Gimp (computer role-playing games)

In computer role-playing game slang, a gimp is a character, character class or character ability that is underpowered in the context of the game. Gimped characters lack effectiveness compared to other characters at a similar level of experience. Gimped abilities are less useful than other abilities available to players for an equivalent investment.

Overview

A player may gimp a character by assigning skills and abilities that are inappropriate for the character class, or by developing the character inefficiently. Some character classes and abilities are powerful at early levels, but lose effectiveness and become gimped relative to other classes and abilities as they gain experience. Conversely, some character classes reach their potential at high levels but are effectively gimped at early levels. A classic example of a gimp class is the Onion Knight, from Final Fantasy III, which is the characters' starting class and only able to use the weakest equipment in the game- as well as the most powerful equipment, which is only available late in the game. (Note that the version of the Onion Knight in the Nintendo DS version of FF III is different.)

Other uses

Sometimes, especially in MMORPGs, gimp is used as a synonym for nerf to describe a rule modification that weakens the affected target. Unlike the connotatively neutral term nerf, gimp in this usage often implies that the rule change unfairly disadvantages the target. The term gimp may also be used to describe a player that uses equipment and abilities that are either too weak or not suitable for that player's role.