The phrase denotes titles sharing characteristics with Ubisoft’s The Division 2, primarily encompassing looter-shooters with a focus on cooperative gameplay, character progression, and persistent online worlds. These experiences often feature a blend of third-person shooting, role-playing game elements, and an emphasis on acquiring and upgrading equipment. Examples include titles such as Destiny 2, Warframe, and Outriders, each offering a similar core loop of completing missions, collecting loot, and improving character builds.
The enduring appeal of this genre lies in its ability to provide long-term engagement and a sense of continuous progression. The acquisition of increasingly powerful gear and the collaborative nature of gameplay encourage players to invest considerable time and effort. The historical context reveals a lineage tracing back to games like Diablo, which established the foundation for loot-driven progression, subsequently evolving into the modern looter-shooter form exemplified by titles such as Borderlands and culminating in the persistent online environments found in the aforementioned examples.
