Glossary Entry: Metagame

The metagame is the "game about the game", or to put it in simpler terms, things players do that are related to, but not explicitly part of, a game.

Examples include drawing fan art, coming up with theories about why game worlds work like they do, or comparing strategies to quickly earn achievements.

Game developers can also encourage metagaming by having contests, providing modding support, and selling merch that can provide in-game rewards.