Gaming words explained
The words people use about games can sound like another language. Here is what each one means.
Play together (co-op)
Two or more people work as a team instead of against each other.
Same room (local) play
Everyone plays on one console in the same room, usually with a controller each.
Online play
Playing with people in other homes over the internet. On Switch, PlayStation and Xbox this usually needs a paid subscription.
Running-and-jumping game (platformer)
You guide a character across a world by running and jumping between ledges, like the classic Mario games.
Big world to explore (open world)
Instead of set levels, there is one large place you can wander freely and tackle in any order.
Through your character’s eyes (first-person)
The screen shows what your character sees. You do not see the character themselves. Some people find this causes motion sickness at first.
From behind your character (third-person)
You see your character on screen, usually from just behind them.
Taking turns (turn-based)
Each side takes a turn, a bit like chess, so there is no need to react quickly.
Camera control
In 3D games, one stick moves your character and the other turns the view. This is the hardest skill for most newcomers.
Build however you like (sandbox)
A game with no fixed goal. You build, explore or create at your own pace.
Big tough enemy (boss)
A stronger enemy at the end of a level or chapter that usually takes a few tries to beat.
Easy or assist mode
A setting that makes the game gentler, for example by slowing it down, adding extra health or helping you steer.
Checkpoint
A point the game remembers, so if you fail you restart from there instead of the beginning.
Paid add-on (DLC)
Extra content you can buy after the main game, such as new levels or items.
In-app purchases
Optional things you can buy inside a game for real money. Many free phone games rely on these. You can switch them off in your phone settings.
Subscription (Game Pass, PlayStation Plus, Nintendo Switch Online)
A monthly or yearly fee that unlocks online play and, on some plans, a library of games to download.
TV stand (dock)
The stand that connects a Nintendo Switch to your TV. Take the Switch out to play it in your hands.
Switch controllers (Joy-Con)
The two small controllers that clip onto the sides of a Nintendo Switch. They can also be held one in each hand or shared between two players.
Arrow buttons (D-pad)
The cross-shaped button pad on a controller, used for moving through menus or simple movement.
Each attempt starts fresh (roguelike)
When you fail, you start the run again from the beginning, but you usually keep some upgrades, so you get a little further each time.