Gaming 101: Terminology Every Gaming Parent Should Understand

Battle Pass Immersing yourself in the vibrant world of video games can often feel like learning a new language, particularly if you’re a parent trying to understand your child’s gaming enthusiasm. From Genshin Impact to Fortnite and Minecraft, each game is a universe teeming with unique jargon and concepts. As a guide to navigate this intriguing cosmos, we present to you ‘Gaming 101: Terminology Every Gaming Parent Should Understand.’

This comprehensive rundown will illuminate essential gaming terms, so you can not only understand what your child is talking about but also appreciate their engagement in these imaginative worlds. By getting to know these terms, you can turn gaming into a shared, enjoyable activity and, more importantly, ensure your child’s digital experience is safe and beneficial. Let’s embark on this fascinating journey!

DLC

DLC, an acronym for Downloadable Content, refers to supplementary materials for a game, provided by the developers, which enhance and extend the existing gameplay. This additional content can either be made available to players free of charge or it can be priced at a cost, which is generally more affordable when compared to the base game.

DLCs can take many shapes and forms, varying in their degree of expansion and type of content offered. They can range from aesthetic enhancements such as unique character outfits to more extensive additions like new challenges integrated within the base game, the introduction of new maps and levels, or even standalone story adventures that supplement the main game’s narrative. Notable examples of DLCs that have made a significant impact on their respective games include the equine armors in The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion, The Witcher 3 story expansion Blood & Wine, and the prequel narrative The Last of Us: Left Behind.

Free to Play / F2P

The concept of Accessible Gaming or No-Cost Gameplay, more commonly referred to as Free to Play (F2P), defines a model where games are available to play at no direct charge. Over the past few years, there has been a significant rise in the number of games opting for this model, particularly those that emphasize a multiplayer mode, inviting players worldwide to join in on the fun without having to pay for the privilege. Popular examples of such games that have garnered a massive following include Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout, Fortnite, Call of Duty: Warzone, and Diablo Immortal.

One important aspect to consider in this free-to-play model, however, is that the game developers encourage players to make in-game purchases, providing a stream of revenue to sustain the free gameplay. These purchases often consist of items such as distinctive outfits, powerful weapons, or other enticing accessories that can’t be accessed without making a payment. In many scenarios, players are required to invest their actual money to acquire in-game currency, which they can then utilize to acquire these sought-after items. Therefore, it’s important to understand that while these games are “free to play,” the experience might urge players to spend money, occasionally creating a paradox where the free game becomes not so free after all.

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Battle Royale

Battle Royale represents a well-liked multiplayer genre where a predetermined number of players compete in an online environment until only one player or team is left standing. This term was inspired by the 2000 Japanese movie “Battle Royale” (which itself was based on a novel) that portrays a group of high school students battling each other to the death on a remote island.

Numerous video games have adapted this ‘last person standing’ concept with substantial success, garnering a massive global player base. The list of well-recognized games in this genre includes Fortnite, Call of Duty: Warzone, PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG), and Apex Legends. These games revolve around a mixture of strategy, skill, and a bit of luck, as players scramble to outlive their competitors in an ever-shrinking battlefield.

Skins

In the realm of video games, “skins” are a term used to describe alternate appearances or aesthetics for in-game characters. More often than not, these skins take the form of unique clothing or attire for the characters, but they can also entail changes to other visual aspects of a character, such as their hair, face, or even body shape. While these skins are primarily for visual pleasure and typically don’t impact the mechanics or gameplay, there are instances where certain skins offer players unique abilities or powers within the game.

How one acquires these skins can vary greatly depending on the game. In some games, players can unlock these skins as they progress and achieve certain milestones or objectives. In contrast, other games might require players to purchase skins directly using real-world money through the game’s in-built store.

MMO & MMORPG

MMO is an acronym that stands for Massive Multiplayer Online Game, while MMORPG refers to a Massive Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game. Essentially, these types of games necessitate an internet connection and facilitate a vast network of players from all corners of the globe to participate simultaneously. These games often involve either competitive gameplay where players face off against each other, or cooperative gameplay where players unite to achieve common goals.

