diff --git a/backend/src/db.js b/backend/src/db.js
index a308fbf..b2f9782 100644
--- a/backend/src/db.js
+++ b/backend/src/db.js
@@ -8,7 +8,8 @@ const DB_USER = process.env.DB_USER || 'root'
 const DB_PASSWORD = process.env.DB_PASSWORD || ''
 const DB_NAME = process.env.DB_NAME || 'tier_cursor'
 const DB_CONNECTION_LIMIT = process.env.DB_CONNECTION_LIMIT ? Number(process.env.DB_CONNECTION_LIMIT) : 10
-const FREEFORM_GAME_ID = 'freeform'
+const FREEFORM_TOPIC_ID = 'freeform'
+const FREEFORM_GAME_ID = FREEFORM_TOPIC_ID
 
 let poolPromise = null
 let initPromise = null
@@ -72,6 +73,8 @@ function mapGameRow(row) {
   return {
     id: row.id,
     name: row.name,
+    topicId: row.id,
+    topicName: row.name,
     thumbnailSrc: row.thumbnail_src || '',
     isPublic: row.is_public == null ? true : !!row.is_public,
     displayRank: row.display_rank == null ? null : Number(row.display_rank),
@@ -83,7 +86,8 @@ function mapGameItemRow(row) {
   if (!row) return null
   return {
     id: row.id,
-    gameId: row.game_id,
+    topicId: row.topic_id,
+    gameId: row.topic_id,
     src: row.src,
     label: row.label,
     displayOrder: row.display_order == null ? null : Number(row.display_order),
@@ -131,8 +135,10 @@ function mapTierListRow(row) {
     authorName: getUserDisplayName(row),
     authorAccountName: getUserAccountName(row),
     authorAvatarSrc: row.avatar_src || '',
-    gameId: row.game_id,
-    gameName: row.game_name || '',
+    topicId: row.topic_id,
+    topicName: row.topic_name || '',
+    gameId: row.topic_id,
+    gameName: row.topic_name || '',
     title: row.title,
     thumbnailSrc: row.thumbnail_src || '',
     description: row.description || '',
@@ -159,13 +165,17 @@ function mapTemplateRequestRow(row) {
     requesterAccountName: getUserAccountName(row),
     requesterAvatarSrc: row.requester_avatar_src || '',
     sourceTierListId: row.source_tierlist_id || '',
-    sourceGameId: row.source_game_id,
-    sourceGameName: row.source_game_name || '',
+    sourceTopicId: row.source_topic_id,
+    sourceTopicName: row.source_topic_name || '',
+    sourceGameId: row.source_topic_id,
+    sourceGameName: row.source_topic_name || '',
     sourceTierListTitle: row.title_snapshot || '',
     sourceDescription: row.description_snapshot || '',
     thumbnailSrc: row.thumbnail_src_snapshot || '',
-    targetGameId: row.target_game_id || '',
-    targetGameName: row.target_game_name || '',
+    targetTopicId: row.target_topic_id || '',
+    targetTopicName: row.target_topic_name || '',
+    targetGameId: row.target_topic_id || '',
+    targetGameName: row.target_topic_name || '',
     status: row.status,
     items: parseJson(row.items_json, []),
     snapshotGroups: parseJson(row.groups_json, []),
@@ -230,6 +240,16 @@ async function query(sql, params = []) {
   return rows
 }
 
+async function tableExists(name) {
+  const rows = await query('SHOW TABLES LIKE ?', [name])
+  return rows.length > 0
+}
+
+async function columnExists(tableName, columnName) {
+  const rows = await query(`SHOW COLUMNS FROM \`${tableName}\` LIKE ?`, [columnName])
+  return rows.length > 0
+}
+
 async function closePool() {
   if (!poolPromise) return
   const pool = await poolPromise
@@ -241,6 +261,32 @@ async function closePool() {
 async function ensureSchema() {
   if (initPromise) return initPromise
   initPromise = (async () => {
+    if ((await tableExists('games')) && !(await tableExists('topics'))) {
+      await query('RENAME TABLE games TO topics')
+    }
+    if ((await tableExists('game_items')) && !(await tableExists('topic_items'))) {
+      await query('RENAME TABLE game_items TO topic_items')
+    }
+    if ((await tableExists('favorite_games')) && !(await tableExists('favorite_topics'))) {
+      await query('RENAME TABLE favorite_games TO favorite_topics')
+    }
+
+    if ((await tableExists('tierlists')) && (await columnExists('tierlists', 'game_id')) && !(await columnExists('tierlists', 'topic_id'))) {
+      await query('ALTER TABLE tierlists CHANGE COLUMN game_id topic_id VARCHAR(120) NOT NULL')
+    }
+    if ((await tableExists('topic_items')) && (await columnExists('topic_items', 'game_id')) && !(await columnExists('topic_items', 'topic_id'))) {
+      await query('ALTER TABLE topic_items CHANGE COLUMN game_id topic_id VARCHAR(120) NOT NULL')
+    }
+    if ((await tableExists('favorite_topics')) && (await columnExists('favorite_topics', 'game_id')) && !(await columnExists('favorite_topics', 'topic_id'))) {
+      await query('ALTER TABLE favorite_topics CHANGE COLUMN game_id topic_id VARCHAR(120) NOT NULL')
+    }
+    if ((await tableExists('template_requests')) && (await columnExists('template_requests', 'source_game_id')) && !(await columnExists('template_requests', 'source_topic_id'))) {
+      await query('ALTER TABLE template_requests CHANGE COLUMN source_game_id source_topic_id VARCHAR(120) NOT NULL')
+    }
+    if ((await tableExists('template_requests')) && (await columnExists('template_requests', 'target_game_id')) && !(await columnExists('template_requests', 'target_topic_id'))) {
+      await query("ALTER TABLE template_requests CHANGE COLUMN target_game_id target_topic_id VARCHAR(120) NOT NULL DEFAULT ''")
+    }
+
     await query(`
       CREATE TABLE IF NOT EXISTS users (
         id VARCHAR(64) PRIMARY KEY,
@@ -254,7 +300,7 @@ async function ensureSchema() {
     `)
 
     await query(`
-      CREATE TABLE IF NOT EXISTS games (
+      CREATE TABLE IF NOT EXISTS topics (
         id VARCHAR(120) PRIMARY KEY,
         name VARCHAR(120) NOT NULL,
         thumbnail_src VARCHAR(255) NOT NULL DEFAULT '',
@@ -264,33 +310,33 @@ async function ensureSchema() {
       ) ENGINE=InnoDB DEFAULT CHARSET=utf8mb4
     `)
 
-    const gameIsPublicColumns = await query("SHOW COLUMNS FROM games LIKE 'is_public'")
+    const gameIsPublicColumns = await query("SHOW COLUMNS FROM topics LIKE 'is_public'")
     if (!gameIsPublicColumns.length) {
-      await query('ALTER TABLE games ADD COLUMN is_public TINYINT(1) NOT NULL DEFAULT 1 AFTER thumbnail_src')
-      await query('UPDATE games SET is_public = 1 WHERE is_public IS NULL')
+      await query('ALTER TABLE topics ADD COLUMN is_public TINYINT(1) NOT NULL DEFAULT 1 AFTER thumbnail_src')
+      await query('UPDATE topics SET is_public = 1 WHERE is_public IS NULL')
     }
 
