Fade (video game)

Fade can refer to several concepts within video games, broadly encompassing a visual or mechanical transition toward disappearance or a gradual weakening of a character's abilities. More specifically, it can describe the following:

• Visual Fade: This is the most common usage, referring to a gradual transition from visibility to invisibility, often accompanied by a darkening or blurring effect. A visual fade is frequently used for transitions between scenes, character deaths, or the activation/deactivation of special effects. It serves to smooth the transition and reduce abruptness.

• Audio Fade: Similar to a visual fade, an audio fade describes a gradual decrease in the volume of a sound effect or piece of music until it is no longer audible. This is frequently used to transition between musical scores, indicate a character leaving an area, or to signal the end of an event.

• Ability Fade: In some games, particularly RPGs or those with character abilities governed by cooldowns or mana, an "ability fade" might refer to a temporary weakening or unavailability of a character's skills. This can be due to a cooldown period, a lack of resources, or the application of a debuff. The effect is temporary, and the ability gradually returns to its full strength or availability.

• Character Fade: In the context of character design, a "fade" might refer to a design choice where a character's skills or power gradually decline over time or as the game progresses, often as a balancing mechanic. This is less common than the other uses.

The specific meaning of "fade" is always context-dependent within the game in question.