Definition of «false starts»

False starts refers to multiple unsuccessful attempts to begin or engage with a game, often due to initial disinterest, frustration, or technical issues that prevent the player from getting past the early stages. The term is borrowed from sports, where it describes an invalid or premature beginning, and it is used in gaming to emphasize the difficulty or reluctance a player might feel when trying to immerse themselves in a new experience. It carries a tone of self-deprecation or reflection, as players often use it to describe their own struggles with motivation or enjoyment. The term is particularly common in discussions about games that require a significant time investment or have steep learning curves, where players might abandon and return to the game multiple times before finally committing to it.