-    const displayRankColumns = await query("SHOW COLUMNS FROM games LIKE 'display_rank'")
+    const displayRankColumns = await query("SHOW COLUMNS FROM topics LIKE 'display_rank'")
     if (!displayRankColumns.length) {
-      await query('ALTER TABLE games ADD COLUMN display_rank INT NULL DEFAULT NULL AFTER thumbnail_src')
+      await query('ALTER TABLE topics ADD COLUMN display_rank INT NULL DEFAULT NULL AFTER thumbnail_src')
     }
 
     await query(`
-      CREATE TABLE IF NOT EXISTS game_items (
+      CREATE TABLE IF NOT EXISTS topic_items (
         id VARCHAR(64) PRIMARY KEY,
-        game_id VARCHAR(120) NOT NULL,
+        topic_id VARCHAR(120) NOT NULL,
         src VARCHAR(255) NOT NULL,
         label VARCHAR(120) NOT NULL,
         display_order INT NULL DEFAULT NULL,
         created_at BIGINT NOT NULL,
-        INDEX idx_game_items_game_id (game_id),
-        CONSTRAINT fk_game_items_game FOREIGN KEY (game_id) REFERENCES games(id) ON DELETE CASCADE
+        INDEX idx_topic_items_topic_id (topic_id),
+        CONSTRAINT fk_topic_items_topic FOREIGN KEY (topic_id) REFERENCES topics(id) ON DELETE CASCADE
       ) ENGINE=InnoDB DEFAULT CHARSET=utf8mb4
     `)
 
-    const gameItemDisplayOrderColumns = await query("SHOW COLUMNS FROM game_items LIKE 'display_order'")
+    const gameItemDisplayOrderColumns = await query("SHOW COLUMNS FROM topic_items LIKE 'display_order'")
     if (!gameItemDisplayOrderColumns.length) {
-      await query('ALTER TABLE game_items ADD COLUMN display_order INT NULL DEFAULT NULL AFTER label')
+      await query('ALTER TABLE topic_items ADD COLUMN display_order INT NULL DEFAULT NULL AFTER label')
     }
 
     await query(`
@@ -309,7 +355,7 @@ async function ensureSchema() {
       CREATE TABLE IF NOT EXISTS tierlists (
         id VARCHAR(64) PRIMARY KEY,
         author_id VARCHAR(64) NOT NULL,
-        game_id VARCHAR(120) NOT NULL,
+        topic_id VARCHAR(120) NOT NULL,
         title VARCHAR(120) NOT NULL,
         thumbnail_src VARCHAR(255) NOT NULL DEFAULT '',
         description TEXT NOT NULL,
@@ -324,10 +370,10 @@ async function ensureSchema() {
         created_at BIGINT NOT NULL,
         updated_at BIGINT NOT NULL,
         INDEX idx_tierlists_author_id (author_id),
-        INDEX idx_tierlists_game_id (game_id),
-        INDEX idx_tierlists_public_game_updated (is_public, game_id, updated_at),
+        INDEX idx_tierlists_topic_id (topic_id),
+        INDEX idx_tierlists_public_topic_updated (is_public, topic_id, updated_at),
         CONSTRAINT fk_tierlists_author FOREIGN KEY (author_id) REFERENCES users(id) ON DELETE CASCADE,
-        CONSTRAINT fk_tierlists_game FOREIGN KEY (game_id) REFERENCES games(id) ON DELETE CASCADE
+        CONSTRAINT fk_tierlists_topic FOREIGN KEY (topic_id) REFERENCES topics(id) ON DELETE CASCADE
       ) ENGINE=InnoDB DEFAULT CHARSET=utf8mb4
     `)
 
@@ -344,14 +390,14 @@ async function ensureSchema() {
     `)
 
     await query(`
-      CREATE TABLE IF NOT EXISTS favorite_games (
+      CREATE TABLE IF NOT EXISTS favorite_topics (
         user_id VARCHAR(64) NOT NULL,
-        game_id VARCHAR(120) NOT NULL,
+        topic_id VARCHAR(120) NOT NULL,
         created_at BIGINT NOT NULL,
-        PRIMARY KEY (user_id, game_id),
-        INDEX idx_favorite_games_game_id (game_id),
-        CONSTRAINT fk_favorite_games_user FOREIGN KEY (user_id) REFERENCES users(id) ON DELETE CASCADE,
-        CONSTRAINT fk_favorite_games_game FOREIGN KEY (game_id) REFERENCES games(id) ON DELETE CASCADE
+        PRIMARY KEY (user_id, topic_id),
+        INDEX idx_favorite_topics_topic_id (topic_id),
+        CONSTRAINT fk_favorite_topics_user FOREIGN KEY (user_id) REFERENCES users(id) ON DELETE CASCADE,
+        CONSTRAINT fk_favorite_topics_topic FOREIGN KEY (topic_id) REFERENCES topics(id) ON DELETE CASCADE
       ) ENGINE=InnoDB DEFAULT CHARSET=utf8mb4
     `)
 
@@ -399,8 +445,8 @@ async function ensureSchema() {
         request_type VARCHAR(20) NOT NULL,
         requester_id VARCHAR(64) NOT NULL,
         source_tierlist_id VARCHAR(64) NOT NULL,
-        source_game_id VARCHAR(120) NOT NULL,
-        target_game_id VARCHAR(120) NOT NULL DEFAULT '',
+        source_topic_id VARCHAR(120) NOT NULL,
+        target_topic_id VARCHAR(120) NOT NULL DEFAULT '',
         status VARCHAR(20) NOT NULL DEFAULT 'pending',
         title_snapshot VARCHAR(120) NOT NULL,
         description_snapshot TEXT NOT NULL,
@@ -424,17 +470,17 @@ async function ensureSchema() {
     if (!templateRequestTypeColumns.length) {
       await query("ALTER TABLE template_requests ADD COLUMN request_type VARCHAR(20) NOT NULL DEFAULT 'create' AFTER id")
     }
-    const templateRequestSourceGameColumns = await query("SHOW COLUMNS FROM template_requests LIKE 'source_game_id'")
+    const templateRequestSourceGameColumns = await query("SHOW COLUMNS FROM template_requests LIKE 'source_topic_id'")
     if (!templateRequestSourceGameColumns.length) {
-      await query("ALTER TABLE template_requests ADD COLUMN source_game_id VARCHAR(120) NOT NULL DEFAULT 'freeform' AFTER source_tierlist_id")
+      await query("ALTER TABLE template_requests ADD COLUMN source_topic_id VARCHAR(120) NOT NULL DEFAULT 'freeform' AFTER source_tierlist_id")
     }
-    const templateRequestTargetGameColumns = await query("SHOW COLUMNS FROM template_requests LIKE 'target_game_id'")
+    const templateRequestTargetGameColumns = await query("SHOW COLUMNS FROM template_requests LIKE 'target_topic_id'")
     if (!templateRequestTargetGameColumns.length) {
-      await query("ALTER TABLE template_requests ADD COLUMN target_game_id VARCHAR(120) NOT NULL DEFAULT '' AFTER source_game_id")
+      await query("ALTER TABLE template_requests ADD COLUMN target_topic_id VARCHAR(120) NOT NULL DEFAULT '' AFTER source_topic_id")
     }
     const templateRequestStatusColumns = await query("SHOW COLUMNS FROM template_requests LIKE 'status'")
     if (!templateRequestStatusColumns.length) {
-      await query("ALTER TABLE template_requests ADD COLUMN status VARCHAR(20) NOT NULL DEFAULT 'pending' AFTER target_game_id")
+      await query("ALTER TABLE template_requests ADD COLUMN status VARCHAR(20) NOT NULL DEFAULT 'pending' AFTER target_topic_id")
     }
     const templateRequestGroupsColumns = await query("SHOW COLUMNS FROM template_requests LIKE 'groups_json'")
     if (!templateRequestGroupsColumns.length) {
@@ -478,19 +524,19 @@ async function ensureSchema() {
 
