collectathon

Scavenger hunt game

A collectathon is a video game, typically a platformer, centered on gathering large quantities of items scattered throughout game worlds.

The genre emerged in the late 1990s with games like Banjo-Kazooie and Donkey Kong 64, where progression depends on accumulating coins, gems, stars, or other collectibles.

The term often carries a mildly dismissive tone, suggesting repetitive gameplay: It's fun but turns into a collectathon by the third world.

gameplay

platformer

Leap-based video game

explorationTraveling through unknown regions
collectiblesItems people amass
power-upsCollectible game bonuses

secrets · unlockables · levels · worlds · items · progression · challenges · inventory · backtracking · abilities

hunt

search

Act of seeking

exploreTravel to discover
scavengerSeeker of refuse
treasureValued wealth or keepsake

hidden · discover · seek · track · navigate · uncover · hunt · locate · scattered · elusive

genre

Banjo-Kazooie

SpyroGaming's purple dragon
nostalgiaLonging for the past
mascotGroup's symbolic figure

colorful · whimsical · family-friendly

completionist

100%

Full amount possible

achievementAccomplished goal or deed
trophyAward for winning
platinumDense precious silvery metal

checklist · unlockable · sidequest · grinding · endgame · guide · walkthrough · dedication · perseverance · patience

Opposites

game structure

collectathonboss rush

Successive major enemy fights

walking simulator · visual novel · fighting game · shooter · survival horror

content density

collectathonshort game

Close-range golf strokes

quality over quantity

Family

collect, collection, collective, collectively, collector, collectible, collectable, collecting, collected

Familiarity: Top 1,000,000
Profile: Used worldwide · Rated G