If you are new to the world of online gaming it won´t be long before you begin to wonder if someone re-invented the English language while you were asleep. This is because many of the terms in the gaming world will seem like Greek to you.
There is enough of variety in the gaming world to keep all the different kinds of people that play the games happy. However, it is impossible for any person to keep abreast of all the developments in online gaming. Besides, the sheer volume of terms and definitions ensures that it is impossible for you to keep track of all of them
So what is the best way out of this maze? The most obvious thing to do, of course, would be to do a little bit of research before you begin your journey into the mysterious and magical world of gaming. Let us start right at the beginning, with the term simulation games.
Simulation games or Sims is the term used to refer to the many games that are played on a computer and involves skill, strategy, and chance. Many of these games basically simulate the real world or a functional world. There are some games that are so realistic that the line between reality and the virtual world becomes a blur.
Another term you come across frequently in simulation games is Abandonware. It refers to simulation games that are more than five years old. Abandonware have entire websites devoted to them and they are illegal. Many abandonware sites claim that they will take down the games from their sites if the game publisher asks them to.
Yet another term you will come across frequently in simulation gaming is AI or artificial intelligence. The term is borrowed from computer science where it originally meant the design of an intelligent computer system, one that could perceive its environment and react in such a manner as to maximize the chances for success.
Alpha is the name given to the first playable version of a game. Alpha games may generally have some problems or bugs. Also, they might be lacking in features seen in other subsequent versions of the games.
Then you have the beta games. Beta games are those that are almost ready for release. They still have a few problems but are stable enough to be played. Game publishers usually offer players a chance to take part in beta testing by either offering a downloadable version or specifically inviting them to test the game.
Yet another term frequently used in simulation gaming is bug. A bug is a flaw or a mistake in the game that causes it to crash. Bugs could also result in error messages popping up on your screen while you are playing the game.
There is also the term cheat, something that is frequently used in online gaming. A cheat is a hidden key sequence that has been put there by the game publisher by intent. A cheat gives the player an unfair advantage while playing the game.
Another commonly used term, borrowed from computer terminology is crash. A crash is said to occur when your computer freezes as a result of a software-related malfunction. It results in your computer re-booting.
Demo versions of a game give you a glimpse of the game and usually contain only one or two levels of the game. The intention is to show people what they would get if they had the full version, and get them to buy the game. It is like a teaser.
Another commonly used term is developer. The term is generally used to refer to the company that designs and sells the game. Basically, it refers to the game publisher.
Another term you see in simulation gaming is E3 or the Electronic Entertainment Expo. This is a computer and video game trade show that is held in Los Angeles every May.
And then you have the term expansion packs. Expansion packs add more features and options to the original game and make it more interesting and fun to play. These are software enhancements that you can buy and none of them are standalone games.
These are just some of the terms you will come across. As you join forums and begin gaming seriously, you will discover a whole lot more of them.
