Gaming Abbreviations

FPS - First-Person Shooter

A genre of video games centered on gun and other weapon-based combat in a first-person perspective.

FPS games typically feature a protagonist navigating a game world from a first-person perspective, engaging in combat with enemies using firearms and other weapons. Popular examples include Call of Duty, Halo, and Doom.

RPG - Role-Playing Game

A game in which players assume the roles of characters in a fictional setting.

RPGs often have complex storylines, character development systems, and allow players to make choices that affect the game's narrative. Examples include The Elder Scrolls series, Final Fantasy, and The Witcher.

MMORPG - Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game

An online role-playing game with a large number of players interacting in a virtual world.

MMORPGs combine elements of RPGs with online multiplayer features, allowing thousands of players to interact simultaneously. Popular titles include World of Warcraft, Final Fantasy XIV, and The Elder Scrolls Online.

RTS - Real-Time Strategy

A strategy game genre where players make decisions and control units in real-time, as opposed to turn-based gameplay.

RTS games typically involve resource gathering, base building, and controlling armies to defeat opponents. Notable examples include StarCraft, Age of Empires, and Command & Conquer.

MOBA - Multiplayer Online Battle Arena

A subgenre of strategy games where two teams of players compete against each other on a predefined battlefield.

MOBA games typically feature two teams of players controlling unique characters with special abilities, working together to destroy the opposing team's main structure. Popular MOBAs include League of Legends, Dota 2, and Heroes of the Storm.

BR - Battle Royale

A genre of games where a large number of players compete to be the last person or team standing.

Battle Royale games typically involve players scavenging for weapons and equipment while fighting to survive in a shrinking play area. Popular examples include Fortnite, PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds (PUBG), and Apex Legends.

AFK - Away From Keyboard

Used to indicate that a player is temporarily unavailable or not actively participating in the game.

AFK is commonly used in multiplayer games to inform other players that someone is temporarily inactive. It can be used for short breaks or longer periods of inactivity.

HP - Hit Points

A numerical value representing a character's or object's health or durability in a game.

HP is a fundamental concept in many games, particularly RPGs and action games. When a character's HP reaches zero, they typically die or are incapacitated.

DPS - Damage Per Second

A measure of the amount of damage a character or weapon can inflict in one second.

DPS is often used to compare the effectiveness of different weapons or character builds, particularly in RPGs and MMORPGs. It's a crucial metric for optimizing combat performance.

PvP - Player versus Player

A type of multiplayer gameplay where players compete against each other rather than computer-controlled opponents.

PvP can occur in various game modes, including duels, team battles, or open-world encounters. It's a core feature of many online games, particularly in competitive genres like MOBAs and FPS games.

PvE - Player versus Environment

Gameplay that involves players competing against computer-controlled opponents or challenges.

PvE is common in RPGs, MMORPGs, and co-op games. It can include fighting monsters, solving puzzles, or completing quests in a game world controlled by the computer.

NPC - Non-Player Character

A character in a game that is not controlled by a player but instead by the game's AI.

NPCs can serve various roles in games, such as providing quests, selling items, or adding depth to the game world. They are essential for creating immersive and interactive game environments.

RNG - Random Number Generator

A system used in games to produce random outcomes or events.

RNG is used in many aspects of game design, from determining critical hits in combat to generating loot drops. It adds an element of unpredictability and can greatly influence gameplay experiences. Gamers often pray to RNGesus to hope for good outcome.

NERF - Nerfed

Refers to lowering the effect or stats of something

Often happens to Over Powered monsters or characters in games, where the developers try and balance it but often lower it to much.

GG - Good Game

A sportsmanlike expression used at the end of a game to acknowledge a well-played match.

GG is commonly typed in chat at the end of multiplayer games as a sign of respect to opponents. However, it can sometimes be used sarcastically or prematurely to indicate that a game is effectively over.

OP - Overpowered

Refers to a character, weapon, or strategy that is considered too strong or unbalanced within the game.

Something described as OP is often seen as giving an unfair advantage. Game developers frequently adjust OP elements to maintain game balance and fairness.

META - Most Effective Tactics Available

Refers to the most optimal strategies, characters, or items to use in a game at a given time.

The META can change as games are updated or as players discover new strategies. Following the META is often seen as a way to maximize one's chances of success, especially in competitive play.

AOE - Area of Effect

Refers to abilities or attacks that affect multiple targets within a specific area.

AOE abilities are common in many game genres, particularly in RPGs and strategy games. They're often used for crowd control or dealing damage to multiple enemies simultaneously.

DOT - Damage Over Time

A type of attack or ability that inflicts damage to a target gradually over a period of time.

DOT effects are common in many games, often represented by status effects like poison or burning. They can be powerful tools for wearing down opponents or maintaining pressure in combat situations.

KS - Kill Steal

The act of defeating an enemy that another player has nearly defeated, thus claiming the credit and rewards.

Kill stealing is often considered poor etiquette in team-based games, as it can deprive players of experience points or other rewards. However, in some competitive scenarios, securing kills quickly can be strategically important.

PK - Player Kill

When you kill a player on your own team

It is often done by accident, when a player on your team runs into your line of fire. Or performed as a punishment, if the player doesn't follow instructions.

CC - Crowd Control

Abilities or effects that limit an opponent's actions, often by stunning, slowing, or immobilizing them.

CC is a crucial aspect of many multiplayer games, particularly MOBAs and MMORPGs. Effective use of CC can turn the tide of battles by disrupting enemy strategies and creating opportunities for teammates.

MVP - Most Valuable Player

The player considered to have performed the best in a particular game or match.

MVP status is often awarded at the end of competitive matches based on various performance metrics. It's a recognition of a player's significant contribution to their team's success.

F2P - Free to Play

A business model where a game is free to download and play, often with optional microtransactions.

F2P games have become increasingly popular, especially in mobile and online gaming. While the base game is free, players can often purchase cosmetic items, additional content, or gameplay advantages.

P2W - Pay to Win

A game where paying real money gives players a significant advantage over non-paying players.

P2W is a controversial concept in gaming, particularly in competitive multiplayer games. It's often seen as unfair and can negatively impact a game's balance and player satisfaction.

DLC - Downloadable Content

Additional content for a video game that is distributed through the internet.

DLC can include new levels, characters, items, or storylines. It's a way for developers to extend the life of a game and provide additional value to players after the initial release.

GLHF - Good Luck, Have Fun

A friendly greeting often used at the start of a game or match.

GLHF is a common expression of sportsmanship in online gaming. It sets a positive tone for the game and encourages a friendly, enjoyable experience for all players.