Unusual Gaming Terms
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Aug 192010
Here’s a list of unusual gaming terms that you either might not know the definition of, or the correct pronunciation (in truth, I had to look up about half of them). They’re not game specific (like THACO is), but can apply to gaming in general.
Please, dispute or add to any of the following…
- Asmodeus – [az-muh-DEE-uhs] – the prince of demons, or an evil spirit. Most pronounce it incorrectly. – Answers.com, Dictionary.com
- Paizo – rhymes with [pie-dough], comes from a biblical Greek word meaning “to play.” paizo.com
- Skype – is a proprietary software application that allows users to make voice calls over the Internet. RPGs can be played this way.
- Trope – A trope is a common pattern, theme, or motif in a story – words are generally used in a sense different from their literal meaning.
- Sandbox game – a non-linear game, free from boundaries or railroading.
- Railroading – regardless of the desired actions of players, the gamemaster attempts to steer the players down a predetermined path, possibly taking free-will away.
- Godmoder – a godmoder is one step further than a powergamer (some say worse). He attempts to ‘win the game’ using whatever/all means available.
- Beer & Pretzels Game – beer and pretzels are light and cheap snacks. Not much thought goes into preparing or consuming this meal. It’s perfect to go with a light and cheap game, one that requires little effort, but still hits the spot.
- Delve – “Dungeon Delve provides the DM with an array of small, easy-to-run dungeons each specifically designed for a night of gaming.” link
- LARP – live action role playing. People dress up and role play as if they were playing a table-top RPG, but without the table, paper, dice, etc. Oftentimes the “game” is based off a specific table-top game.
Chris Stevens
In Chris's opinion, the very best vices are dirt bikes, rock music, and gaming, while the very best medicine is fatherhood. If he could just learn to balance them all, he'd live forever. He's much more creative than intelligent, often wakes up belligerent, and ponders many things insignificant. Lastly, in an effort to transform his well-fed body, P90X, Roller Blades, and Food are all laughing at him. And the pain continues.
I’ve not heard “Godmoder” when referrign to RPG’s….but I’ve heard the term “Munchkin” many times and it’s the same meaning.
Yay, I heard of all of them! 8D “Godmoder” I first heard on freeform RP forums, actually. There, it referred to anyone who described their character taking actions that severely affected the enemy and/or other characters, with no justification.
Asmodeus, I actually heard of through Redwall. *grin* And the animated series gave me the correct pronunciation.
@Zach:
– Really? Did I forget Munchkin? Thanks Zach.
@Andy:
– I like your post “You are not the Star.” That one can be tough to play with some inexperienced gamers.
Don’t forget about “meta-gaming”
= as a player (sometimes GM), you use information that you know or assume that your character would not know or assume, for the benefit of your character.
Yeah, I think God-Moding is more from the CPU side of things, where God-Mode is a Debug Setting that prevents you from dying. Munchkin is the more common RPG term, though it tends to include more “The rules never said you can’t…” mentality.
Also, your LARP definition leaves a lot to be desired. But then I’ve LARPed for 14 years now, so I guess I’m a bit biased.
@Salty Fresh
– Of course, how could I forget that one?
@Lord Bounty
– Thanks for the insight. I’ve never LARPed, so I could be off. What would a better description be?
@Andy, ditto on your post “You are not the Star.” Need the right group, but could be great story.
@Tourq – great post, keep ’em coming!
@Colin
Thank you sir. I’ll try…
RAW = Rules As Writen
Crunch and Fluff = mechanics and flavour
Great idea for a post by the way