Multiplayer: meaning, definitions and examples

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multiplayer

 

[ ˈmʌltiˌpleɪər ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

gaming context

Multiplayer refers to a mode or feature in games where multiple players can participate simultaneously. This can include both competitive and cooperative gameplay. Multiplayer experiences can vary widely, from local split-screen play to large-scale online matches. The emergence of multiplayer gaming has significantly influenced game design and player interaction in virtual environments.

Synonyms

competitive, cooperative, online

Examples of usage

  • We played a multiplayer game last night.
  • The new update added a multiplayer mode.
  • Multiplayer games often require teamwork.
  • He prefers multiplayer over single-player games.

Translations

Translations of the word "multiplayer" in other languages:

🇵🇹 multiplayer

🇮🇳 मल्टीप्लेयर

🇩🇪 Mehrspieler

🇮🇩 multiplayer

🇺🇦 мультиплеєр

🇵🇱 tryb wieloosobowy

🇯🇵 マルチプレイヤー

🇫🇷 multijoueur

🇪🇸 multijugador

🇹🇷 çok oyunculu

🇰🇷 멀티플레이어

🇸🇦 متعدد اللاعبين

🇨🇿 více hráčů

🇸🇰 multiplayer

🇨🇳 多人游戏

🇸🇮 več igralcev

🇮🇸 fjölspilun

🇰🇿 көп ойыншы

🇬🇪 მულტიპლეიერი

🇦🇿 çox oyunçu

🇲🇽 multijugador

Etymology

The term 'multiplayer' originates from the combination of 'multi-' which is a prefix meaning 'many' or 'multiple,' and 'player' which denotes a participant in a game or activity. The use of 'multiplayer' in gaming started gaining prominence in the late 20th century with the rise of home gaming consoles and PC games that allowed connectivity between players. Early examples of multiplayer gaming were often limited to linked devices or local networks. As technology evolved, so too did the concept of multiplayer gaming, expanding to include massive online games that could accommodate thousands of players interacting within a single game world simultaneously. The term now encompasses a wide range of gameplay experiences across various platforms, signaling a significant shift in how people engage with video games.