customization and performance options.
Persistent World
A persistent world is an online game environment that continues to exist and evolve even when players are not actively participating, allowing for ongoing exploration and interaction.
Physics Engine
A Physics Engine is a software component that simulates physics interactions within a game world.
Pixel Art
Pixel art is a style of digital art or graphics where images are created or manipulated at the pixel level, often using limited color palettes and a retro aesthetic reminiscent of early video games.
Platformer
A platformer is a genre of video games where players control a character that must navigate levels by jumping and overcoming obstacles on various platforms.
Playable Character
A playable character is a character or avatar that a player controls and directly interacts with in a game, usually representing themselves or a specific role within the game world.
Playable Prototype
A playable prototype is an early version of a game that has enough functionality and content to be played and tested, providing a tangible experience of the game's core mechanics.
Player Versus Environment (Pve)
Player Versus Environment (PvE) refers to gameplay modes where players fight against computer-controlled opponents.
Player Versus Player (Pvp)
Player Versus Player (PvP) refers to the gameplay mode where players directly compete against each other.
Procedural Generation
Procedural Generation is a technique used to create content or levels algorithmically, rather than manually.
Pve
PvE stands for Player versus Environment, referring to gameplay or game modes where players cooperate to battle against computer-controlled enemies or complete objectives.
Pvp
PvP stands for Player versus Player, referring to gameplay or game modes where players directly compete or battle against each other.
Q
Quality Assurance (Qa)
Quality Assurance (QA) is the process of ensuring that a game meets desired standards and specifications.
Quick Time Events (Qte)
Quick Time Events (QTEs) are gameplay segments or actions in games where players must press specific buttons or perform timed inputs to successfully complete the sequence.
R
Ragdoll Physics
Ragdoll physics in games refers to a simulation technique where characters or objects have dynamically animated limbs or body parts that react to physical forces, creating more realistic and interactive animations.
Random Number Generator (Rng)
A random number generator (RNG) is an algorithm or mechanism used in games to generate random numbers or events, providing unpredictability and chance in gameplay.
Rendering Engine
A Rendering Engine is responsible for generating the visual output of a game.
Respawn
Respawn is the act of a player returning to the game after being defeated or killed, often with a new set of resources, in a multiplayer or respawn-based game.
Role-Playing Game (Rpg)
Role-playing Game (RPG) is a genre of games where players assume the roles of characters in a fictional world.
Rpg
RPG stands for Role-Playing Game, a genre of video games where players assume the roles of characters and engage in quests, battles, and immersive narratives.
S
Shader
A shader is a program or script used in games to control the rendering and visual effects of objects, surfaces, or environments, enhancing the game's graphics and realism.
Sound Design
Sound Design involves creating and implementing the audio elements of a game, including music, sound effects, and voice acting.
Speedrunning
Speedrunning is the practice of completing a game or specific objectives as quickly as possible.
Stealth
Stealth gameplay or mechanics in games focus on avoiding detection or confrontation, requiring players to use stealthy tactics, concealment, and evasion to progress.
Storytelling
Storytelling in games refers to the use of narrative techniques, plots, and character development to engage players and provide a cohesive and immersive experience.
Streaming
Streaming is the act of broadcasting gameplay or live video of games over the internet, allowing viewers to watch the game being played in real-time.
T
Turn-Based Strategy
Turn-based Strategy games are characterized by gameplay that proceeds in discrete turns, allowing players to plan and execute strategies.
Twitch
Twitch is a popular streaming platform primarily focused on video game live streaming.
U
User Experience (Ux)
User Experience (UX) encompasses the overall experience a user has while interacting with a game.
User Interface (Ui)
User Interface (UI) refers to the visual elements and controls that allow users to interact with a game.
V
Virtual Goods
Virtual Goods are digital items that can be bought, sold, or traded within a game.
Virtual Reality
Virtual Reality (VR) refers to the use of computer technology to create a simulated environment that can be similar to or completely different from the real world.
Virtual Reality (Vr)
Virtual Reality (VR) is a technology that simulates a user's physical presence in a virtual environment.