Game Design Vocabulary

Storyboard

• A visual representation of a game's story or specific sequences, often using a series of illustrations or sketches arranged in order.

• A detailed script outlining the dialogue and actions of characters in a game.

• A collection of audio files used for background music in a game.

• A list of game mechanics and rules that govern gameplay.

Game Genre

• The category a video game belongs to based on its core gameplay mechanics, stylistic elements, and the overall player experience it offers.

• A type of video game that focuses solely on competitive play.

• A classification based on the graphics and visual style of the game.

• A term used to describe the length of a video game.

Action

• A category of games that emphasizes fast-paced, intense gameplay centered around physical challenges, combat, and quick reflexes.

• A genre of games focused on storytelling and character development.

• A type of game that involves strategic planning and resource management.

• A category of games that emphasizes puzzle-solving and critical thinking.

Game Mechanics

• Rules, challenges, abilities, and parameters that dictate how a game functions or operates.

• A set of characters and their backstories in a game.

• The visual and audio elements that enhance the gaming experience.

• The marketing strategies used to promote a game.

Top-Down

• A type of first-person perspective that immerses the player in the character's view.

• A type of third-person perspective offering a zoomed-out, bird's-eye view of the game world, providing a broader awareness of the environment.

• A perspective that focuses on the character's actions and movements in a close-up view.

• A style of gameplay that emphasizes narrative and character development over visual presentation.

RPG

• A type of game where players build cities and manage resources.

• A category of games where players assume the roles of characters in a fictional world, typically involving quests, character development, and decision-making with customization and leveling up.

• A genre of games focused on racing vehicles against each other.

• A style of game that emphasizes puzzle-solving and logic.

Game Design

• The process of creating the content and rules of a video game.

• The act of playing video games competitively.

• The study of video game history and development.

• The design of video game hardware and software architecture.

First-Person

• A viewpoint in a game where the player experiences the action through the eyes of the main character, enhancing immersion.

• A perspective where the player controls multiple characters simultaneously.

• A style of gameplay that focuses on strategic planning and resource management.

• A mode where the player views the game from a fixed overhead angle.

Game Elements

• A game’s objectives, opportunities for players to make meaningful choices, game changes over the course of play, and defined rules for playing.

• A game’s graphics, sound effects, character designs, and marketing strategies.

• A game’s storyline, character development, player feedback, and online multiplayer features.

• A game’s difficulty level, player statistics, in-game purchases, and advertising methods.

Game Design Document

• A document that outlines the marketing strategy for a game.

• A comprehensive document that serves as a blueprint for a video game project.

• A list of all the characters in a video game.

• A guide for players on how to play the game.