Minesweeper Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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minesweeper
[ˈmaɪnˌswiːpər ]
Definition
game
Minesweeper is a classic computer game in which players must clear a board containing hidden mines without detonating any of them. The game is played on a grid of squares, some of which contain mines, while others contain numbers indicating how many mines are neighboring those squares. Players use logical reasoning and deduction to uncover safe squares and identify the locations of the mines. The objective of the game is to reveal all the squares without triggering any mines.
Synonyms
puzzle game, strategy game.
Examples of usage
- I love playing Minesweeper during my lunch break.
- He set a new high score in Minesweeper.
- Have you ever cleared a whole Minesweeper board?
- Minesweeper helps improve strategic thinking skills.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Historical Origins
- The term 'minesweeper' originally referred to ships that cleared naval mines during World War I.
- The first electronic version of the game was created in 1989 and was bundled with early versions of Windows.
- The game became widely popular in the 1990s, with people enjoying the challenge of logic and deduction.
Game Mechanics
- Players use logic to deduce which squares are safe based on numbers indicating how many mines are adjacent.
- There are usually different levels of difficulty, which change the number and distribution of mines on the board.
- Minesweeper is often credited with popularizing casual gaming on computers, influencing subsequent puzzle games.
Cultural Impact
- The game has inspired numerous clones and adaptations, appearing on various platforms including mobile devices.
- It sparked discussions on game design and player psychology, becoming a case study in risk assessment and decision-making.
- Minesweeper tournaments and competitions have emerged, showcasing player strategies and skills.
Technology
- Early versions of the game utilized simple graphics to indicate safe areas and mines, a foundation for modern game design.
- The algorithms developed for the game have been applied in fields like artificial intelligence for problem-solving.
- The game's grid-based layout has influenced other genres, including strategy and logic games.
Mathematics
- Strategies used in the game often involve probability and combinatorial logic, showcasing practical applications of math.
- The numbers on the board represent a count of adjacent mines, encouraging players to think critically and manage risk.
- Minesweeper can be viewed as a puzzle problem in game theory, making it of interest to mathematicians and computer scientists.
Origin of 'minesweeper'
The term 'minesweeper' originates from the concept of clearing mines, which are explosive devices buried underground. The origins of the game date back to the early 1960s when it was first played on mainframe computers. It gained widespread popularity in the 1990s when it was included with Microsoft Windows operating systems. The game was inspired by earlier pencil-and-paper versions and other electronic versions, evolving into the graphical format we recognize today. Over time, Minesweeper became associated with casual gaming and has influenced the design of many other puzzle and strategy games.