Gaming Terms 101: A Beginner’s Mini Guide to Talk Like a Pro

Online games are all about speed, so much so that gamers have developed their own language to keep up with the fast-paced nature of virtual worlds and communicate seamlessly. 

Gamers of all levels, read on because this mini guide will walk you through some of the most common gaming terminologies so you can be one step closer to being a pro!

AFK – Away From Keyboard / BRB – Be Right Back

These acronyms, which are pretty self-explanatory, are two of the basic ones that you need to know because they’re very useful. The next time you need to walk away from your screen to be somewhere else, just hit three buttons to let your friends know before you go. It’s a real time saver!

DLC – Downloadable Content

DLC refers to in-game content, either paid or free, that is available for download after the launch of a game. It includes basically anything extra that you can have in the game such as locations, characters, and extended content.

GG – Good Game / GGWP – Good Game, Well Played

This term is typically used when a multiplayer game has gone well and no one has caused any trouble (yet). Gamers would also sometimes type this at the end of a match to show sportsmanship. You can also use the term GGWP to admit defeat or congratulate an opponent.

IGM / IGN – In–Game Name

When people ask you this, they simply want to know your name in the game. You can be as creative as you want (but never offensive) with your avatar’s name .

FTW – For The Win

Originally used when a player is expected to win, FTW has now become a general expression of enthusiasm. It can also mean approval of what a gamer has just said about what they plan to do next.

Bot

Bot refers to a non-playable character that the computer controls. For example, the non-human opponents you play against in multiplayer games are bots.

Easter Eggs

This term refers to a secret message inside a game. It can be in any form, such as an image, a video, or even a hidden feature. Just like in real life, Easter eggs are not easy to find, but finding one is always worth it!

Farming

Farming is a gaming tactic where a player performs a task, like engaging in a battle, to continue getting certain items that are guaranteed to drop. Farming is focused on collecting materials and resources.

Grinding

Grinding focuses on leveling up, gaining experience points (XP), or achieving other desired outcomes through performing a series of tasks. If you want to level up, grinding is the way to go!

Sandbox

Sandbox is a game or a part of a game where players don’t need to achieve any specific goals. Instead, they have the freedom to explore, interact with others, or modify the game environment. This type of game is also known as Open-World Game or Free-World Game. 

The language used in the gaming world emerges and changes as new games, patches, and upgrades are released. Sure, it takes time to get familiar with the vocabulary but you will learn as you go. The best way to stay up to date is to mingle with gaming communities. Who knows? You might be the one to create the next new gaming slang!

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