Vocabulary - Games

Vocabulary in games transcends mere word lists—it's the foundational language of interaction. This includes the player's command set, the UI's visual lexicon, and the narrative's symbolic shorthand. Well-designed vocabulary creates intuitive systems: in puzzle games, it's the consistent rule set players internalize; in RPGs, it's the skill trees and lore terms that build worlds. It shapes player agency, with each verb ("jump," "craft," "persuade") defining possible actions. A tight, expressive vocabulary allows for deep mastery and emergent play, while a cluttered one breeds confusion. Ultimately, it's the shared code between designer and player.