playercontrolled

Playercontrolled, often written as player-controlled or player controlled, is a term used in video games and simulations to describe an entity that is directly controlled by the player through input devices such as a keyboard, mouse, gamepad, or touchscreen. The opposite is AI-controlled or scripted behavior, where the game system determines actions without direct input.

In typical use, the player owns a specific avatar or unit and translates input into movement, actions, and decisions. Control schemes map characters’ movements, camera orientation, and abilities to buttons, sticks, or gestures. In single-player and local multiplayer, being player-controlled ensures the player's choices directly drive outcomes; in online games, client and server synchronization governs how those inputs are reflected across all players.

Some games allow possession or switching control between multiple entities, a technique used to extend player agency or manage limited penalties. Others implement semi-autonomous behavior, where the player's commands guide an entity while its artificial intelligence handles routine tasks such as pathfinding or combat decisions.

Design considerations for player-controlled systems include responsiveness and input latency, which affect perceived control accuracy. Accessibility features (adjustable sensitivity, control remapping) broaden who can play. In competitive multiplayer, ensuring consistent input handling and minimizing cheating are important, while in narrative titles, balance between character agency and game scripting shapes pacing and immersion.

See also: non-player character, artificial intelligence, control scheme, possession, player agency.