     await query(
       `
-        INSERT INTO games (id, name, thumbnail_src, created_at)
+        INSERT INTO topics (id, name, thumbnail_src, created_at)
         VALUES (?, ?, ?, ?)
         ON DUPLICATE KEY UPDATE name = VALUES(name)
       `,
-      [FREEFORM_GAME_ID, '직접 티어표 만들기', '', now()]
+      [FREEFORM_TOPIC_ID, '직접 티어표 만들기', '', now()]
     )
 
-    const countRows = await query('SELECT COUNT(*) AS count FROM games')
+    const countRows = await query('SELECT COUNT(*) AS count FROM topics')
     if (Number(countRows[0]?.count || 0) <= 1) {
       const createdAt = now()
       await query(
         `
-          INSERT INTO games (id, name, thumbnail_src, created_at)
+          INSERT INTO topics (id, name, thumbnail_src, created_at)
           VALUES
             (?, ?, ?, ?),
             (?, ?, ?, ?)
@@ -500,7 +546,7 @@ async function ensureSchema() {
 
       await query(
         `
-          INSERT INTO game_items (id, game_id, src, label, created_at)
+          INSERT INTO topic_items (id, topic_id, src, label, created_at)
           VALUES
             (?, ?, ?, ?, ?),
             (?, ?, ?, ?, ?)
@@ -662,7 +708,7 @@ async function listGames(currentUserId = '', options = {}) {
   const rows = await query(
     `
       SELECT id, name, thumbnail_src, is_public, display_rank, created_at
-      FROM games
+      FROM topics
       WHERE id <> ?
       ${includePrivate ? '' : 'AND is_public = 1'}
       ORDER BY
@@ -671,13 +717,13 @@ async function listGames(currentUserId = '', options = {}) {
         created_at DESC,
         name ASC
     `,
-    [FREEFORM_GAME_ID]
+    [FREEFORM_TOPIC_ID]
   )
   const games = rows.map(mapGameRow)
   if (!currentUserId) return games.map((game) => ({ ...game, isFavorited: false }))
 
-  const favoriteRows = await query('SELECT game_id FROM favorite_games WHERE user_id = ?', [currentUserId])
-  const favoriteSet = new Set(favoriteRows.map((row) => row.game_id))
+  const favoriteRows = await query('SELECT topic_id FROM favorite_topics WHERE user_id = ?', [currentUserId])
+  const favoriteSet = new Set(favoriteRows.map((row) => row.topic_id))
   return games.map((game) => ({
     ...game,
     isFavorited: favoriteSet.has(game.id),
@@ -685,16 +731,16 @@ async function listGames(currentUserId = '', options = {}) {
 }
 
 async function findGameById(id) {
-  const rows = await query('SELECT id, name, thumbnail_src, is_public, display_rank, created_at FROM games WHERE id = ? LIMIT 1', [id])
+  const rows = await query('SELECT id, name, thumbnail_src, is_public, display_rank, created_at FROM topics WHERE id = ? LIMIT 1', [id])
   return mapGameRow(rows[0])
 }
 
 async function listGameItems(gameId) {
   const rows = await query(
     `
-      SELECT id, game_id, src, label, display_order, created_at
-      FROM game_items
-      WHERE game_id = ?
+      SELECT id, topic_id, src, label, display_order, created_at
+      FROM topic_items
+      WHERE topic_id = ?
       ORDER BY
         CASE WHEN display_order IS NULL THEN 1 ELSE 0 END ASC,
         display_order ASC,
@@ -707,7 +753,7 @@ async function listGameItems(gameId) {
 }
 
 async function findGameItemById(itemId) {
-  const rows = await query('SELECT id, game_id, src, label, display_order, created_at FROM game_items WHERE id = ? LIMIT 1', [itemId])
+  const rows = await query('SELECT id, topic_id, src, label, display_order, created_at FROM topic_items WHERE id = ? LIMIT 1', [itemId])
   return mapGameItemRow(rows[0])
 }
 
@@ -719,7 +765,7 @@ async function getGameDetail(gameId) {
 }
 
 async function createGame({ id, name, isPublic = true }) {
-  await query('INSERT INTO games (id, name, thumbnail_src, is_public, display_rank, created_at) VALUES (?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?)', [
+  await query('INSERT INTO topics (id, name, thumbnail_src, is_public, display_rank, created_at) VALUES (?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?)', [
     id,
     name,
     '',
@@ -731,12 +777,12 @@ async function createGame({ id, name, isPublic = true }) {
 }
 
 async function updateGameThumbnail(gameId, thumbnailSrc) {
-  await query('UPDATE games SET thumbnail_src = ? WHERE id = ?', [thumbnailSrc, gameId])
+  await query('UPDATE topics SET thumbnail_src = ? WHERE id = ?', [thumbnailSrc, gameId])
   return findGameById(gameId)
 }
 
 async function updateGameVisibility(gameId, isPublic) {
-  await query('UPDATE games SET is_public = ? WHERE id = ?', [isPublic ? 1 : 0, gameId])
+  await query('UPDATE topics SET is_public = ? WHERE id = ?', [isPublic ? 1 : 0, gameId])
   return findGameById(gameId)
 }
 
