NonPlay

Nonplay refers to a period or state within a game where active player input or engagement is not occurring. This can happen for a variety of reasons, both intentional and unintentional. In some tabletop role-playing games, nonplay might occur during a session when a player is temporarily unavailable or when the game master is detailing a scene or passage of time that doesn't require player action. This downtime can sometimes be used for character reflection or inter-character dialogue that doesn't directly advance the main plot.

In video games, nonplay can manifest as cutscenes, loading screens, or periods where the player character is inactive due to game mechanics, such as waiting for an event to trigger or for an AI to complete a task. Some games may also incorporate nonplay segments for narrative purposes, presenting story elements without direct player control. Conversely, unintentional nonplay can occur due to technical issues like game crashes, server disconnects, or player disconnections, which interrupt the flow of gameplay and leave players in an inactive state. The concept is distinct from simply pausing a game, as nonplay often implies a state where the game world continues to progress or where the player is observing rather than actively participating.