players

A player is an individual or entity that participates in play or competition. The term appears across multiple domains, from sports and games to entertainment and technology, and can refer to people, devices, or software that engage in a playing activity.

In sports and competitive games, players are the participants who follow rules, train, and compete against opponents. In team contexts, players operate in concert with teammates, while in individual disciplines the player competes independently. The concept of eligibility, skill level, and federation rules helps govern who may play and under what conditions.

In video games, the player is the person directing a character or avatar within the game world. The term "player character" (PC) distinguishes the controllable figure from "non-player characters" (NPCs) that act independently. The player experience is influenced by mechanics, balance, and match formats in both single-player and multiplayer modes.

In computing and media, a "player" is a device or program that renders multimedia content. Examples include audio players, video players, and streaming players. Hardware players such as DVD or Blu-ray players, and software players embedded in operating systems are designed to load, decode, and present media through output devices.

The term also appears in economic and social contexts, such as "professional players" or "amateur players" who compete for prizes, rankings, or recognition. In many settings, statistics, records, and ratings track performance across players and groups, while governance bodies set rules for fair competition.