The term "friendslop" has always been controversial. Players debate whether it's an affectionate nickname or an insult to these games. Whether you like it or not, the term isn't going away anytime soon. Collins Dictionary has included it in its 2026 Word of the Year shortlist and officially added it to the dictionary.
Collins Dictionary selects a Word of the Year annually, along with other shortlisted terms. These words are also added to the dictionary alongside the Word of the Year. Although "friendslop" made it onto the 2026 list, it didn't win the top spot, losing out to "mogging." While "mogging" is common in the video game community, it's also used in other areas of real life.
In contrast, "friendslop" is a term specifically used to describe video games. The dictionary's new definition is: "A low-budget, independently produced video game designed for casual play among a group of friends."
This definition will likely spark more arguments among players, but you can't really argue with the dictionary. Well, who am I kidding? Some players will argue about anything, and they certainly will continue to do so.
The biggest controversy surrounding this term stems from the "low budget" criterion in its definition. Games labeled as "friendslop" are often very popular. They are typically indie games that suddenly blow up on Steam, attracting tens or even hundreds of thousands of players. Therefore, some people feel that calling these games "slop" implies they are inferior to other games.
However, many players of these games don't see the term as derogatory. To them, it's just a name that accurately summarizes the characteristics of these games. The term has also created a new genre for these titles. They no longer have to be lumped in with all other indie games and now have their own label.
Players also frequently debate which games qualify as "friendslop." According to the current definition provided by the dictionary, there are three criteria: low budget, independent production, and multiplayer gameplay.
Peak is probably the most representative game in this genre and may even be the one that popularized the term "friendslop." Other games in the same category include Meccha Chameleon, Repo, Content Warning, and RV There Yet.
Some might also categorize Big Walk as "friendslop." However, its higher budget might disqualify it from meeting the standards of this genre.
According to the dictionary's definition, the three main criteria are low budget, independent production, and multiplayer gameplay. PEAK, Meccha Chameleon, R.E.P.O., Content Warning, and RV There Yet are listed as examples, but there is still debate over whether higher-budget titles with similar gameplay can be included. The dictionary has thus established a basic definition, while players' discussions about its connotations and genre boundaries are far from over.