mini-games
Brief embedded activities
Mini-games are small, self-contained games within a larger game, typically simpler and shorter than the main gameplay.
They provide variety or rewards: The casino mini-games were more fun than the main quest.
The term also applies to brief party games or simple standalone mobile games.
Sometimes hyphenated, sometimes not.
Flipper-controlled arcade game
- whack-a-moleArcade mallet game
- skee-ballInclined lane target game
- rhythmPatterned stress and silence
- racingSpeed competition sport
shooter · beat-em-up · highscore · coin-op · ticket · redemption · quick-draw · reflex
Puzzle or curve-cutting tool
- sudokuLogic grid puzzle
- match-threePuzzle genre, align symbols
- tetrisFalling-block puzzle game
- bejeweledDecorated with precious stones
word-search · trivia · quiz · brainteaser · logic · memory · mahjong · crossword
Activity filling idle moments
- mobileCapable of movement
- free-to-playNo-cost base game model
- tapValve controlling liquid flow
- swipeQuick sliding motion
idle · clicker · ad-supported · bite-sized · addictive · simple · accessible · one-handed
Capable of being opened
- fishingCatching aquatic creatures
- lockpickingOpening locks without keys
- hackingInfiltrating protected digital systems
- gamblingBetting on uncertain results
casino · dice · slot-machine · crafting · cooking
Unimportant miscellaneous facts
- buzzerElectric signaling device
- icebreakerTension-easing social activity
- charadesWordless guessing game
- team-basedInvolving collective effort
turn-based · elimination · voting · sabotage · bluffing · fall-guys
pinball
Flipper-controlled arcade game
- whack-a-moleArcade mallet game
- skee-ballInclined lane target game
- rhythmPatterned stress and silence
racing · shooter · beat-em-up · highscore · coin-op · ticket · redemption · quick-draw · reflex · leaderboard
jigsaw
Puzzle or curve-cutting tool
- sudokuLogic grid puzzle
- match-threePuzzle genre, align symbols
- tetrisFalling-block puzzle game
bejeweled · word-search · trivia · quiz · brainteaser · logic · memory · mahjong · crossword · anagram
time-killer
Activity filling idle moments
- mobileCapable of movement
- free-to-playNo-cost base game model
- tapValve controlling liquid flow
swipe · idle · clicker · ad-supported · bite-sized · addictive · simple · accessible · one-handed · offline
unlockable
Capable of being opened
- fishingCatching aquatic creatures
- lockpickingOpening locks without keys
- hackingInfiltrating protected digital systems
gambling · casino · dice · slot-machine · crafting · cooking
trivia
Unimportant miscellaneous facts
- buzzerElectric signaling device
- icebreakerTension-easing social activity
- charadesWordless guessing game
team-based · turn-based · elimination · voting · sabotage · bluffing · fall-guys
- game mechanicslevels, rules, cooldown, points, health points
- game contentDLC, expansions, quests, boss fights, levels
- Club Penguinigloos, penguins, waddle, pizza parlor, dojo
- gamingvideo games, buff, games, PlayStation 4, gameplay
- learning gamesmath games, phonics games, number games, vocabulary games, multiplication games