@@ -838,8 +884,8 @@ async function listUnusedImageAssets({ limit = 100, minAgeHours = 24 } = {}) {
 
   const [userRows, gameRows, gameItemRows, customItemRows, tierListRows, templateRequestRows] = await Promise.all([
     query("SELECT avatar_src FROM users WHERE avatar_src <> ''"),
-    query("SELECT thumbnail_src FROM games WHERE thumbnail_src <> ''"),
-    query("SELECT src FROM game_items WHERE src <> ''"),
+    query("SELECT thumbnail_src FROM topics WHERE thumbnail_src <> ''"),
+    query("SELECT src FROM topic_items WHERE src <> ''"),
     query("SELECT src FROM custom_items WHERE src <> ''"),
     query("SELECT thumbnail_src, pool_json FROM tierlists"),
     query("SELECT thumbnail_src_snapshot, items_json, board_items_json FROM template_requests"),
@@ -891,8 +937,8 @@ async function listReferencedUploadUsage() {
 
   const [userRows, gameRows, gameItemRows, customItemRows, tierListRows, templateRequestRows] = await Promise.all([
     query("SELECT avatar_src FROM users WHERE avatar_src <> ''"),
-    query("SELECT thumbnail_src FROM games WHERE thumbnail_src <> ''"),
-    query("SELECT src FROM game_items WHERE src <> ''"),
+    query("SELECT thumbnail_src FROM topics WHERE thumbnail_src <> ''"),
+    query("SELECT src FROM topic_items WHERE src <> ''"),
     query("SELECT src FROM custom_items WHERE src <> ''"),
     query("SELECT id, thumbnail_src, pool_json FROM tierlists"),
     query("SELECT id, thumbnail_src_snapshot, items_json, board_items_json FROM template_requests"),
@@ -934,8 +980,8 @@ async function replaceUploadSourceReferences({ fromSrc, toSrc }) {
 
   const [userResult, gameResult, gameItemResult, customItemResult] = await Promise.all([
     query('UPDATE users SET avatar_src = ? WHERE avatar_src = ?', [toSrc, fromSrc]),
-    query('UPDATE games SET thumbnail_src = ? WHERE thumbnail_src = ?', [toSrc, fromSrc]),
-    query('UPDATE game_items SET src = ? WHERE src = ?', [toSrc, fromSrc]),
+    query('UPDATE topics SET thumbnail_src = ? WHERE thumbnail_src = ?', [toSrc, fromSrc]),
+    query('UPDATE topic_items SET src = ? WHERE src = ?', [toSrc, fromSrc]),
     query('UPDATE custom_items SET src = ? WHERE src = ?', [toSrc, fromSrc]),
   ])
 
@@ -1099,8 +1145,8 @@ async function cleanupMissingUploadReferences() {
 
   const [userRows, gameRows, gameItemRows, customItemRows, tierListRows, templateRequestRows] = await Promise.all([
     query("SELECT id, avatar_src FROM users WHERE avatar_src <> ''"),
-    query("SELECT id, thumbnail_src FROM games WHERE thumbnail_src <> ''"),
-    query("SELECT id, src FROM game_items WHERE src <> ''"),
+    query("SELECT id, thumbnail_src FROM topics WHERE thumbnail_src <> ''"),
+    query("SELECT id, src FROM topic_items WHERE src <> ''"),
     query("SELECT id, src FROM custom_items WHERE src <> ''"),
     query("SELECT id, thumbnail_src, groups_json, pool_json FROM tierlists"),
     query("SELECT id, thumbnail_src_snapshot, groups_json, items_json, board_items_json FROM template_requests"),
@@ -1114,7 +1160,7 @@ async function cleanupMissingUploadReferences() {
 
   for (const row of gameRows) {
     if (await fileExistsForUploadSrc(row.thumbnail_src)) continue
-    await query('UPDATE games SET thumbnail_src = ? WHERE id = ?', ['', row.id])
+    await query('UPDATE topics SET thumbnail_src = ? WHERE id = ?', ['', row.id])
     stats.clearedGameThumbnails += 1
   }
 
@@ -1269,10 +1315,10 @@ async function clearImageOptimizationJobs({ month } = {}) {
 }
 async function createGameItem({ id, gameId, src, label }) {
   const createdAt = now()
-  const minOrderRows = await query('SELECT MIN(display_order) AS min_display_order FROM game_items WHERE game_id = ?', [gameId])
+  const minOrderRows = await query('SELECT MIN(display_order) AS min_display_order FROM topic_items WHERE topic_id = ?', [gameId])
   const nextDisplayOrder =
     minOrderRows[0]?.min_display_order == null ? 0 : Number(minOrderRows[0].min_display_order) - 1
-  await query('INSERT INTO game_items (id, game_id, src, label, display_order, created_at) VALUES (?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?)', [
+  await query('INSERT INTO topic_items (id, topic_id, src, label, display_order, created_at) VALUES (?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?)', [
     id,
     gameId,
     src,
@@ -1280,13 +1326,13 @@ async function createGameItem({ id, gameId, src, label }) {
     nextDisplayOrder,
     createdAt,
   ])
-  const rows = await query('SELECT id, game_id, src, label, display_order, created_at FROM game_items WHERE id = ? LIMIT 1', [id])
+  const rows = await query('SELECT id, topic_id, src, label, display_order, created_at FROM topic_items WHERE id = ? LIMIT 1', [id])
   return mapGameItemRow(rows[0])
 }
 
 async function updateGameItemLabel(itemId, label) {
-  await query('UPDATE game_items SET label = ? WHERE id = ?', [label, itemId])
-  const rows = await query('SELECT id, game_id, src, label, display_order, created_at FROM game_items WHERE id = ? LIMIT 1', [itemId])
+  await query('UPDATE topic_items SET label = ? WHERE id = ?', [label, itemId])
+  const rows = await query('SELECT id, topic_id, src, label, display_order, created_at FROM topic_items WHERE id = ? LIMIT 1', [itemId])
   return mapGameItemRow(rows[0])
 }
 
@@ -1299,7 +1345,7 @@ async function updateGameItemDisplayOrder(gameId, itemIds) {
   const finalIds = [...orderedIds, ...remainingIds]
 
   await Promise.all(
-    finalIds.map((itemId, index) => query('UPDATE game_items SET display_order = ? WHERE id = ? AND game_id = ?', [index + 1, itemId, gameId]))
+    finalIds.map((itemId, index) => query('UPDATE topic_items SET display_order = ? WHERE id = ? AND topic_id = ?', [index + 1, itemId, gameId]))
   )
 
   return listGameItems(gameId)
@@ -1334,15 +1380,15 @@ async function updateImageAssetLabel(assetId, label) {
 }
 
 async function deleteGameItem(itemId) {
-  const gameItemRows = await query('SELECT game_id FROM game_items WHERE id = ? LIMIT 1', [itemId])
-  const gameId = gameItemRows[0]?.game_id
+  const gameItemRows = await query('SELECT topic_id FROM topic_items WHERE id = ? LIMIT 1', [itemId])
+  const gameId = gameItemRows[0]?.topic_id
 
   if (gameId) {
     const tierListRows = await query(
       `
-        SELECT id, author_id, game_id, title, description, is_public, groups_json, pool_json, created_at, updated_at
+        SELECT id, author_id, topic_id, title, description, is_public, groups_json, pool_json, created_at, updated_at
         FROM tierlists
-        WHERE game_id = ?
+        WHERE topic_id = ?
       `,
       [gameId]
     )
@@ -1362,21 +1408,21 @@ async function deleteGameItem(itemId) {
     }
   }
 
-  await query('DELETE FROM game_items WHERE id = ?', [itemId])
+  await query('DELETE FROM topic_items WHERE id = ?', [itemId])
 }
 
 async function deleteGame(gameId) {
-  await query('DELETE FROM games WHERE id = ?', [gameId])
+  await query('DELETE FROM topics WHERE id = ?', [gameId])
 }
 
 async function updateGameDisplayOrder(gameIds) {
-  const normalizedIds = Array.from(new Set((gameIds || []).filter((id) => id && id !== FREEFORM_GAME_ID))).slice(0, 50)
+  const normalizedIds = Array.from(new Set((gameIds || []).filter((id) => id && id !== FREEFORM_TOPIC_ID))).slice(0, 50)
 
