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Game Development vocabulary · Gameplay & Game Design

Gameplay

Meaning in game development, with examples

/ˈɡeɪmpleɪ/nounCore term

In game development, gameplay means: What the player actually does in a game and how it feels: the actions, rules, challenges and choices, as opposed to the story or the graphics.

In Turkish: oynanış, oyun deneyimi

How it is used

One of the most common words in reviews, design meetings and job titles such as gameplay programmer. People talk about gameplay footage, a gameplay trailer and deep or repetitive gameplay. It is uncountable: say 'the gameplay is', not 'a gameplay'.

Example sentences

  1. The graphics are average, but the gameplay keeps you coming back.

  2. We're looking for a gameplay programmer with strong C++ skills.

Common collocations

  • gameplay footage
  • gameplay trailer
  • gameplay programmer
  • core gameplay
  • repetitive gameplay
  • game mechanicA single rule or action that a game is built around, such as jumping, crafting, stealth or a cover system. Several mechanics together make up the gameplay.
  • core loopThe main set of actions a player repeats again and again in a game, for example explore, fight, collect loot and upgrade, then explore again.
  • game feelHow responsive and satisfying it feels to control a game moment to moment, created by things like input timing, animation, camera shake, sound and visual effects.
  • level designThe work of creating the spaces a game takes place in, such as maps, missions and stages, and deciding where players go, what they meet and how hard it is.

More terms: Gameplay & Game Design

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