Ever jump into an online game and feel like everyone’s speaking a different language? You’re not alone. Gaming worlds are filled with unique terms, acronyms, and slang that can leave new players feeling lost. Fear not, fellow adventurer (or esports hopeful)! This blog is your one-stop shop for deciphering the language of gamers. So without any further adieu let’s get started.
FPS: First Person Shooter – a genre of video games where the player experiences the game from a first-person perspective and typically involves shooting enemies.
MMORPG: Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game – a genre of online role-playing games in which a large number of players interact with one another in a virtual world.
RPG: Role-Playing Game – a genre of video games where players assume the roles of characters in a fictional setting and take on quests and challenges.
RTS: Real-Time Strategy – a genre of strategy video games where players control armies and resources in real-time to defeat opponents.
MOBA: Multiplayer Online Battle Arena – a genre of video games where two teams of players compete against each other in a strategic battle.
NPC: Non-Player Character – a character controlled by the game’s artificial intelligence rather than by a player.
DLC: Downloadable Content – additional content or expansions that can be purchased and downloaded to enhance a game.
PvP: Player versus Player – gameplay mode where players compete directly against each other rather than against computer-controlled opponents.
PvE: Player versus Environment – gameplay mode where players work together to defeat computer-controlled enemies or complete objectives.
GG: Good Game – a phrase used to congratulate opponents or teammates on a well-played game.
AFK: Away From Keyboard – indicates that a player is temporarily not active in the game.
OP: Overpowered – refers to something in the game that is considered too strong or unbalanced.
Nerf: To weaken or reduce the power of something in the game, usually through a patch or update.
Buff: To strengthen or increase the power of something in the game, usually through a patch or update.
Respawn: The act of a player or NPC returning to the game after being defeated.
FPS: Frames Per Second – a measure of how smoothly a game is running, with higher FPS indicating better performance.
LFG: Looking For Group – used to indicate that a player is looking to join a group or party for multiplayer gameplay.
GGWP: Good Game, Well Played – a variation of “GG” used to commend opponents on their skill and sportsmanship.
HP: Hit Points – a measure of a character’s or enemy’s health in the game.
MP: Mana Points or Magic Points – a resource used to cast spells or abilities in the game.
HUD: Heads-Up Display – the on-screen interface that displays important information such as health, ammo, and minimaps.
MMR: Matchmaking Rating – a numerical value used to determine a player’s skill level in matchmaking systems.
Cooldown: The period of time a player must wait before they can use a specific ability or item again.
AoE: Area of Effect – refers to abilities or attacks that affect multiple targets within a certain area.
DPS: Damage Per Second – a measure of the amount of damage a player or character can deal over time.
CC: Crowd Control – refers to abilities or effects that immobilize, disable, or otherwise hinder enemy players or NPCs.
Tank: A character or player who specializes in absorbing damage and protecting their team.
Healer: A character or player who specializes in restoring health and supporting their team.
DPS: Damage Dealers – players or characters whose primary role is to deal damage to enemies.
Gank: To ambush or surprise an enemy player or group of players.
K/D Ratio: Kill/Death Ratio – a measure of a player’s performance in a game, calculated by dividing the number of kills by the number of deaths.
Farming: The act of repeatedly killing enemies or completing objectives to gain experience, gold, or other resources.
Grinding: Similar to farming, grinding refers to repetitive gameplay activities done to progress in the game, often involving leveling up or acquiring items.
NPC: Non-Playable Character – a character in the game that is controlled by the game’s AI rather than by a player.
Boss: A powerful enemy or monster that serves as a major challenge for players to overcome.
RNG: Random Number Generator – refers to the element of chance in games, often used in determining loot drops, critical hits, and other random events.
Patch: A software update released by the game developers to fix bugs, balance gameplay, or introduce new content.
Meta: The most effective or popular strategies, tactics, or character builds in the current state of the game.
Alt: Alternate Character – a secondary character created by a player in addition to their main character.
TP: Teleport – a game mechanic or ability that allows players to instantly travel to another location on the map.
