gameplay

noun

game·​play ˈgām-ˌplā 

variants or game play

plural gameplays or game plays

1

: the characteristic way in which the action of a game (such as a video game) occurs or is experienced

Each game is cleanly done with smooth gameplay and colorful graphics.

—Joe Hindy

Featuring intuitive and addictive gameplay, the game is a lovely distraction from the troubles of the day.

—Amy Davidson

The unique game play led to players adopting all sorts of interesting strategies for getting a high score.

—Jeff Fulton and Steve Fulton

2

: the practice or activity of playing games (such as board games, card games, or video games) : gaming sense 2

Unlike the vast majority of previous studies on the effect of video games on wellbeing, the Oxford team were able to track actual gameplay, rather than relying on self-reported estimates.

—Alex Hern

While not all card shufflers operate more quickly than manual shuffling, in general, a card shuffler speeds up gameplay.

—Allen Foster

… a gaming chair that also massages your back, features an adjustable headrest and has an ergonomic design that allows for hours and hours of game play.

—Heather Quinlan

Examples of gameplay in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Title Update #8 is here, bringing even more gameplay fixes and balance adjustments across all modes. —Michael Gfoeller and David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 15 Jan. 2025

There’s a brief in-engine gameplay teaser at the end: This looks great, and the story and setting are compelling. —Erik Kain, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025

Sure, some folks are interested in how good the console’s resolution will be, but many are just excited about what new games, and new styles of gameplay, will come with a fresh new unit. —Megan Farokhmanesh, WIRED, 9 Jan. 2025

Classic Mario gameplay gets turned on its head in the first traditional side-scrolling Super Mario game in almost 20 years. —Ashlee Conour, Chicago Tribune, 9 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1920, in the meaning defined at sense 2