Game Development Vocab

Games that are created and released typically by mid-size or major publishers

• Indie

• AAA ( Triple A)

• Alpha

• Beta

An in-game character or object that uses AI to interact with other objects in its environment.

• VR

• XR

• Asset

• Agent:

Artificial intelligence; an in-game entity whose functionality is dependent on computer code rather than human input. NPCs are common AI entities.

• XR

• VR

• AI

• MR

A game version that contains all major features and most assets. This version of a game is usually circulated internally to test for quality and bugs.

• Alpha

• Beta

• Indie

• Baking

Shorthand for anything that goes into a video game – characters, objects, sound effects, maps, environments, etc.

• Beta

• Baking

• Assets

• Balance

A method of preprocessing performed on game assets and data to ensure they load and perform well in real-time and do not slow down gameplay due to requiring a lot of processor or GPU capacity.

• Beta

• Baking

• Assets

• Balance

Creating a stable and predictable gaming experience. For example, by making sure weapons deal appropriate damage and armor absorbs the damage adequately, as opposed to giving one weapon considerably more power than others, or by making levels too difficult to enjoyably complete. However, imbalanced gameplay is sometimes done on purpose.

• Beta

• Baking

• Assets

• Balance

A game version that contains all major features and assets. This version of a game contains no major bugs and is on its way to code release. Beta releases are occasionally given a limited release to the public for bug reporting and critical feedback.

• Beta

• Baking

• Assets

• Balance

Any development issue that makes a game unenjoyable, unstable, or unplayable in its current state.

• Cert

• Build

• Bug

• Cinematics/ Cut-scene

Game development lingo for the “version” of a game. Also known as a “release” or “release candidate.”

• Cert

• Build

• Bug

• Cinematics/ Cut-scene