Translation guide
In Japanese, 'online game' is commonly expressed using the loanword オンラインゲーム. This is the most natural and widely understood term. Other expressions exist but are less common or more specific.
オンラインゲーム
online game
Referring to any game played over the internet, including PC, console, and mobile games.
The standard katakana loanword for 'online game'. Used in all contexts.
最近、新しいオンラインゲームを始めました。
I recently started a new online game.
オンラインゲームで友達と遊ぶのが好きです。
I like playing online games with friends.
A common abbreviation of インターネットゲーム. Slightly more casual than オンラインゲーム.
ネットゲームにハマっています。
I'm hooked on online games.
Slang abbreviation of ネットゲーム. Used mainly in online communities and by gamers.
今夜はネトゲで徹夜する。
I'm going to pull an all-nighter playing online games tonight.
Specifically a game played in a web browser, often without downloads.
Directly means 'browser game'. Used when emphasizing the platform.
このブラウザゲームは無料で遊べます。
You can play this browser game for free.
An online game played on a smartphone or tablet.
Common term for smartphone games. Often implies online connectivity.
通勤中にスマホゲームをしています。
I play smartphone games during my commute.
Refers to games played via a dedicated app, usually on mobile.
新しいアプリゲームをダウンロードした。
I downloaded a new app game.
A large-scale online game with many simultaneous players.
The abbreviation MMO is widely understood among Japanese gamers.
彼はMMOの廃人だ。
He's an MMO addict.
Specifically a massively multiplayer online role-playing game.
このMMORPGは世界で人気がある。
This MMORPG is popular worldwide.
オンラインゲーム is the safest and most common term. ネットゲーム is slightly more casual but still widely used. ネトゲ is slang and should be avoided in formal settings.