A lot of MMORPGs revolve around a fantasy theme, a common setting for role-playing games, although there are also many that operate within a science fiction universe. Some of the most recognized examples of this genre include World of Warcraft, Final Fantasy 14, EVE Online, and The Elder Scrolls Online.

The broad category of MMO is not exclusive to role-playing games. It also encompasses other genres of games, particularly the highly popular shooter games such as Fortnite and Apex Legends. Furthermore, games from other genres, like Roblox and Minecraft, can also be categorized under the MMO umbrella due to their multiplayer online nature.

Grinding

In the world of video games, the term “grinding” refers to the act of performing repetitive and often monotonous tasks. Grinding is a commonly seen mechanism in many games, often required for players to advance their characters, enhance their gear, or acquire superior loot. The perception of grinding by players can widely vary based on the nature of the game and the intensity of the grinding required.

Grinding has become somewhat of a universal aspect present across various game genres today. It can sometimes serve a purpose, making players feel like they’ve worked for their achievements and making the rewards feel more satisfying. However, grinding can also be a point of criticism if the tasks become too repetitive or if progression relies too heavily on these tasks, as this can make gameplay feel more like a chore than a form of entertainment.

Certain games, like Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla, Final Fantasy 14, and RuneScape, have faced some level of backlash from the gaming community for their grinding mechanics. In these instances, the players felt that the level of grinding necessary to progress in the game outweighed the enjoyment derived from the gameplay, highlighting the importance of balancing grind-intensive elements with engaging, diverse game mechanics.

Gacha

“Gacha,” a term originating from Japan, refers to a small toy that can be won from a vending machine. This concept has been seamlessly adapted into the video gaming industry through a genre of games referred to as “gacha games.” While there are numerous variations of this concept, the core principle remains the same. It revolves around players spending real-world money in hopes of winning particularly elusive in-game items or characters. The twist is that players have no prior knowledge or guarantee whether their investment will yield the desired result.

Just like loot boxes, the game mechanics of gacha games are widely known for their addictive nature. These mechanics have been a point of contention within the gaming community, given their similarities to gambling. However, it’s worth noting that some gacha games can be theoretically played without any monetary investment. Some well-known examples of gacha games include Genshin Impact, Raid: Shadow Legends, and Fire Emblem Heroes.

Battle Pass & Season Pass

A Battle Pass represents a unique model in which players are given the chance, typically within a fixed time frame, to earn in-game items such as skins and characters through their in-game achievements. In this model, a premium battle pass, which can be purchased with real-world money, is usually provided as an option. This premium pass allows players to gain access to more exclusive items that wouldn’t otherwise be available.

In contrast, a Season Pass offers players the opportunity to purchase or pre-order current or upcoming DLCs for a game. The specifics of what a Season Pass covers can vary from game to game. Some games offer a single Season Pass that covers all future DLC, while others might require a new pass for each DLC or season. Examples of games that have implemented the Season Pass model include Overwatch 2, Halo Infinite, and Marvel’s Avengers. This model provides gamers the opportunity to secure all upcoming additional content, often at a reduced price compared to buying each DLC separately.

Loot / Loot Boxes

In the gaming world, “Loot” describes items that players can collect or earn within a game. Depending on the specific game, these items could be anything from weapons and outfits to potions and other beneficial articles, often serving as rewards for achieving specific tasks or victories in the game. The act of gathering loot is a fundamental component of the gameplay strategy in numerous franchises such as Borderlands, Destiny, or Diablo.

Treasure Chests, more commonly known as Loot Boxes, are containers found within the game that hold this loot. Sometimes, these loot boxes are available for purchase with real money, despite the fact that players are not provided with any assurance of what items they might receive in return. It’s for this reason that loot boxes, especially those that require real-money purchases, have become one of the most contentious aspects of the gaming industry. Many critics equate this practice to gambling, due to the uncertainty and randomness involved in acquiring desired items.