


This does not include playtesting or quality assurance.Ĭinematics/cutscenes: Segments of a game that are not controlled by the player. The process whereby console manufacturers test a game for compatibility with their hardware and distribution platforms. Also known as a “release” or “release candidate.”Ĭert: Certification. Beta releases are occasionally given a limited release to the public for bug reporting and critical feedback.īug: Any development issue that makes a game unenjoyable, unstable, or unplayable in its current state.īuild: Game development lingo for the “version” of a game. This version of a game contains no major bugs and is on its way to code release. However, imbalanced gameplay is sometimes done on purpose.īeta: A game version that contains all major features and assets. For example, by making sure weapons deal appropriate damage and armor absorbs the damage adequately, as opposed to giving one weapon considerably more power than others, or by making levels too difficult to enjoyably complete. See our What is XR? glossary for details.Īsset: Shorthand for anything that goes into a video game – characters, objects, sound effects, maps, environments, etc.īaking: A method of preprocessing performed on game assets and data to ensure they load and perform well in real-time and do not slow down gameplay due to requiring a lot of processor or GPU capacity.īalance: Creating a stable and predictable gaming experience. This version of a game is usually circulated internally to test for quality and bugs.ĪR / VR / MR / XR: Augmented / virtual / mixed / extended reality. NPCs are common AI entities.Īlpha: A game version that contains all major features and most assets.

AAA (Triple-A): Games that are created and released typically by mid-size or major publishers usually anything that cannot be classified as “indie.”Īgent: An in-game character or object that uses AI to interact with other objects in its environment.ĪI: Artificial intelligence an in-game entity whose functionality is dependent on computer code rather than human input.
