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

But his other superpower has nothing to do with gameplay.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 21, 2026

The damaging hack saw 90 video clips of incomplete gameplay for Rockstar's highly-anticipated new game published in online forums - prompting the firm to release its trailer for the game ahead of schedule.

From BBC • Apr. 13, 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

Originally inspired by traditional summer insect hunts in Japan, gameplay usually involves capturing and training fantastical "pocket monsters" resembling anything from mice to dragons, before sending them into battle against one another.

From Barron's • Feb. 27, 2026

“Good luck,” Ren says as the announcer reads out the familiar rules of gameplay.

From "Warcross" by Marie Lu