Definition, synonyms and related words
The feature of a video game where multiple human players play simultaneously.
"The new racing title offers an exciting multiplayer mode where four friends can compete against each other in real time."
In plain English: Multiplayer is when more than two people play a game together at the same time, usually over the internet.
"The multiplayer feature on this new game allows up to four friends to compete online simultaneously."
Requiring or allowing multiple human players to play simultaneously.
"The new video game features a multiplayer mode that allows four friends to compete against each other at the same time."
In plain English: Multiplayer describes games where more than two people can play at the same time on their own devices.
"The multiplayer game allows players to compete against each other online."
Usage: Use this adjective before the noun it modifies, such as in "a multiplayer session," rather than after the verb like "to be played by many people." It specifically describes games that allow simultaneous participation from several humans at once, distinguishing them from single-player experiences or turn-based modes.
The word multiplayer combines the prefix multi- with player, a straightforward formation that describes someone or something involving multiple participants. It entered English as a direct combination of these two existing elements to denote games or activities played by more than one person.