Gaming Cheat Sheet

Gaming Terminology

AAA Title	High-budget, high-profile game typically produced by major publishers.
Indie Game	Game developed by independent developers, often with smaller budgets.
NPC	Non-Player Character. Characters in a game controlled by the AI.
MMO	Massively Multiplayer Online game. A game with a large number of players interacting in a persistent world.
Esports	Competitive video gaming at a professional level.
Latency/Ping	The delay between a player’s action and the game’s response, measured in milliseconds (ms).

Buff	A temporary or permanent increase in a character’s stats or abilities.
Debuff	A temporary or permanent decrease in a character’s stats or abilities.
Cooldown	The amount of time a player must wait before using an ability again.
Aggro	The level of hostility an NPC has towards a player. Gaining aggro means the NPC will prioritize attacking you.
Kiting	A tactic where a player moves while attacking to avoid damage.
Grinding	Performing repetitive tasks to gain experience, levels, or items.

PvP	Player vs Player. Combat between players.
PvE	Player vs Environment. Players fighting against AI-controlled enemies.
Ganking	When one or more players attack an unsuspecting player, often in a PvP environment.
Looting	Collecting items or resources after defeating an enemy or exploring an area.
Raid	A challenging cooperative activity where a group of players attempts to defeat powerful enemies.
Lag	A noticeable delay between a player’s action and the game’s response, often due to network issues.

Action	Games focused on physical challenges, including hand-eye coordination and reaction-time. Examples include platformers, fighting games, and shooters.
Adventure	Games focused on exploration, puzzle-solving, and narrative. Examples include point-and-click adventures and graphic adventures.
RPG	Role-Playing Games. Games where players assume the roles of characters in a fictional setting. Examples include fantasy RPGs and sci-fi RPGs.
Strategy	Games that emphasize strategic thinking, planning, and resource management. Examples include real-time strategy (RTS) and turn-based strategy games.
Simulation	Games that simulate real-world activities or systems. Examples include city-building games, sports games, and vehicle simulators.
Sports	Games that simulate playing a sport. Examples include football (soccer), basketball, and racing games.

MMORPG	Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game. A combination of RPG and MMO elements.
MOBA	Multiplayer Online Battle Arena. A subgenre of strategy games where players control a single character in a team-based battle.
Roguelike	A subgenre of RPGs characterized by permadeath, procedural generation, and turn-based gameplay.
Survival Horror	A combination of survival and horror elements, emphasizing resource management and atmosphere.
Puzzle Platformer	A combination of puzzle-solving and platforming elements.
Stealth Action	A blend of stealth gameplay with action elements.

PC (Personal Computer)	Offers the widest range of games and customization options. Requires hardware maintenance and upgrades.
Consoles (PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch)	Dedicated gaming devices offering a streamlined gaming experience. Typically require purchasing new generations for updated hardware.
Mobile (iOS, Android)	Games played on smartphones and tablets. Often features free-to-play models and casual gameplay.
Cloud Gaming (e.g., GeForce Now, Xbox Cloud Gaming)	Games streamed over the internet, eliminating the need for high-end hardware. Requires a stable, high-speed internet connection.
VR (Virtual Reality)	Immersive gaming experience using VR headsets and motion tracking.
Retro Consoles/Emulation	Playing older games on original hardware or through emulation software.

Consider the following when choosing a gaming platform:

Game Library: Does the platform offer the games you want to play?
Cost: What is the initial cost of the platform and the ongoing cost of games and subscriptions?
Performance: Does the platform offer the performance and visual fidelity you desire?
Portability: Do you want to be able to play games on the go?
Community: Does the platform have a thriving online community for multiplayer games?

Practice Regularly: Consistent practice is key to improving your skills in any game.
Watch Tutorials and Guides: Learn from experienced players by watching tutorials and gameplay videos.
Adjust Settings: Optimize your game settings for the best performance and visual clarity.
Use the Right Equipment: Invest in a good gaming mouse, keyboard, headset, and monitor.
Stay Hydrated and Take Breaks: Avoid burnout and maintain focus by staying hydrated and taking regular breaks.
Analyze Your Mistakes: Identify areas where you can improve by reviewing your gameplay and learning from your mistakes.
Communicate Effectively: In multiplayer games, communicate clearly and effectively with your teammates.

Update Drivers	Keep your graphics card drivers updated for optimal performance.
Close Background Applications	Close unnecessary applications to free up system resources.
Adjust Graphics Settings	Lower graphics settings to improve frame rates.
Monitor Temperatures	Keep an eye on your CPU and GPU temperatures to prevent overheating.
Optimize Internet Connection	Use a wired connection for more stable and lower latency gameplay.
Upgrade Hardware	Consider upgrading your components if your system is struggling to run games smoothly.