Past tense of checkpoint; to establish a point where progress is verified or confirmed, often used in computing or military operations.
From 'check' (to verify) and 'point' (a location). Modern usage accelerated with military operations and computer science, where saving 'checkpoints' became standard practice.
In video games, checkpoints are genius design—they reduce frustration while still maintaining challenge, and game designers have learned that the ability to 'checkpoint' progress is more important to player satisfaction than difficulty.
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