-  await query('UPDATE games SET display_rank = NULL WHERE id <> ?', [FREEFORM_GAME_ID])
+  await query('UPDATE topics SET display_rank = NULL WHERE id <> ?', [FREEFORM_TOPIC_ID])
 
   await Promise.all(
     normalizedIds.map((gameId, index) =>
-      query('UPDATE games SET display_rank = ? WHERE id = ? AND id <> ?', [index + 1, gameId, FREEFORM_GAME_ID])
+      query('UPDATE topics SET display_rank = ? WHERE id = ? AND id <> ?', [index + 1, gameId, FREEFORM_TOPIC_ID])
     )
   )
 
@@ -1438,9 +1484,9 @@ async function findCustomItemById(id) {
 async function getCustomItemUsageMeta() {
   const rows = await query(
     `
-      SELECT t.game_id, g.name AS game_name, t.groups_json, t.pool_json
+      SELECT t.topic_id, tp.name AS topic_name, t.groups_json, t.pool_json
       FROM tierlists t
-      LEFT JOIN games g ON g.id = t.game_id
+      LEFT JOIN topics tp ON tp.id = t.topic_id
     `
   )
   const usageMap = new Map()
@@ -1465,13 +1511,13 @@ async function getCustomItemUsageMeta() {
       }
     })
 
-    if (!row.game_id) return
+    if (!row.topic_id) return
 
     seenItemIds.forEach((itemId) => {
       if (!linkedGamesMap.has(itemId)) linkedGamesMap.set(itemId, new Map())
-      linkedGamesMap.get(itemId).set(row.game_id, {
-        id: row.game_id,
-        name: row.game_name || row.game_id,
+      linkedGamesMap.get(itemId).set(row.topic_id, {
+        id: row.topic_id,
+        name: row.topic_name || row.topic_id,
       })
     })
   })
@@ -1511,14 +1557,14 @@ async function listCustomItems({ queryText = '', page = 1, limit = 50, filterMod
       `
         SELECT
           gi.id,
-          gi.game_id,
+          gi.topic_id,
           gi.src,
           gi.label,
           gi.created_at,
-          g.name AS game_name
-        FROM game_items gi
-        INNER JOIN games g ON g.id = gi.game_id
-        ${hasQuery ? 'WHERE gi.label LIKE ? OR gi.src LIKE ? OR gi.game_id LIKE ? OR g.name LIKE ?' : ''}
+          tp.name AS topic_name
+        FROM topic_items gi
+        INNER JOIN topics tp ON tp.id = gi.topic_id
+        ${hasQuery ? 'WHERE gi.label LIKE ? OR gi.src LIKE ? OR gi.topic_id LIKE ? OR tp.name LIKE ?' : ''}
         ORDER BY gi.created_at DESC
       `,
       hasQuery ? [search, search, search, search] : []
@@ -1540,9 +1586,9 @@ async function listCustomItems({ queryText = '', page = 1, limit = 50, filterMod
   gameItemRows.forEach((row) => {
     if (!row?.src) return
     if (!templateLinkedBySrc.has(row.src)) templateLinkedBySrc.set(row.src, new Map())
-    templateLinkedBySrc.get(row.src).set(row.game_id, {
-      id: row.game_id,
-      name: row.game_name || row.game_id,
+    templateLinkedBySrc.get(row.src).set(row.topic_id, {
+      id: row.topic_id,
+      name: row.topic_name || row.topic_id,
     })
   })
 
@@ -1593,15 +1639,15 @@ async function listCustomItems({ queryText = '', page = 1, limit = 50, filterMod
     src: row.src,
     label: row.label,
     createdAt: Number(row.created_at),
-    ownerName: row.game_name || row.game_id,
+    ownerName: row.topic_name || row.topic_id,
     ownerEmail: '',
     usageCount: (templateLinkedBySrc.get(row.src) || new Map()).size,
     linkedGames: Array.from((templateLinkedBySrc.get(row.src) || new Map()).values()),
     sourceType: 'template',
     sourceLabel: '관리자 템플릿',
     canDelete: true,
-    sourceGameId: row.game_id,
-    sourceGameName: row.game_name || row.game_id,
+    sourceGameId: row.topic_id,
+    sourceGameName: row.topic_name || row.topic_id,
   }))
 
   const baseItems = [...customItems, ...templateItems, ...assetLibraryItems]
@@ -1767,12 +1813,12 @@ function applyFavoriteMetaToTierLists(tierLists, favoriteStats) {
   }))
 }
 
-async function listPublicTierLists(gameId, currentUserId = '', queryText = '') {
+async function listPublicTierLists(topicId, currentUserId = '', queryText = '') {
   const params = []
   let whereClause = 'WHERE t.is_public = 1'
-  if (gameId) {
-    whereClause += ' AND t.game_id = ?'
-    params.push(gameId)
+  if (topicId) {
+    whereClause += ' AND t.topic_id = ?'
+    params.push(topicId)
   }
   if ((queryText || '').trim()) {
     const search = `%${queryText.trim()}%`
@@ -1784,7 +1830,7 @@ async function listPublicTierLists(gameId, currentUserId = '', queryText = '') {
     `
       SELECT
         t.id,
-        t.game_id,
+        t.topic_id,
         t.title,
         t.thumbnail_src,
         t.created_at,
@@ -1804,7 +1850,8 @@ async function listPublicTierLists(gameId, currentUserId = '', queryText = '') {
 
   const tierLists = rows.map((row) => ({
     id: row.id,
-    gameId: row.game_id,
+    topicId: row.topic_id,
+    gameId: row.topic_id,
     title: row.title,
     thumbnailSrc: row.thumbnail_src || '',
     createdAt: Number(row.created_at),
@@ -1830,7 +1877,7 @@ async function listFavoriteTierLists(userId, { queryText = '', sort = 'favorited
 
   if ((queryText || '').trim()) {
     const search = `%${queryText.trim()}%`
-    whereClause += ' AND (t.title LIKE ? OR g.name LIKE ? OR u.nickname LIKE ? OR u.email LIKE ?)'
+    whereClause += ' AND (t.title LIKE ? OR tp.name LIKE ? OR u.nickname LIKE ? OR u.email LIKE ?)'
     params.push(search, search, search, search)
   }
 
