minigame
Small embedded activity
A minigame is a short, simple game embedded within a larger video game.
Minigames typically offer a break from the main gameplay, appearing as puzzles, challenges, or diversions: The fishing minigame became more popular than the main quest.
The term extends to brief activities within apps or websites designed to engage users.
Payment for service
- power-upCollected in-game enhancement
- unlockableCapable of being opened
- achievementAccomplished goal or deed
- collectibleObject worth amassing
loot · multiplier · upgrade · token · prize · trophy · perk · booster
Activity filling idle moments
- simpleFree of complexity
- accessibleAble to be reached
- bite-sizedSmall enough for one mouthful
- relaxingBecoming less tense
family-friendly · party · social · multiplayer · turn-based · interactive · touchscreen · mobile
Patterned stress and silence
- racingSpeed competition sport
- shootingDischarging a weapon
- fishingCatching aquatic creatures
- whack-a-moleArcade mallet game
basketball · darts · bowling · slot · carnival · ticket · joystick · coin-op
Judicial examination of claims
- obstacleSomething blocking the way
- bossWorkplace superior
- difficultyState of being hard
- speedrunOptimized rapid game completion
leaderboard · highscore · competition · survival · endurance · precision · timing · reflex
reward
Payment for service
- power-upCollected in-game enhancement
- unlockableCapable of being opened
- achievementAccomplished goal or deed
collectible · loot · multiplier · upgrade · token · prize · trophy · perk · booster · credit
time-killer
Activity filling idle moments
- simpleFree of complexity
- accessibleAble to be reached
- bite-sizedSmall enough for one mouthful
relaxing · family-friendly · party · social · multiplayer · turn-based · interactive · touchscreen · mobile
rhythm
Patterned stress and silence
whack-a-mole · basketball · darts · bowling · slot · carnival · ticket · joystick · coin-op · retro
trial
Judicial examination of claims
- obstacleSomething blocking the way
- bossWorkplace superior
- difficultyState of being hard
speedrun · leaderboard · highscore · competition · survival · endurance · precision · timing · reflex · checkpoint
matching
Identical in appearance
- slidingMoving smoothly across surface
- jigsawPuzzle or curve-cutting tool
- logicScience of valid reasoning
brainteaser · solution · pattern · sequence · tile · block · sorting · rotation · memory · connect
- questsquest, seeking, main quest, searching, side quest
minigamemain quest
Primary narrative path
critical path · complete game · campaign · story mode · megagame