F2P
Costs nothing upfront
F2P is shorthand for "free to play," describing video games that cost nothing to download and start playing.
The business model typically generates revenue through optional in-game purchases—cosmetics, power-ups, or premium content.
The game is F2P but you'll spend money eventually.
Often contrasted with pay-to-win models where purchases confer competitive advantages.
Small payments within software
- pay-to-winBuying competitive edge
- gachaRandomized prize mechanic
- whaleHuge sea mammal
- cosmeticsSkin-applied beauty substances
skins · gems · gold · coins · DLC · subscription · ads · paywall
microtransactions
Small payments within software
- pay-to-winBuying competitive edge
- gachaRandomized prize mechanic
- whaleHuge sea mammal
cosmetics · skins · gems · gold · coins · DLC · subscription · ads · paywall · bundles
casual
Relaxed and informal
minnow · spender · veteran · newbie · retention · churn · engagement · community · competitive · ranked
grind
Crush into particles
- cooldownGradual intensity reduction
- staminaCapacity for sustained effort
- progressionSequential forward movement
unlock · RNG · farming · idle · reroll · banner · summon · quests · rewards · achievements
- game termslevel, score, win, lose, points
- gaming lingoNPC, HP, GG, AFK, PvP
- game monetizationin-app purchases, microtransactions, loot boxes, gacha, battle pass
- RuneScapeRuneScape, Camelot, GE, quest, skill
free-to-play, free, play, freely, freedom, freeware, freemium, plays, played