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

Critics appear to mostly agree that the game's decision to marry two very different gameplay styles has been a success, rather than a step back, for the series.

From BBC • Feb. 27, 2026

Project Genie is an AI-driven platform that allows users to create gameplay worlds from text and images without relying on a traditional game engine.

From Barron's • Feb. 2, 2026

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

From "Warcross" by Marie Lu