Gaming Terminology Primer: Wrap Up

 

Well, I think we’re almost done here. I started this article series back in July thanks to my mother needing a little help understanding gamer speak. I’ve talked to her off and on over the course of this series and she’s told me that she thinks it’s helped her. I hope it’s helped others out there as well. Towards that end, we will be pinning this series, along with other articles and episodes of the Game on Girl podcast, that deal with the basics of gaming on the right margin of the GoG site. This way if you’re unsure of a term or need more info on a genre of game, it will be available in an easy to find location.

Aside from the jargon, something else a neophyte to gaming culture should take away from this series is the incredible amount of genres of video games that are out there and how the lines between those genres blur more and more every year — from RPGs that have an immersive first person experience (looking at you Elder Scrolls) to first person shooters that have an RPG style skill tree system (hello Borderlands).

This has a twofold effect. One, there should be a game out there to suit anyone’s taste at this point. And two, this leads to there being an ever more rich and diversified gaming experience within those games.

So, what now?

Well, a couple of things.

First, get out there and find the game that is right for you. If you don’t know where to start, do some research and try some things. It will be well worth it, I assure you.

Second, some more lexicon! That’s right, there’s more. I saved it for last due to these being terms that you will find in use across all genres of gaming and just general online communication.

 

LEXICON

AFK: Away From Keyboard.

BIO: Short for biological break. Usually indicates one needing to use the restroom, but can also mean getting a drink or taking care of any other biological necessity.

BRB: Be Right Back.

Clan: An affiliated group of gamers. Usually used in the first person shooter genre.

Guild: An affiliated group of gamers. Usually used in the RPG genre.

IIRC: If I Recall Correctly.

LFG: Looking For Group. Used to indicate that a player is looking for a group of players to play with.

Newbie/Noob: A term to indicate a new player. Can be a derogatory term.

PST: Please Send Tell. Indicates that a player would like someone to contact them directly in game.

OMW: On My Way.

WTB: Want To Buy.

WTS: Want To Sell.

WTT: Want To Trade.

 

If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them in the comments below or contact me at mark@gameongirl.com or on Twitter @MarsUller.