The word
What is metagaming?
In gaming, metagaming means playing the meta: using the strategies that work best right now instead of judging each match fresh. In tabletop role-play it means something else: acting on knowledge your character couldn't have. At Metagaming, meta gaming means playing games to train robots.
What does metagaming mean in games?
In competitive games and esports, "the meta" is the set of characters, builds and strategies that work best at the moment. Metagaming is choosing your play based on that, and on what you expect your opponents to pick. When a patch changes the balance, the meta shifts and players adapt.
Following the meta is normal strategy, not cheating. Top players often set the meta, and everyone else copies them.
What is metagaming in D&D?
In tabletop role-playing games such as Dungeons & Dragons, metagaming means a player using knowledge from outside the story that their character couldn't have. A short example: you've read the monster's stats in the rulebook, so your character suddenly "knows" it's weak to fire, though they've never met one.
It breaks the story rather than a rule, so most tables treat it as poor form and set their own limits on it.
What does Metagaming.com mean by it?
At Metagaming, meta gaming means playing games to train robots. Robots learn physical skills by copying people who do them well, and skilled gamers already do many of them: holding a racing line, landing a flick shot, flying through a gate. Metagaming is where gamers and skilled pros play games that train robots. Every application is reviewed, and accepted trainers are paid per task.
Here's how it works: apply free, prove your skills with an optional 30-second free skill test, get reviewed, and if you're accepted, get paid per task. Most tasks pay $1–$5. We don't promise income. Read how getting paid to train AI works, or see which games get you paid to play.
Metagaming: common questions
What does metagaming mean in games?
In competitive games, metagaming means playing the meta: choosing the characters, builds and strategies that work best right now, often based on what top players use, rather than judging each match fresh.
What is metagaming in D&D and role-playing?
In tabletop role-playing such as Dungeons & Dragons, metagaming means a player acting on knowledge their character couldn't have. For example, a player reads the monster's stats in the rulebook, so their character suddenly knows its weakness. Most tables treat it as poor form.
Is metagaming cheating?
Usually not. In competitive games, following the meta is normal strategy. In role-playing it breaks the story rather than any rule, so groups set their own limits on it.
What does Metagaming.com mean by metagaming?
At Metagaming, meta gaming means playing skill games whose moves and decisions help train robots. Gamers and skilled pros apply free, prove their skills in 30-second tests, and accepted trainers are paid per task. Most tasks pay $1–$5. We don't promise income.