Collins Dictionary has named 'mogging' its Word of the Year, an honor that also sees the inclusion of 'friendslop,' a term used to describe a new category of casual multiplayer video games.
'Friendslop' is officially defined as "a type of low-budget, independently produced video game, designed to be played casually with a group of friends." The term joins other new additions like 'fricy' (fruity and spicy) and the more sobering 'P(doom)' (an estimation of the probability of AI leading to the collapse of human civilization).
'Mogging,' which means to outshine someone in any aspect, has seen widespread adoption among younger generations. Collins lexicographers noted that the selection of 'mogging' highlights how Gen Z and Gen Alpha are actively shaping language. Other popular games falling under the 'friendslop' umbrella include Peak, Gamble With Your Friends, Lethal Company, and R.E.P.O., which have collectively seen millions of sales on platforms like Steam and numerous clones on Roblox.
IGN's review of Big Walk, described as a prime example of the 'friendslop' genre, awarded it a 9/10, praising its emergent moments and unique cooperative gameplay. The review highlighted experiences such as navigating treacherous environments, finding friends via flares, and developing in-game communication systems as key to its magical, unparalleled co-op experience.