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

From what we've seen so far in the two gameplay trailers, the story will follow the pair in a Bonnie and Clyde-esque adventure through the seedy underbelly of America after an "easy score goes wrong".

From BBC • Jun. 19, 2026

Freelance video games journalist Vic Hood said each entry in the series "continued to push technical and gameplay boundaries", with GTA Online helping to "pioneer the live service model as we know it".

From BBC • Jun. 19, 2026

Likewise, for gamers, a VPN can help reduce lag by connecting to servers in other regions, resulting in smoother gameplay.

From Salon • Jun. 10, 2026

“We have clear policies prohibiting both actual and simulated gambling, and a set of rules governing how game creators can use gameplay mechanics like paid random items,” the Roblox spokesperson said.

From Los Angeles Times • May 21, 2026

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

From "Warcross" by Marie Lu