Glossary
Here is a glossary of terminology used on this website.
M
Map
Cadaster map
Relevant to level design.
A map that provides detailed information about real property within a specific area.
Diffuse map
Relevant to level design.
A map that defines the color and pattern of the object.
Geologic map
Relevant to level design.
A map that illustrates the organization of geological formations in a specific region, including various types of:
- Faults.
- Minerals.
- Rocks.
Normal map
Relevant to level design.
A map that incorporates additional information onto a surface without augmenting the quantity of polygons.
Physical map
Relevant to level design.
A map that illustrates the physical features of a terrain, such as:
- Elevation of the land.
- Significant borders.
- Significant settlements.
- Waterbodies.
Political map
Relevant to level design.
A map that illustrates the political characteristics of a specific region, such as:
- Administrative units.
- Nations.
- States.
- Counties.
- Major towns.
- Major waterbodies.
Specular map
Relevant to level design.
A map that delineates the brightness and color of specular reflections.
Thematic map
Relevant to level design.
A map that presents data according to a particular subject matter, such as the climate.
Topographic map
Relevant to level design.
A map that displays, for example:
- Shaded relief for a clearer presentation of the relief.
- Contour lines: Lines connect points of equal elevation.
- Forested areas.
- Boundaries.
- Settlements.
- Hydrography: Streams, rivers, lakes, and swamps.
- Bathymetry: Depth of ocean floors.
- Transportation: Roads, railways, trails, and bridges.
A topographic map of Mount Timpagonos.
Credit: Shadedrelief.com.
Market
Relevant to business.
The business in games.
Material
Relevant to level design.
A collection of attributes that depict the appearance of a surface made from a specific material.
A material imitating a brick wall.
Credit: Ambientcg.com.
Med-kit
Media
Removable media
A storage device, such as a flash drive, that is capable of storing data. It is possible to remove it while the system is operational.
Melee attack
Relevant to gameplay.
An unarmed strike of a character.
Melee weapon
Relevant to rewards.
A handheld weapon used in a physical confrontation between two or more characters at short range.
Menu
Relevant to output system.
A list of options displayed on the screen.
Main menu
Relevant to output system.
A menu that is displayed on the initial screen upon starting a game.
Pie menu
Relevant to output system.
A menu in which options are arranged in a circular pattern.
Mesh
Relevant to level design.
A collection of vertices, edges and faces that defines the three-dimensional shape of an object.
Mini-game
Relevant to gameplay.
A short game contained within a game.
Mini-map
Relevant to output system.
A map, which is included in the game’s user interface to assist players in orienting themselves within the game world.
Mission
Relevant to gameplay.
A particular assignment with a distinct goal.
Mission briefing
Relevant to gameplay.
A summary of the mission that outlines the mission’s overall goals.
Modding
Relevant to development.
The process of altering a game to provide an experience that differs from the original intention of the designer.
Momentum
Relevant to gameplay.
The mental phenomena of being on a roll.
Mono
Relevant to output system.
A sound that comes from a single direction.
Monologue
Mood board
Relevant to development.
A compilation of visual elements, including images, color schemes, typography, and descriptions, that elicit specific emotions and convey concepts.
Motion blur
Relevant to output system.
Streaking of moving objects due to long exposure or rapid movement.
Motion controller
Relevant to control system.
An input device used to track motion.
Multilateration system
A system that locates and identifies targets, such as planes, helicopters, drones, and ships, by accurately computing the time difference of arrival (TDOA) of a signal emitted from the target to three or more receivers of the system.
Music
Relevant to output system.
An asset utilized to establish the appropriate atmosphere in a game. It can also assist players in comprehending the current state of the game.
Adaptive music
Relevant to output system.
Music whose attributes change in response to events in a game. These attributes include:
- Rhythm.
- Tune.
- Volume.