Glossary Entry: Button mashing
Quick Definition
This refers to hitting the buttons on your controller (or the equivalent keys on the keyboard) rapidly and chaotically. You're smashing the buttons.
Many games require specific and controlled inputs from the player, which leads to small and deliberate movements. Generally speaking, the less your hands move, the better you'll play. Button mashing is the exact opposite, and often results in the player's character acting in a random, uncontrolled manner.
However, a few games do use rapid button pressing as a method of controlling the action, so it's sometimes appropriate to mash buttons. These instances are few and far between however.
Accusing someone of button mashing can be insulting. With some video game genres, such as fighting games, it's always meant as an insult.
Many games require specific and controlled inputs from the player, which leads to small and deliberate movements. Generally speaking, the less your hands move, the better you'll play. Button mashing is the exact opposite, and often results in the player's character acting in a random, uncontrolled manner.
However, a few games do use rapid button pressing as a method of controlling the action, so it's sometimes appropriate to mash buttons. These instances are few and far between however.
Accusing someone of button mashing can be insulting. With some video game genres, such as fighting games, it's always meant as an insult.
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