What Are Games That You Can Save Called? Save-Enabled Games & Key Terms

Games that retain progress across sessions are called **save-enabled games** or **games with save points**. Key terminology:

• Save game / Save file: The serialized data blob (progress, inventory, position) stored on memory card, HDD, SSD, or cloud.
• Save point: Designated in-game location (typewriter, bonfire, terminal) where manual save is allowed.
• Checkpoint / Autosave: Automatic trigger (room transition, boss defeat, timer) — no player action.
• Suspend point / Save state: Emulator/virtual console feature — full RAM snapshot at any frame.
• Persistence: The property of retaining world state (MMO, survival, roguelite meta-progression).
• Ironman / Permadeath: Single save slot, overwritten on quit; death = delete. Opposite of free saving.

Historical Context

• Early arcade/console games: No saves — password codes or single-session.
• Battery-backed SRAM (NES/Zelda, 1986) → Memory cards (PS1, 1994) → HDD/Cloud (modern).
• Roguelikes: Procedural runs, no mid-run saves (except suspend).

Not all games are save-enabled. Design choice shapes tension, pacing, and player psychology.