@@ -1846,8 +1893,8 @@ async function listFavoriteTierLists(userId, { queryText = '', sort = 'favorited
       SELECT
         t.id,
         t.author_id,
-        t.game_id,
-        g.name AS game_name,
+        t.topic_id,
+        tp.name AS topic_name,
         t.title,
         t.thumbnail_src,
         t.description,
@@ -1873,7 +1920,7 @@ async function listFavoriteTierLists(userId, { queryText = '', sort = 'favorited
       FROM favorite_tierlists f
       INNER JOIN tierlists t ON t.id = f.tierlist_id
       INNER JOIN users u ON u.id = t.author_id
-      INNER JOIN games g ON g.id = t.game_id
+      INNER JOIN topics tp ON tp.id = t.topic_id
       ${whereClause}
       ${orderClause}
     `,
@@ -1893,7 +1940,7 @@ async function listUserTierLists(userId) {
     `
       SELECT
         t.id,
-        t.game_id,
+        t.topic_id,
         t.title,
         t.thumbnail_src,
         t.created_at,
@@ -1912,7 +1959,8 @@ async function listUserTierLists(userId) {
 
   const tierLists = rows.map((row) => ({
     id: row.id,
-    gameId: row.game_id,
+    topicId: row.topic_id,
+    gameId: row.topic_id,
     title: row.title,
     thumbnailSrc: row.thumbnail_src || '',
     createdAt: Number(row.created_at),
@@ -1958,25 +2006,26 @@ function getAutoThumbnailSrc(groups = [], pool = []) {
   return fallbackItem?.src || ''
 }
 
-async function listAdminTierLists({ queryText = '', gameId = '', page = 1, limit = 50, currentUserId = '' } = {}) {
+async function listAdminTierLists({ queryText = '', gameId = '', topicId = '', page = 1, limit = 50, currentUserId = '' } = {}) {
   const normalizedLimit = Math.min(Math.max(Number(limit) || 50, 1), 200)
   const normalizedPage = Math.max(Number(page) || 1, 1)
   const hasQuery = !!(queryText || '').trim()
-  const hasGameId = !!(gameId || '').trim()
+  const resolvedTopicId = (topicId || gameId || '').trim()
+  const hasGameId = !!resolvedTopicId
   const search = `%${(queryText || '').trim()}%`
   const whereParts = []
   const params = []
 
   if (hasGameId) {
-    whereParts.push('t.game_id = ?')
-    params.push((gameId || '').trim())
+    whereParts.push('t.topic_id = ?')
+    params.push(resolvedTopicId)
   }
 
   if (hasQuery) {
     whereParts.push(`(
       t.title LIKE ?
-      OR g.name LIKE ?
-      OR g.id LIKE ?
+      OR tp.name LIKE ?
+      OR tp.id LIKE ?
       OR u.email LIKE ?
       OR u.nickname LIKE ?
     )`)
@@ -1990,8 +2039,8 @@ async function listAdminTierLists({ queryText = '', gameId = '', page = 1, limit
       SELECT
         t.id,
         t.author_id,
-        t.game_id,
-        g.name AS game_name,
+        t.topic_id,
+        tp.name AS topic_name,
         t.title,
         t.thumbnail_src,
         t.description,
@@ -2010,7 +2059,7 @@ async function listAdminTierLists({ queryText = '', gameId = '', page = 1, limit
         u.avatar_src
       FROM tierlists t
       INNER JOIN users u ON u.id = t.author_id
-      INNER JOIN games g ON g.id = t.game_id
+      INNER JOIN topics tp ON tp.id = t.topic_id
       ${whereClause}
       ORDER BY t.updated_at DESC, t.created_at DESC
     `,
@@ -2044,23 +2093,24 @@ async function listAdminTierLists({ queryText = '', gameId = '', page = 1, limit
   }
 }
 
-async function summarizeAdminTierLists({ queryText = '', gameId = '' } = {}) {
+async function summarizeAdminTierLists({ queryText = '', gameId = '', topicId = '' } = {}) {
   const hasQuery = !!(queryText || '').trim()
-  const hasGameId = !!(gameId || '').trim()
+  const resolvedTopicId = (topicId || gameId || '').trim()
+  const hasGameId = !!resolvedTopicId
   const search = `%${(queryText || '').trim()}%`
   const whereParts = []
   const params = []
 
   if (hasGameId) {
-    whereParts.push('t.game_id = ?')
-    params.push((gameId || '').trim())
+    whereParts.push('t.topic_id = ?')
+    params.push(resolvedTopicId)
   }
 
   if (hasQuery) {
     whereParts.push(`(
       t.title LIKE ?
-      OR g.name LIKE ?
-      OR g.id LIKE ?
+      OR tp.name LIKE ?
+      OR tp.id LIKE ?
       OR u.email LIKE ?
       OR u.nickname LIKE ?
     )`)
@@ -2073,7 +2123,7 @@ async function summarizeAdminTierLists({ queryText = '', gameId = '' } = {}) {
       SELECT t.is_public
       FROM tierlists t
       INNER JOIN users u ON u.id = t.author_id
-      INNER JOIN games g ON g.id = t.game_id
+      INNER JOIN topics tp ON tp.id = t.topic_id
       ${whereClause}
     `,
     params
@@ -2094,8 +2144,8 @@ async function findTierListById(id, currentUserId = '') {
       SELECT
         t.id,
         t.author_id,
-        t.game_id,
-        g.name AS game_name,
+        t.topic_id,
+        tp.name AS topic_name,
         t.title,
         t.thumbnail_src,
         t.description,
@@ -2114,7 +2164,7 @@ async function findTierListById(id, currentUserId = '') {
         u.avatar_src
       FROM tierlists t
       INNER JOIN users u ON u.id = t.author_id
-      INNER JOIN games g ON g.id = t.game_id
+      INNER JOIN topics tp ON tp.id = t.topic_id
       WHERE t.id = ?
       LIMIT 1
     `,
@@ -2146,6 +2196,8 @@ async function createTemplateRequest({
   sourceTierListId = '',
   sourceGameId,
   targetGameId = '',
+  sourceTopicId = sourceGameId,
+  targetTopicId = targetGameId,
   title,
   description = '',
   thumbnailSrc = '',
@@ -2171,8 +2223,8 @@ async function createTemplateRequest({
         request_type,
         requester_id,
         source_tierlist_id,
-        source_game_id,
-        target_game_id,
+        source_topic_id,
+        target_topic_id,
         status,
         title_snapshot,
         description_snapshot,
@@ -2191,8 +2243,8 @@ async function createTemplateRequest({
       type,
       requesterId,
       sourceTierListId || null,
-      sourceGameId,
-      targetGameId,
+      sourceTopicId,
+      targetTopicId,
       title,
       description,
       thumbnailSrc,
@@ -2215,8 +2267,8 @@ async function findTemplateRequestById(id) {
         tr.request_type,
         tr.requester_id,
         tr.source_tierlist_id,
-        tr.source_game_id,
-        tr.target_game_id,
+        tr.source_topic_id,
+        tr.target_topic_id,
         tr.status,
         tr.title_snapshot,
         tr.description_snapshot,
@@ -2230,12 +2282,12 @@ async function findTemplateRequestById(id) {
         u.nickname,
         u.email,
         u.avatar_src AS requester_avatar_src,
-        sg.name AS source_game_name,
-        tg.name AS target_game_name
+        sg.name AS source_topic_name,
+        tg.name AS target_topic_name
       FROM template_requests tr
       INNER JOIN users u ON u.id = tr.requester_id
-      LEFT JOIN games sg ON sg.id = tr.source_game_id
-      LEFT JOIN games tg ON tg.id = tr.target_game_id
+      LEFT JOIN topics sg ON sg.id = tr.source_topic_id
+      LEFT JOIN topics tg ON tg.id = tr.target_topic_id
       WHERE tr.id = ?
       LIMIT 1
     `,
@@ -2257,8 +2309,8 @@ async function listAdminTemplateRequests({ status = 'pending', statuses = [] } =
         tr.request_type,
         tr.requester_id,
         tr.source_tierlist_id,
-        tr.source_game_id,
-        tr.target_game_id,
+        tr.source_topic_id,
+        tr.target_topic_id,
         tr.status,
         tr.title_snapshot,
         tr.description_snapshot,
@@ -2272,12 +2324,12 @@ async function listAdminTemplateRequests({ status = 'pending', statuses = [] } =
         u.nickname,
         u.email,
         u.avatar_src AS requester_avatar_src,
-        sg.name AS source_game_name,
-        tg.name AS target_game_name
+        sg.name AS source_topic_name,
+        tg.name AS target_topic_name
       FROM template_requests tr
       INNER JOIN users u ON u.id = tr.requester_id
-      LEFT JOIN games sg ON sg.id = tr.source_game_id
-      LEFT JOIN games tg ON tg.id = tr.target_game_id
+      LEFT JOIN topics sg ON sg.id = tr.source_topic_id
+      LEFT JOIN topics tg ON tg.id = tr.target_topic_id
       WHERE tr.status IN (${placeholders})
       ORDER BY
         CASE tr.status
@@ -2299,7 +2351,7 @@ async function updateTemplateRequestStatus({ id, status }) {
 }
 
