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An independent reference about mobile games on Android. Not affiliated with the former site on this domain, with Google or with game developers; we do not distribute files or APKs. Install apps from official stores.

Gaming terms

Gaming terms

Game descriptions, reviews and phone settings are full of specialist words. Some are technical, others come from players' slang. In this glossary we explain in plain language the key concepts about Android and the app store, how mobile games are built, and security.

Knowing what “gacha” means is knowing in advance that behind the treasure-chest button lies chance, not a guarantee.

— Editor's note

How this section works: we explain common terms in plain language, without tying them to figures from particular games or devices. If a game or phone maker gives its own definition, go by that.

Android

APK
The installation package format for Android apps. The store installs apps for you; APKs from unofficial sources may contain malicious code.
Google Play
Google's official app store for Android. Until March 2012 it was called Android Market.
Play Protect
Google Play Protect, introduced in 2017, is a security feature that scans apps on your device.
Permissions
An app's access to the features and data of your device: camera, microphone, contacts, location. The user can grant or revoke a permission.
Root
Superuser rights in the Android system. They give full access to the system but carry risks to your data, warranty and payment apps.
Bootloader
The program that starts the operating system when the device is switched on. It usually has to be unlocked to gain root.
Firmware
The device's software, including the operating system. Official firmware updates are released by the manufacturer.

Games

Free-to-play
A model in which the game is free and makes money from ads and in-app purchases.
In-app purchase
A purchase made with real money inside a game: currency, items, speed-ups, ad removal.
Subscription
A recurring, automatically renewed fee for access to a game or bonuses. It is cancelled in your store account.
Offline mode
The ability to play without an internet connection.
Battle pass
A seasonal reward system: the player completes challenges and earns rewards tier by tier. There is usually a free track and a paid one.
Gacha
A mechanic in which the player spends currency on a random reward, such as a character or item, without knowing in advance what they will get.
Microtransactions
An informal name for spending real money in a game, especially small repeated purchases.

Security

Malicious app
A program that secretly steals data, shows intrusive ads, signs you up for paid services or otherwise harms the device owner.
Phishing
An attempt to trick you into giving away a password or payment details by posing as a familiar service, for example via a fake “free currency” page.
Two-factor authentication
Signing in to an account with an extra confirmation besides the password, such as a code or approval on another device.
Parental controls
Settings that let parents limit purchases, app installs and access to content, for example through Google Family Link.
IARC
The International Age Rating Coalition, the age rating system used to assign ratings on Google Play.
  • FAQ

    Answers about this reference, installing apps and app safety, in-game purchases and children.

  • Game catalogue

    Genres and formats of mobile games for phones and tablets, with no scores, rankings or file links.

  • Tips and mechanics

    Battery, heat, storage and data while gaming, limiting purchases, and why root, mods and cheats are best avoided.

Sources

  • Android Developers — version history
  • Google Play Help (purchases, parental controls, Play Protect)
  • International Age Rating Coalition (IARC)
  • encyclopedic sources

Information about Android and Google Play is based on Google's official documentation and help pages. The store interface, setting names and policies change over time, so check them in official sources and on your own device.