Synonyms for 'Playing Games': Gaming, Hanging Out, Strategizing & More

The best alternative depends on context:

General / Neutral

• Gaming (covers video, tabletop, sports)
• Playing
• Engaging in recreation / leisure
• Having fun

Tabletop / Board Games

• Tabletop gaming
• Board gaming
• Strategizing
• Rolling dice / Drawing cards (metonymy)

Video Games

• Gaming (default)
• Grinding / Farming / Ranking (specific activities)
• Speedrunning / Completionist run
• Co-op / Multiplayer session

Informal / Slang

• Hanging out (social focus)
• Chilling
• Messing around
• Dicking around (vulgar, close friends only)
• Seshing (gaming session)

Formal / Academic

• Participating in ludic activities
• Engaging in structured play
• Exercising strategic cognition

Match the term to your audience and setting.