Aggro
Jargon derived from the word "aggravation" can be either a noun or a verb referring to the possibility of a computer-controlled character attacking a player.
AI
Abbreviation for "artificial intelligence" and usually used to discuss the logic and behavior exhibited by in-game characters. Most often seen in the observation that, "the AI in this game is really lousy."
Alpha
This is a stage in the development cycle of a game. When a product is described as being an "alpha" or that an "alpha build" is available, this is an indication that it has reached an early, but feature-complete, phase of its development. Products at this stage are usually functional, but are missing certain elements.
Alt
An abbreviation for "alternate" usually used to describe an "alternate character," meaning a different avatar or player character used by an individual when playing an online game.
Analog stick
Sometimes called a "thumbstick". This is an input device for a video game controller, and allows for precise control of on-screen action that is directly related to the degree to which the stick is moved.
Anime
Pronounced "an-ee-may", this is an abbreviation of the word "animation" and is used to describe animated movie and video content that originates in Japan.
Anti-Alias
This refers to a smoothing effect applied to graphics to eliminate the stepped look generated by the use of on-screen pixels to draw in-game objects.
Beta
A stage in the development cycle of a game. When a product is described as being a "beta" or that a "beta build" is available, this is an indication that it has reached a feature-complete phase of its development and is ready to be shown to people outside of the development studio. For online games, a "beta" will sometimes be shared with the public to test functionality and gather feedback from potential players before the game is released.
Bind
A term that can have several meanings. Firstly, it can refer to a specific in-game action being assigned to a specific button on a keyboard. In this case the player "binds" the action to the button. Secondly, it can refer to an item in an online game that has been connected with a specific character and then cannot be traded with other players. The act of collecting the item "binds" it to the player.
Bio
The "biography" or "profile" of a character, or player.
Boomstick
A gun reference.
Borked
Slang for "broken," and often used ironically, or humorously. Is derived from a combination of things, namely a misspelling of "broken".
Boss
An enemy in a game that is typically larger, and more challenging to beat than others. Typically a "boss" character will be what stands between the player and completing the level before progressing further in the game.
Bot
An autonomous computer controlled character or opponent, used to mimic the effect of other human players participating. Bots are most often seen in first person shooters, and are often used to fill out numbers, or for players to practice against before going online to challenge real opponents.
Bricked
Used to describe a device that no longer functions, such as a console that will no longer turn on. Often expressed in anger, such as in the phrase, "my Xbox 360 is completely bricked."
Buffed
When a character or object in a game is made more effective, or useful due to a change in the game's rules or systems. Often this occurs as the result of an update to a game. The opposite of "buffed" is "nerfed."
Button mashing
This is the act of randomly hitting buttons on a game controller without knowing the correct actions to make. The term is most commonly associated with fighting games that require precise button combinations to achieve complex moves. "Mashing" the buttons very often achieves similar results, though without any real control. Being a "button masher" is often used as a friendly insult between competing gamers to imply a lack of skill.
Casual
Used to describe a category of video game designed for a mass audience. They are typically quite simple games without complex plots or control schemes. This has in turn spawned the term "casual player" which is a description of gamer a that is less experienced, or lacking in skill. Many recent games have started renaming their "easy" modes as "casual" modes.
"casual player" which is a description of gamer a that is less experienced, or lacking in skill. Many recent games have started renaming their "easy" modes as "casual" modes.Cel-shading
A graphical style designed to make a video game look more like a comic book or cartoon.
Cheat
Though originally a code or sequence of button presses that would allow players to skip levels, or achieve invincibility, the term "cheat" has become a common term to describe any kind of assistance or hint about a game.
Choppy
Usually used to describe the quality of the animation in a game, indicating that it is of uneven quality.
Cinematics
A term used to describe the non-interactive scenes in video games that help tell the story. See also, Cut scene.
Clan
A group of players who regularly play together in a particular online multiplayer game.
Closed Beta
When a game is said to be in a state of "closed beta" it is being tested by a set of individuals known by the developers. Usually it is limited to employees, and possibly friends and family. Online games are typically tested in a "closed beta" environment before moving on to being put into an "open beta" phase where players from the public are invited to participate.
Combo
A combination of moves strung together to devastating effect, most often seen in fighting games.
Console
The generic term for video games hardware that is plugged into a television, such as the Nintendo Wii, or Xbox 360.
Co-op
Abbreviation for the term "cooperative" which is used to describe gameplay where players work together to achieve specific tasks, such as shooting all the bad guys.
Creep
Popular term to describe monsters in a game. Originates from the Warcraft series of strategy games.
Cut scene
A non-interactive narrative scene that is used for break up gameplay, and further the story of the game.
Digital control
Unlike analog controls, which map movement to the degree to which input is made, digital controls are either on or off. Pressing a button harder or softer will have no effect on the way the on-screen action responds.
D-pad
An abbreviation of "direction pad," which is typically a flat, cross shaped button that is used to control a video game. The cross is mapped to up, down, left, and right, and moving the pad so that two directions are held at once allows for diagonal movement.
Drafting
Term used in racing (and consequently racing games) for tucking behind another car and taking advantage of the aerodynamic effect it creates. Used prolifically in NASCAR and Formula One games for enhancing performance.
Drifting
A style of racing where the driving intentionally induces oversteer to kick the back end of the car out, and slide around a bend.
Dual Wield
The act of holding a weapon in each hand.
Easter Eggs
Hidden bonus items that can be found in video games, often bonus gameplay items or videos that cannot be accessed through the game's usual user interface.
Emulator
A piece of software that allows a piece of hardware to run software intended for use on a different type of hardware.
ESRB
Abbreviation for "Entertainment Software Rating Board." The ESRB is a non-profit, self-regulatory body that independently assigns ratings, enforces advertising guidelines, and helps ensure responsible online privacy practices for the interactive entertainment software industry. ESRB ratings are found on all game boxes in the U.S. to help consumers make informed purchasing decisions about game content.
Experience Points
In role-playing games or adventures, "experience points" (often abbreviated to XP) are awarded for successfully completing tasks, or being victorious in combat. The accumulation of these points is usually tied to a system whereby the player's character becomes gradually more powerful. See also, XP.
