# Key Terms — What Makes a Game a Game? Industry Terminology & Acronyms

- Link: https://doss.academy/course-2-game-design-development-principles/unit-1-foundations-of-game-design-gaming-history/lesson-3-what-makes-a-game-a-game-industry-terminology-acronyms/key-terms/
- Published: 2026-10-18T12:27:26-04:00
- Author: matthew.leffler@jefferson.kyschools.us

Course 2: Game Design & Development Principles / Unit 1: Foundations of Game Design&
Gaming History / Lesson 3: What Makes a Game a Game? Industry Terminology & Acronyms

## Vocabulary focus

HUD, NPC, Hitbox, Hurtbox, FOV, DPS, Cooldown, Aggro, Nerf/Buff, Frame Rate

## Build your glossary

For each term or concept, write an explanation in your own words and add an example
from this lesson. Check your explanation against the lesson resources.

  |  Term or concept |  My explanation |  Example |  
   |  ________________ |  ________________ |  ________________ |  
 |  ________________ |  ________________ |  ________________ |

## Resources

 * [Open CodeHS course lesson explorer (opens in a new tab)](https://codehs.com/course/21074/explore?lang=en)

## Lesson assets

### Game Design Vocabulary Posters

![Game Design Vocabulary Posters](https://doss.academy/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/
doss-game-vocabulary-posters.png)

[Open Game Design Vocabulary Posters (PNG · new tab)](https://doss.academy/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/doss-game-vocabulary-posters.png)

### Game Design Vocabulary Wall Display

![Game Design Vocabulary Wall Display](https://doss.academy/wp-content/uploads/2026/
10/doss-game-vocabulary-wall.png)

[Open Game Design Vocabulary Wall Display (PNG · new tab)](https://doss.academy/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/doss-game-vocabulary-wall.png)