Noobs should embrace this new PlayStation ‘Gamer Dictionary’

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I’m convinced that console and pc games are for everyone, but let’s be honest: the jargonical way people talk about video games can make it’s hard to get into the hobby.

Uunless you are complicated in the video game world, -one phrase like “the latest patch-nerfed HP scaling on end-game mobs but made aggro proc OP” will make no sense, but many players talk that way all the time. And it’s hard to get into a new game when every guide, article, YouTube video, or chat message in the game is filled with words you do not understand. from “roguelike” to “metroidvania.”

Fortunately, people at PlayStation have done that recognized this problem and created a “Gamer Dictionary” to help noobs analyze all that jargon. Definitely bookmark the dictionary if you are a new player or if you are trying to help someone get into games for the first time.

Image for article titled Noobs Should Embrace This New PlayStation 'Gamer Dictionary'

Screenshot: Brendan Hesse

The dictionary contains an alphabetical sort of over 100 game-specific words, phrases and acronymsand they are all surprisingly useful, even if you are not a complete beginner. Some include explanations of technical terms such as “Hit Box”, “Judder” and “I-Frames”“; slang terms like “gank” or “noob“; and acronyms like “GPU”, “K / D”, “OP,“and more. There are also simple explanations of common video game genres, so you know the difference between a ARPG, en CRPG and a JRPG.

It’s nice to have a one-stop resource where you can learn what that means “god god” or remember ABCs of the RPG genre, but the list lacks explanations of several popular subgenres with annoying blunt names like the aforementioned “metroidvania, “” roguelike “and” soulslike. “Luckily we have one guide that can help demystify these inappropriate video game genre descriptions.

I hope PlayStation continues to add to its Gamer Dictionary, but it’s already a useful and necessary resource, and I’m glad it’s available. Recent NPD estimates show that three out of four people in the United States play video games of a kind. Although these numbers include mobile and casual gaming, more people than ever are playing on consoles or PCs, which inevitably means more people will be curious enough to try bigger, more immersive and more exciting video games also for themselves.

I’m excited to see companies take steps to make console and PC gaming more accessible – whether it’s Sony’s new gamer dictionary, Microsoft’s commitment to accessibility, or Nintendo’s ever-expanding appeal via games like Nintendo Switch Sports, Crossing animalsand Ring Fit Adventure.

[GameSpot]