 async function updateTemplateRequestTargetGame({ id, targetGameId }) {
-  await query('UPDATE template_requests SET target_game_id = ?, updated_at = ? WHERE id = ?', [targetGameId || '', now(), id])
+  await query('UPDATE template_requests SET target_topic_id = ?, updated_at = ? WHERE id = ?', [targetGameId || '', now(), id])
   return findTemplateRequestById(id)
 }
 
@@ -2350,6 +2402,7 @@ async function saveTierList({
   id,
   authorId,
   gameId,
+  topicId = gameId,
   title,
   thumbnailSrc = '',
   description,
@@ -2383,11 +2436,11 @@ async function saveTierList({
   await query(
     `
       INSERT INTO tierlists (
-        id, author_id, game_id, title, thumbnail_src, description, is_public, show_character_names, icon_size, source_tierlist_id, source_snapshot_title, source_snapshot_author, groups_json, pool_json, created_at, updated_at
+        id, author_id, topic_id, title, thumbnail_src, description, is_public, show_character_names, icon_size, source_tierlist_id, source_snapshot_title, source_snapshot_author, groups_json, pool_json, created_at, updated_at
       )
       VALUES (?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?)
     `,
-    [nextId, authorId, gameId, title, nextThumbnailSrc, description || '', isPublic ? 1 : 0, showCharacterNames ? 1 : 0, Number(iconSize) || 80, sourceTierListId || null, sourceSnapshotTitle || '', sourceSnapshotAuthor || '', serializeJson(groups), serializeJson(pool), createdAt, createdAt]
+    [nextId, authorId, topicId, title, nextThumbnailSrc, description || '', isPublic ? 1 : 0, showCharacterNames ? 1 : 0, Number(iconSize) || 80, sourceTierListId || null, sourceSnapshotTitle || '', sourceSnapshotAuthor || '', serializeJson(groups), serializeJson(pool), createdAt, createdAt]
   )
   return findTierListById(nextId, authorId)
 }
@@ -2400,7 +2453,8 @@ async function duplicateTierListForUser({ tierList, targetUserId }) {
   return saveTierList({
     id: duplicateId,
     authorId: targetUserId,
-    gameId: tierList.gameId,
+    gameId: tierList.topicId || tierList.gameId,
+    topicId: tierList.topicId || tierList.gameId,
     title: copyTitle,
     thumbnailSrc: tierList.thumbnailSrc || '',
     description: tierList.description || '',
@@ -2424,11 +2478,11 @@ async function unfavoriteTierList({ userId, tierListId }) {
 }
 
 async function favoriteGame({ userId, gameId }) {
-  await query('INSERT IGNORE INTO favorite_games (user_id, game_id, created_at) VALUES (?, ?, ?)', [userId, gameId, now()])
+  await query('INSERT IGNORE INTO favorite_topics (user_id, topic_id, created_at) VALUES (?, ?, ?)', [userId, gameId, now()])
 }
 
 async function unfavoriteGame({ userId, gameId }) {
-  await query('DELETE FROM favorite_games WHERE user_id = ? AND game_id = ?', [userId, gameId])
+  await query('DELETE FROM favorite_topics WHERE user_id = ? AND topic_id = ?', [userId, gameId])
 }
 
 module.exports = {
diff --git a/backend/src/routes/admin.js b/backend/src/routes/admin.js
index d6286f5..49d52a5 100644
--- a/backend/src/routes/admin.js
+++ b/backend/src/routes/admin.js
@@ -308,6 +308,7 @@ router.get('/custom-items', requireAdmin, async (req, res) => {
 router.get('/tierlists', requireAdmin, async (req, res) => {
   const schema = z.object({
     q: z.string().trim().max(120).optional().default(''),
+    topicId: z.string().trim().max(120).optional().default(''),
     gameId: z.string().trim().max(120).optional().default(''),
     page: z.coerce.number().int().min(1).optional().default(1),
     limit: z.coerce.number().int().min(1).max(200).optional().default(50),
@@ -317,6 +318,7 @@ router.get('/tierlists', requireAdmin, async (req, res) => {
 
   const result = await listAdminTierLists({
     queryText: parsed.data.q,
+    topicId: parsed.data.topicId || parsed.data.gameId,
     gameId: parsed.data.gameId,
     page: parsed.data.page,
     limit: parsed.data.limit,
@@ -328,6 +330,7 @@ router.get('/tierlists', requireAdmin, async (req, res) => {
 router.get('/tierlists/stats', requireAdmin, async (req, res) => {
   const schema = z.object({
     q: z.string().trim().max(120).optional().default(''),
+    topicId: z.string().trim().max(120).optional().default(''),
     gameId: z.string().trim().max(120).optional().default(''),
   })
   const parsed = schema.safeParse(req.query)
@@ -335,6 +338,7 @@ router.get('/tierlists/stats', requireAdmin, async (req, res) => {
 
   const result = await summarizeAdminTierLists({
     queryText: parsed.data.q,
+    topicId: parsed.data.topicId || parsed.data.gameId,
     gameId: parsed.data.gameId,
   })
   res.json(result)
diff --git a/backend/src/routes/tierlists.js b/backend/src/routes/tierlists.js
index 16387be..d2b8071 100644
--- a/backend/src/routes/tierlists.js
+++ b/backend/src/routes/tierlists.js
@@ -20,7 +20,7 @@ const { requireAuth } = require('../middleware/auth')
 const { createMemoryUpload, writeOptimizedImage } = require('../lib/image-storage')
 
 const router = express.Router()
-const FREEFORM_GAME_ID = 'freeform'
+const FREEFORM_TOPIC_ID = 'freeform'
 const FREEFORM_DEFAULT_TITLE = '직접 티어표 만들기'
 
