gameplay

American  

[geym-pley] / ˈgeɪmˌpleɪ /

noun

1. the interactive content and player experiences in a game, especially a video game.

   The reviews are saying that the gameplay is solid, but the art—especially in the cinematics—is unforgivably bad.

2. the activity or manner of playing a game.

   The retired chess grandmaster recently published a book with analyses of famous historical games for players looking to perfect their gameplay.

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gameplay British  

/ ˈɡeɪmˌpleɪ /

noun

1. the plot of a computer or video game or the way that it is played

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Etymology

Origin of gameplay

First recorded in 1990–95; game ¹ ( def. ) + play ( def. )

Example Sentences

Rana’s Rutgers-Newark team roster page shows that he didn’t get a lot of gameplay.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 9, 2026

Described as a “walkthrough experience and live gameplay attraction,” Defenders Unite will be housed at Stage 5 at the Warner Bros. studio lot.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026

They've still sold bucketloads of copies, but complaints about graphical performance, gameplay and a perceived lack of innovation have grown louder with each new release.

From BBC • Mar. 3, 2026

"At least right now, AI cannot tell meaningful stories, create strong characters, or come up with fun gameplay mechanics," he said.

From Barron's • Feb. 3, 2026

After that comes gameplay footage—two teams battling it out in Warcross’s endless virtual worlds.

From "Warcross" by Marie Lu