minigames
Brief embedded activities
Minigames are small, self-contained games embedded within a larger video game.
They typically offer a break from the main gameplay, providing quick challenges with simple mechanics: I spent hours on the fishing minigame instead of finishing the main quest.
Minigames may be optional diversions or required for progression.
The term extends to party games and collections of short competitive activities played in succession.
Free of complexity
- relaxingBecoming less tense
- time-killerActivity filling idle moments
- mobileCapable of movement
- idleWithout activity or purpose
swipe · endless · rewards · unlockables · progression · achievements · stars · retry
Involving multiple participants
- versusIn opposition to
- head-to-headIn direct confrontation
- scoreboardGame progress display
- leaderboardRanked list of competitors
ranked · tournament · duel · elimination · split-screen · racing · rematch · winner
Tilting lever for control
- highscoreTop recorded result
- quartersAssigned living accommodations
- pinballFlipper-controlled arcade game
- cabinetEnclosed storage furniture
coin-op · skee-ball · whack-a-mole · racing · rhythm · retro
Brief informal test
- questionsRequests for information
- multiple-choiceFormat offering preset options
- knowledgeUnderstood facts and skills
- true-falseExam with binary responses
rapid-fire · buzzer · categories · lifelines · streak · leaderboard · rankings · brain-teaser
Puzzle or curve-cutting tool
- sudokuLogic grid puzzle
- match-threePuzzle genre, align symbols
- word-searchHidden vocabulary grid game
- rotationTurning on an axis
Players alternate actions
- tacticsMethods to achieve goals
- positioningArranging in specific locations
- planningArranging for future events
- timingArt of choosing moments
Involving collective effort
- free-for-allUnregulated group conflict
- chaosComplete disorder and confusion
- sillyFrivolous or absurd
- rotationTurning on an axis
simple
Free of complexity
- relaxingBecoming less tense
- time-killerActivity filling idle moments
- mobileCapable of movement
idle · swipe · endless · rewards · unlockables · progression · achievements · stars · retry · skip
multiplayer
Involving multiple participants
- versusIn opposition to
- head-to-headIn direct confrontation
- scoreboardGame progress display
leaderboard · ranked · tournament · duel · elimination · split-screen · racing · rematch · winner · loser
joystick
Tilting lever for control
- highscoreTop recorded result
- quartersAssigned living accommodations
- pinballFlipper-controlled arcade game
cabinet · coin-op · skee-ball · whack-a-mole · racing · rhythm · retro
quiz
Brief informal test
- questionsRequests for information
- multiple-choiceFormat offering preset options
- knowledgeUnderstood facts and skills
true-false · rapid-fire · buzzer · categories · lifelines · streak · leaderboard · rankings · brain-teaser · facts
jigsaw
Puzzle or curve-cutting tool
- sudokuLogic grid puzzle
- match-threePuzzle genre, align symbols
- word-searchHidden vocabulary grid game
rotation · color-matching · logic · sequence · unlock · hint · timer
turn-based
Players alternate actions
- tacticsMethods to achieve goals
- positioningArranging in specific locations
- planningArranging for future events
timing · risk-reward · optimization · decision-making · cooldown
team-based
Involving collective effort
- free-for-allUnregulated group conflict
- chaosComplete disorder and confusion
- sillyFrivolous or absurd
- gamesboard games, card games, video games, chess, party games
- game mechanicslevels, rules, cooldown, points, health points
- game contentDLC, expansions, quests, boss fights, levels
- virtual petsTamagotchi, Neopets, virtual pet, Nintendogs, digital pet
- Mario SportsMario, Luigi, Peach, Yoshi, Daisy
- NeopetsAisha, Bruce, Buzz, Lenny, Lupe