The term "area of effect" (often abbreviated as AoE) refers to a specific region in which a particular action or effect takes place. This concept is commonly used in gaming, especially in role-playing games and strategy games, where abilities or spells can impact multiple targets within a defined space. For example, a spell cast by a character like Mage may affect all enemies within a certain radius. In addition to gaming, "area of effect" can also apply to various fields such as environmental science and physics. In these contexts, it describes the impact zone of an event, like the spread of a pollutant or the influence of a force. Understanding the area of effect helps in assessing potential risks and outcomes in different scenarios.