Multiplayer describes a video game or activity where multiple people participate at the same time, usually competing against each other or working together toward a common goal. In a multiplayer game, you're not playing against a computer: you're playing with or against other real people.

Multiplayer games come in many forms. Some multiplayer games happen on a single screen, where friends sit together on the same couch, each controlling their own character. Other multiplayer games connect players over the internet, so you might be teaming up with someone across the country or racing against players from around the world.

The opposite of multiplayer is single-player, where you play alone, usually working through a story or challenges designed by the game's creators. Many games offer both modes: you might play through the single-player campaign to learn the story, then jump into multiplayer matches to test your skills against other players.

Multiplayer gaming rewards different skills than single-player. You need to adapt to unpredictable human opponents rather than memorizing computer patterns. You might need to communicate with teammates, coordinate strategies, or simply react faster than your competitors. When you win a multiplayer match, you've succeeded not against programmed challenges, but against the creativity and skill of other people.