Multiplayer gameplay in which players are pitted against each other, rather than against a common computer-controlled enemy.

Shorthand for Player versus Player, PvP is a very common element in multiplayer games to add a competitive aspect. It may be the main focus of the game, or it could be an optional side attraction. Because of the nature of PvP, it is not uncommon for MMOs that are not 100% PvP to allow players to set whether or not they participate in PvP.

In some games like World of Warcraft, players run a completely different set of stats than the computer entities, thus PvP has great amounts of differences in flow compared to PvE. Other games like Pokémon will have player and computer opponents possess the same potential for stats and abilities, which means that PvP's difference instead boils down ot the meta-game.

Use this tag when you are asking a question that relates to the PvP gameplay of your project - such as how to properly balance abilities or strategies in making the experience enjoyable for both winners and losers.