multiplayer
MUL-tee-play-er
/ˈmʌltiˌpleɪə/
A game designed for or involving several players at the same time; (adjective) relating to or denoting such a game.
Can refer to local multiplayer (players sharing the same screen and room) or online multiplayer (players connected via the internet).
The story behind the word. A modern compound word that emerged in the mid-20th century with the advent of board games and early mainframe computer games that allowed multiple users to interact simultaneously.
Word relationships
- multi-user: 'Multi-user' is typically used for software systems and databases, whereas 'multiplayer' is reserved for games and entertainment.
- single-player: Designed to be played by only one person at a time.
Commonly confused with
- cooperative: All cooperative games are multiplayer, but not all multiplayer games are cooperative (many are competitive, where players fight against each other).
Collocations
- online multiplayer
- local multiplayer
- multiplayer match
- multiplayer lobby
Example sentences
- "The game's multiplayer mode allows up to sixty-four players to battle on a single map." A review of a popular online shooter.
Memory hook
Multiple players join together to make it a multiplayer experience. Multi- means many; multiplayer means many players.
When not to use
Do not use to describe games that can only be played by a single person, even if that person can take turns with others.
Fun facts
- One of the earliest multiplayer computer games was 'Spacewar!', developed in 1962 at MIT, which allowed two players to control opposing spacecraft.
Related words
Explore more words
Connectivity, interaction, Online, offline, tournament, multilateral
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