Gaming is a fantastic way to practise English. Whether you’re fighting dragons in a dungeon or strategising with your team in a multiplayer match, the language of gaming is rich and varied.
Let’s look at some key gaming terms that will help you communicate better with other players, and talk about your favourite video games.
Types of games
There are lots of different types of games, each with their own unique style and set of rules.
RPGs, or role-playing games, are games which follow stories and where you control a central character or a group of characters. Within RPGs, there are sub-genres like ARPG (action role-playing game), where the gameplay is fast-paced and involves real-time combat. Then there’s CRPG (computer/classic role-playing game), which often focuses on detailed storylines and complex decision-making. There’s also the JRPG (Japanese role-playing game), which usually features a team of characters and a narrative influenced by Japanese culture, with anime-style visuals.
Another term you’ll often see is F2P, which stands for free-to-play. These games are free to download and play, but they might offer in-game purchases, allowing you to buy items or upgrades to improve your experience.
Before you play
Depending on the video game you play depends on what happens before you start your game. In an online video game where you play against other players around the world, you may get put into a lobby. This is where players gather before a match begins. It’s like a waiting room where you can chat with other players, make final preparations or just wait for the game to start.
Once the game begins, you might encounter bots. These are computer-controlled characters that play alongside real players. Bots can be your teammates or your enemies, depending on the game mode.
When you join an online multiplayer game, you’ll go through a process called matchmaking. This system matches you with other players of similar skill levels to ensure the game is balanced.
In-video game terms to know in English
Once you’re in the video game, there’s a lot of different language and game terms you can use to talk about what’s happening.
In some games, you might enter a dungeon, a special area filled with challenges, puzzles and enemies. In the dungeons you might run into mobs – groups of enemies that can be difficult to defeat if you’re not prepared.
To improve your chances of winning the game, you might need to look for loot. These are rewards like weapons, armour or special items you earn by completing tasks.
You might need to apply a buff to you or your team, which gives you a temporary boost in power. Be careful, though – enemies might use a debuff on you, which has the opposite effect and weakens your abilities.
In many video games, you’ll meet NPCs (non-player characters). These are characters controlled by the game and not by real players.
Gaming actions and strategies
As you play, you’ll develop different strategies and skills. One common tactic is camping, where you find a strategic spot on the map and hold your position, waiting for enemies to come to you. If you enjoy creating things, you might do some crafting, where you gather resources in the game to make weapons, tools or even buildings.
Sometimes, you’ll need to grind (repeating tasks or battles to gain points, earn money, or win items). And if you’re looking to improve your skills or find rare items, farming – repeatedly playing certain areas for valuable resources – is a must.
But gaming isn’t just about winning; it’s also about teamwork. If a teammate falls in battle, you might need to perform a res, which means you resurrect them (bring them back to life) so they can rejoin the fight.
Communicating with your team
In multiplayer video games, communication is key. You might see players type HF in the chat, which means have fun. At the end of a match, it’s common to say GG for good game, no matter who won. And if you need to step away from the game for a moment, a quick BRB (be right back) lets your teammates know you’ll return soon.
Next time you pick up your controller to play a video game, remember that you’re also learning and practising your English. By using these words in a context you’re passionate about, you’ll be able to easily remember these gaming terms in English and use them to communicate in-game and with online and offline gaming friends.
Activity
Here are some gaming terms you have learnt today. Write the definitions of the words and phrases.
1. Controller
2. GG
3. A buff
4. Mobs
5. Res
6. NPC
7. Multiplayer
8. RPG
9. A grind
10. Lobby
Answers
1. Controller – the piece of equipment you use to play the game
2. GG – good game
3. A buff – a temporary boost in power
4. Mobs – groups of enemies you need to beat
5. Res – where you bring someone back to life
6. NPC – non-player characters, controlled by the game and not real players
7. Multiplayer – where more than one person plays a game
8. RPG – role-playing game
9. A grind – repeating tasks or battles to gain points, earn money, or win items
10. Lobby – the waiting room before you enter a game
Billie Jago is an ELT writer and teacher trainer specialising in digital learning materials and assessment resources. She has written for various well-known assessment titles and writes items for high stakes exams such as the PTE, IELTS and Cambridge. Alongside materials writing, she delivers international teacher training sessions and is the founder of the ELTcpd professional development training platform and podcast. She is also the co-founder of the educational consultancy, OtterEducation.
