The gaming scene has evolved tremendously over the past decades and has become a global and diverse community. With the advent of new technologies and platforms such as PCs, consoles and mobile devices, the types of video games have also expanded. From action-packed shooters to strategic building games and epic role-playing games, there is now a wide range of game types that appeal to different game mechanics, genres and audiences. This diversity has led to the establishment of terminology in the gaming scene that often uses abbreviations to communicate quickly and precisely about specific game types.
Game types in the gaming scene
Definition and meaning of game types
Game types are categories into which video games can be classified according to their characteristics, game mechanics and genres. They serve to provide gamers and developers with a common language and to better understand and classify games. The definition and importance of game types lie in the fact that they provide orientation and a basis for discussion, evaluation and recommendations. By identifying a game type, conclusions can be drawn about certain characteristics and play styles, which is of great importance for players when selecting new games.
Overview of the different game types
There are a variety of game types that exist in the gaming scene. Each game type is characterised by specific features and offers a unique gaming experience. The most well-known game types include first-person shooters (FPS), massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs), real-time strategy (RTS), role-playing games (RPGs), third-person shooters (TPS) and battle royale. Each of these game types has its own game mechanics, genre and community. An overview of these different game types is important to better understand the abbreviations used in relation to them.
Abbreviations in the gaming scene
Why are abbreviations used?
In the gaming scene, abbreviations are used for various reasons. One of the main reasons is the efficiency and speed of communication. In a community where the aim is often to quickly exchange information about games and game mechanics, abbreviations can serve as a kind of shorthand to identify complex terms or game types with just a few letters. This allows for faster communication and facilitates understanding between players, especially in online chats, forums or real-time gaming situations.
Advantages and challenges of using abbreviations
The use of abbreviations offers some advantages, as mentioned earlier, faster communication and efficient use of limited text space. In addition, abbreviations can create a community bond and give a sense of belonging as they assume a shared understanding and knowledge. However, there are also challenges in using abbreviations. Newcomers or outsiders may have difficulty understanding the meaning of certain abbreviations and thus be excluded from conversations or discussions. In addition, abbreviations may change over time or new abbreviations may emerge, which can make it difficult for new players to keep track.
Explanation of abbreviations for game types
First-person shooter (FPS)
Definition and characteristics
First-person shooter (FPS) is a game type in which the player takes the perspective of the protagonist and experiences the gameplay from the main character’s point of view. The emphasis is on shooting and the use of firearms, with the player aiming and firing at enemies in real time. FPS games are often characterised by fast action, intense combat and an immersive gameplay experience.
Examples of FPS games
Some well-known examples of FPS games are “Counter-Strike: Global Offensive” (CS: GO), “Call of Duty”, “Battlefield” and “Overwatch”. These games are known for their exciting multiplayer modes, competitive matches and tactical team play.
Known abbreviations in connection with FPS games
Abbreviations are often used in the context of FPS games to indicate certain terms or actions. Examples include “Aimbot” (software that gives the player an unfair advantage when aiming), “GG” (Good Game, an expression of respect or appreciation after a game) and “Noob” (a term for an inexperienced or bad player).
Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game (MMORPG)
Definition and characteristics
Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games (MMORPGs) are online games in which a large number of players interact and play together in a virtual world. In MMORPGs, players take on the role of individual characters, which they can shape and develop according to their own ideas. The game often features an ongoing storyline, quests, social interactions and allows players to work together in groups or compete against each other.
Examples of MMORPGs
Well-known examples of MMORPGs are “World of Warcraft” (WoW), “Final Fantasy XIV”, “Guild Wars 2” and “The Elder Scrolls Online”. These games are characterised by a large and lively game world, a variety of quests and activities, and long-term progression.
Known abbreviations in connection with MMORPGs
In the context of MMORPGs, many abbreviations are used to describe specific terms or functions. Examples include “NPC” (Non-Player Character, a character controlled by the game), “DPS” (Damage per Second, the amount of damage a character can do per second) and “RAID” (a large group of players competing together against strong bosses).
Real-Time Strategy (RTS)
Definition and characteristics
Real-Time Strategy (RTS) refers to a type of game in which players make strategic decisions in real time to expand territory, gather resources, build armies and fight tactical battles. RTS games require good planning, quick decision-making and effective use of resources to defeat the opponent.
Examples of RTS games
Well-known examples of RTS games are “StarCraft II”, “Warcraft III”, “Age of Empires” and “Command & Conquer”. These games are characterised by complex game mechanics, tactical depth and strategic challenges.
Known abbreviations in connection with RTS games
In the context of RTS games, abbreviations are often used to describe specific actions or strategies. Examples include “APM” (Actions per Minute, the number of actions a player performs per minute), “MM” (Marauder/Marine, a specific unit combination in StarCraft II) and “BM” (Bad Manner, unsportsmanlike behaviour by a player).
Role-Playing Game (RPG)
Definition and characteristics
Role-Playing Games (RPGs) are games in which the player slips into the role of a fictional character and experiences his or her development and adventures. RPGs are characterised by a deep narrative, character customisation, quests and progressive character development. Players can improve their skills, collect new equipment and make decisions that influence the course of the plot.
Examples of RPGs
Well-known examples of RPGs are The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, Fallout 4, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim and Final Fantasy VII. These games offer an immersive gaming experience, a rich game world and allow players to take on the roles of heroes or anti-heroes.
Known abbreviations in connection with RPGs
In the context of RPGs, various abbreviations are used to describe certain terms or mechanics. Examples include “XP” (Experience Points, used for character development), “NPC” (Non-Player Character, a character controlled by the game) and “LFG” (Looking for Group, the search for fellow players for a group).
Third-person shooter (TPS)
Definition and characteristics
Third-person shooter (TPS) is a type of game in which the player views the perspective of the main character from the outside, i.e. in the third person. The focus is on shooting and the use of firearms, similar to FPS games. The outside perspective gives players a better view of their character and the environment.
Examples of TPS games
Well-known examples of TPS games are “Gears of War”, “Tomb Raider”, “Uncharted” and “Max Payne”. These games offer exciting action, acrobatic movements and intense firefights from a third-person perspective.
Known abbreviations in connection with TPS games
Abbreviations are also used in connection with TPS games to describe specific terms or actions. Examples include “cover” (the use of cover to protect oneself from enemy fire), “AoE” (Area of Effect, an attack or ability that affects a specific area) and “HP” (Health Points, a character’s life points).
Battle Royale
Definition and characteristics
Battle Royale refers to a type of game in which a large number of players compete against each other on an ever-shrinking map, with the last surviving player or team emerging victorious. Battle Royale games are characterised by a combination of survival strategy, exploration, resource gathering and intense firefights.
Examples of Battle Royale games
Well-known examples of Battle Royale games are PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG), Fortnite, Apex Legends and Call of Duty: Warzone. These games have strongly shaped the popularity of the battle royale genre in recent years and offer exciting competitions and a high replay value.
Known abbreviations in connection with Battle Royale games
Abbreviations are also used in connection with Battle Royale games to describe certain terms or tactics. Examples are “BR” (Battle Royale), “TTK” (Time to Kill, the time needed to kill an opponent) and “Drop” (jumping out of a plane or vehicle at the beginning of the game to head to a certain location).