Vocabulary · Free time
Video games in English
A2
Video games in English: the equipment, players and characters, game mechanics like levels and scores, and the words of online gaming. With British pronunciation (IPA) and examples.
Quick answer
Equipment
| Word | Meaning | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| video game(n.)“I love video games.” | a game you play on a screen | /ˈvɪdiəʊ ɡeɪm/ |
| console(n.) | a machine for playing games on a TV | /ˈkɒnsəʊl/ |
| controller(n.) | the device you hold to play | /kənˈtrəʊlə/ |
| joystick(n.) | a stick you move to control a game | /ˈdʒɔɪstɪk/ |
| headset(n.) | headphones with a small microphone | /ˈhedset/ |
| screen(n.) | the flat surface that shows images | /skriːn/ |
Players and characters
| Word | Meaning | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| player(n.) | a person taking part in a game | /ˈpleɪə/ |
| gamer(n.) | a person who loves video games | /ˈɡeɪmə/ |
| multiplayer(n.) | a game mode for several people | /ˈmʌltipleɪə/ |
| character(n.) | a person in a game or story | /ˈkærɪktə/ |
| avatar(n.) | the figure that represents you online | /ˈævətɑː/ |
| mission / quest(n.) | a task you must complete in a game | /ˈmɪʃən/ |
Game mechanics
| Word | Meaning | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| level(n.) | one stage of a game | /ˈlevəl/ |
| level up(v.) | to reach a higher stage | /ˈlevəl ʌp/ |
| score(n.) | the points you get in a game | /skɔː/ |
| high score(n.) | the best number of points | /haɪ skɔː/ |
| achievement(n.) | a reward for doing something special | /əˈtʃiːvmənt/ |
| cheat(v./n.) | to break the rules to win | /tʃiːt/ |
| boss(n.) | a strong enemy, often at the end | /bɒs/ |
Online
| Word | Meaning | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| online(adj.) | connected to the internet | /ˌɒnˈlaɪn/ |
| offline(adj.) | not connected to the internet | /ˌɒfˈlaɪn/ |
| streaming(n.) | showing a game live on the internet | /ˈstriːmɪŋ/ |
| lag(n.) | a delay in an online game | /læɡ/ |
| esports(n.) | professional video game competitions | /ˈiːspɔːts/ |
A common mistake
The football gamers ❌: say players
Player = a person who plays any game or sport. Gamer = a person who loves video games, often part of the gaming community. In a football match, there are 22 players, not gamers.
Practice quiz
Going further
The “Video games” topic is part of the contest vocabulary
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Frequently asked questions
How do you say you play video games in English?+
Say I play video games in general, or I play + the name of the game: I play Fortnite. There is no at after play here. For an action happening now, use the Present Continuous: I'm playing right now.
What is the difference between player and gamer?+
A player plays any game: a sport, cards or video games. A gamer is a person who loves video games and plays them a lot; it is also a cultural identity. All gamers are players, but not all players are gamers.
What are esports?+
Esports (electronic sports) are professional video game competitions, with games like League of Legends, Counter-Strike or Fortnite. Professional players (pro gamers) have teams and sponsors, and millions of fans watch them online.
Updated on 12 November 2026 by the Big Challenge teaching team. Every year, more than 500,000 students across Europe take part in our English contest, created in 1999. Our teaching approach →
The Big Challenge · Updated on 12 November 2026 · Source: www.thebigchallenge.com/bl/academy/learn-english/vocabulary/video-games
© The Big Challenge. Copying allowed for classroom use. Every year, more than 500,000 students across Europe take part in our English contest, created in 1999.