Sony has released a definitive list of gaming-related terms that highlights some of the most commonly used gaming terms and slang.
You've probably heard a number of them over the years, but there are a handful of terms that are often reserved for specific game genres. "Ganking," which refers to any in-game death caused by a group of attackers, isn't something I've heard very often, and I've never come across the term "kiting," the tactic of leading an enemy to an area more suitable for combat, either.
You can explore the full list of gaming terms from A to Z on the PlayStation website. Improve your general knowledge or simply find the answers to questions you were too embarrassed to ask. Have you ever wondered what the difference is between RPGs, JRPGs, ARPGs, and CPRGs? Well, wonder no more.
Conveniently, Sony has provided detailed explanations of each term and even included related phrases. For example, the definition of "loot" also directs readers to "drops" and "RNG", which are closely related. Some terms are also supported by specific in-game examples, like how Destiny 2 has an "endgame" and "hit points" are a mainstay in RPGs like Final Fantasy.
While some players may not see the need for such a list, there are many people who may be confused by some of these terms that many of us take for granted. Again, if you don't play particular genres like MMOs or online first-person shooters, you may not have come across terms like "agro" or "camping" before.
Sony's gaming glossary also includes explanations of technical terms like ray tracing, frame rates, SSDs, and PS5-specific tech like haptic feedback, so there's a lot to learn if you're new to the hardware side.
Now you know
Sony's gaming glossary is definitely welcome and should help more gamers, young and old, feel more part of the community. Hopefully Sony will keep updating their list if new trends emerge, and obviously it doesn't cover all gaming terms; there's no mention of Gran Turismo 7's dive bombing. This is where an opposing driver will deliberately drive another racer at high speed, running them off the track and potentially ending their race in the process.
Still, even if you've been a gamer for many years, there's always something new to learn or something that might have been lost in the general conversation, so at least now there's a place where you can update the gaming lexicon.