Terms starting with G
Gacha
A mechanic in which players spend currency for a random reward, such as a character or item, much like a capsule toy machine that gives a surprise prize.
Game balance
The process and result of tuning a game's characters, weapons, rules and difficulty so that choices are fair, varied and meaningful, with no option clearly dominating the rest.
Game design document
A written plan describing a game's concept, rules, features, art direction and technical approach, used to keep a development team working towards the same vision.
Game engine
A software framework that provides the core tools for building a game, such as drawing graphics, handling input, playing sound and simulating physics, so developers need not build them from scratch.
Game feel
The physical sensation of controlling a game, produced by how quickly and satisfyingly it responds to input through movement, animation, sound and feedback.
Game jam
An event, usually lasting a few days, where participants make a game from scratch within a strict time limit, often guided by a shared theme.
Game over
The message or state shown when a player has lost all lives or failed an objective, ending the current attempt and usually leading back to a menu or restart.
Gamepad
A hand-held input device with buttons, triggers, sticks and a directional pad, used to control a game on a console, computer or other screen.
Gameplay
The actual experience of playing a game, including what the player does, the rules that govern it, and how the game responds to those actions.
Gamer
A person who plays video games regularly or as a significant hobby, though the word can mean anyone from a casual player to a dedicated enthusiast or professional.
Gank
To attack a player by surprise or with superior numbers, usually when the target is alone or unprepared, so that the fight is heavily one-sided.
Glass cannon
A character, unit or build that deals very high damage but can withstand very little, so that it wins quickly or not at all.
Glitch
An unexpected fault or error in a game, such as a graphical flaw or broken behaviour, that is not intended by the designers.
God mode
A cheat or debug setting that makes a player's character invulnerable, often also granting unlimited ammunition or abilities, so that nothing can cause lasting harm.
Grinding
Repeating the same activity, such as defeating enemies or collecting resources, over and over to gain experience, items or currency needed to progress.