AFK

When a player types AFK, they mean “away from keyboard.” The expression began in computer chat but now applies across PC, console, and mobile games, even when no physical keyboard is involved. It signals that someone has stepped away or cannot actively control their character. In a cooperative lobby, the message can prevent teammates from assuming the player disconnected; in competitive play, an AFK participant may be removed or penalized because their absence affects the match. Some games detect inactivity automatically and warn, spectate, or kick idle users.