What does platforming mean?
Platforming names a style of movement commonly found in video games, in which a character traverses raised surfaces by jumping, climbing, running, or carefully avoiding hazards. It also refers more broadly to movement or work between physical platforms. In discussions about games, platforming is usually treated as an activity or a category of gameplay rather than as a single genre: platform games may combine platforming with puzzles, combat, racing, or exploration. The term is consequently associated with timing, agility, spatial awareness, and carefully designed sequences of obstacles. It also has a practical, non-gaming use for movement between loading, transport, or work platforms, although this sense is much less prominent. Platforming should not be confused with platform, a basic supporting surface, or platformer, an individual game built around this kind of movement. Together, these distinctions make platforming a useful term for describing both the central activity of a game and the distinctive challenges involved in navigating its environments.
nounPlatforming is a style of video gameplay in which a character moves across platforms, usually by jumping, climbing, or avoiding obstacles. More broadly, it can refer to moving or working from one raised platform to another.
- A style of video gameplay involving movement across platforms, typically through jumping, climbing, and the avoidance of obstacles.
- The movement of or work involving passage between raised platforms, such as loading or transport platforms.
"The new level adds challenging platforming through a maze of moving platforms and timed jumps."
"The course is built around difficult platforming rather than direct combat."
"Workers spent the morning platforming cargo between the loading bays."
Rare; platforming is normally treated as an uncountable activity. Separate games or sequences are more often called platformers than platformings.
"The collection includes several short platformings designed for touch controls."
Platforming turned jumping, timing, and spatial judgment into a language that can carry an entire game.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of platforming
Platforming was formed in English by adding the gerund suffix -ing to platform. Platform entered English from French plateforme in the early 17th century; the French word combines plat, meaning flat or broad, with forme, meaning shape. English cognates including plate, plateau, and platitude likewise descend through French and Latin from a word meaning broad or flat.
Related word forms
How platforming is actually used
The gaming sense is common in game descriptions, reviews, and informal discussion. It is more specific than platform game, which names a genre, because platforming refers to the actions and mechanics themselves. The non-gaming sense is comparatively uncommon.