 function normalizePoolItem(item) {
@@ -61,7 +61,8 @@ const thumbnailUpload = createMemoryUpload(multer, { fileSize: 8 * 1024 * 1024 }
 const templateRequestSchema = z.object({
   type: z.enum(['create', 'update']),
   sourceTierListId: z.string().max(64).optional().default(''),
-  gameId: z.string().min(1).max(120),
+  gameId: z.string().min(1).max(120).optional(),
+  topicId: z.string().min(1).max(120).optional(),
   requestTitle: z.string().trim().min(1).max(120),
   requestDescription: z.string().trim().min(1).max(1000),
   thumbnailSrc: z.string().max(255).optional().default(''),
@@ -72,7 +73,11 @@ const templateRequestSchema = z.object({
       id: z.string().min(1),
       name: z.string().min(1).max(16),
       itemIds: z.array(z.string()).optional().default([]),
-    }).passthrough()
+}).passthrough().superRefine((value, ctx) => {
+  if (!(value.topicId || value.gameId)) {
+    ctx.addIssue({ code: z.ZodIssueCode.custom, message: 'topicId_required', path: ['topicId'] })
+  }
+})
   ),
   boardItems: z.array(
     z.object({
@@ -86,7 +91,8 @@ const templateRequestSchema = z.object({
 
 const tierListUpsertSchema = z.object({
   id: z.string().optional(),
-  gameId: z.string().min(1),
+  gameId: z.string().min(1).optional(),
+  topicId: z.string().min(1).optional(),
   title: z.string().min(1).max(120),
   thumbnailSrc: z.string().max(255).optional().default(''),
   description: z.string().max(1000).optional().default(''),
@@ -111,12 +117,16 @@ const tierListUpsertSchema = z.object({
       origin: z.enum(['game', 'custom']).default('game'),
     })
   ),
+}).superRefine((value, ctx) => {
+  if (!(value.topicId || value.gameId)) {
+    ctx.addIssue({ code: z.ZodIssueCode.custom, message: 'topicId_required', path: ['topicId'] })
+  }
 })
 
 router.get('/public', async (req, res) => {
-  const gameId = req.query.gameId
+  const topicId = typeof req.query.topicId === 'string' ? req.query.topicId : req.query.gameId
   const queryText = typeof req.query.q === 'string' ? req.query.q : ''
-  const lists = await listPublicTierLists(gameId, req.session?.userId || '', queryText)
+  const lists = await listPublicTierLists(topicId, req.session?.userId || '', queryText)
   res.json({ tierLists: lists })
 })
 
@@ -226,14 +236,15 @@ router.post('/template-request', requireAuth, async (req, res) => {
   if (!parsed.success) return res.status(400).json({ error: 'bad_request' })
 
   const payload = parsed.data
+  const topicId = payload.topicId || payload.gameId
   const normalizedBoardItems = payload.boardItems.map(normalizePoolItem)
   const customItems = normalizedBoardItems.filter((item) => item?.origin === 'custom')
   if (!customItems.length) return res.status(400).json({ error: 'custom_items_required' })
 
   if (payload.type === 'create') {
-    if (payload.gameId !== FREEFORM_GAME_ID) return res.status(400).json({ error: 'freeform_required' })
-  } else if (payload.gameId === FREEFORM_GAME_ID) {
-    return res.status(400).json({ error: 'game_template_required' })
+    if (topicId !== FREEFORM_TOPIC_ID) return res.status(400).json({ error: 'freeform_required' })
+  } else if (topicId === FREEFORM_TOPIC_ID) {
+    return res.status(400).json({ error: 'topic_template_required' })
   }
 
   let sourceTierList = null
@@ -251,8 +262,10 @@ router.post('/template-request', requireAuth, async (req, res) => {
       type: payload.type,
       requesterId: req.session.userId,
       sourceTierListId: sourceTierList?.id || '',
-      sourceGameId: payload.gameId,
-      targetGameId: payload.type === 'update' ? payload.gameId : '',
+      sourceGameId: topicId,
+      sourceTopicId: topicId,
+      targetGameId: payload.type === 'update' ? topicId : '',
+      targetTopicId: payload.type === 'update' ? topicId : '',
       title: payload.requestTitle,
       description: payload.requestDescription,
       thumbnailSrc: payload.thumbnailSrc || '',
@@ -274,6 +287,7 @@ router.post('/', requireAuth, async (req, res) => {
   const parsed = tierListUpsertSchema.safeParse(req.body)
   if (!parsed.success) return res.status(400).json({ error: 'bad_request' })
   const payload = parsed.data
+  const topicId = payload.topicId || payload.gameId
   const normalizedPool = payload.pool.map(normalizePoolItem)
 
   let existing = null
@@ -284,7 +298,8 @@ router.post('/', requireAuth, async (req, res) => {
     const updated = await saveTierList({
       id: existing.id,
       authorId: existing.authorId,
-      gameId: existing.gameId,
+      gameId: existing.topicId || existing.gameId,
+      topicId: existing.topicId || existing.gameId,
       title: payload.title,
       thumbnailSrc: payload.thumbnailSrc || '',
       description: payload.description || '',
@@ -303,7 +318,8 @@ router.post('/', requireAuth, async (req, res) => {
   const created = await saveTierList({
     id: nanoid(),
     authorId: req.session.userId,
-    gameId: payload.gameId,
+    gameId: topicId,
+    topicId,
     title: payload.title,
     thumbnailSrc: payload.thumbnailSrc || '',
     description: payload.description || '',
diff --git a/docs/history.md b/docs/history.md
index 3fd585d..a5e7d2e 100644
--- a/docs/history.md
+++ b/docs/history.md
@@ -1,5 +1,9 @@
 # 의사결정 이력
 
+## 2026-04-02 v1.4.13
+- 사용자 표면과 API 이름층까지 `topic/template`로 옮긴 뒤에는, DB 스키마도 실제로 따라오게 해야 이후 유지보수 비용이 덜 쌓이므로 `games` 계열 실명을 `topics` 계열로 마이그레이션하는 편이 맞다고 판단했다.
+- 다만 한 번에 응답 키까지 완전히 끊으면 프런트와 관리자 흐름이 너무 크게 흔들릴 수 있으므로, 이번 단계에서는 실제 저장 스키마는 `topic`으로 옮기고 응답의 `gameId / gameName`은 호환 키로 잠시 함께 유지하는 점진 마감이 가장 안전하다고 정리했다.
+
 ## 2026-04-02 v1.4.12
 - 프런트 이름만 바꾸는 단계가 끝난 뒤에는, 백엔드도 새 `/api/topics`, `/api/admin/templates` 경로를 열고 기존 `/games`는 호환용으로 남기는 점진 전환이 가장 안전하다고 판단했다.
 
diff --git a/docs/todo.md b/docs/todo.md
index 58a9a20..e1601e8 100644
--- a/docs/todo.md
+++ b/docs/todo.md
@@ -1,8 +1,10 @@
 # 할 일 및 이슈
 
 ## 단기 확인
+- `v1.4.13`부터 DB 실명도 `topics / topic_items / favorite_topics / topic_id` 기준으로 옮겼으므로, 기존 운영 DB에서 서버 재시작 후 자동 마이그레이션이 한 번만 자연스럽게 수행되는지 먼저 확인한다.
+- 백엔드 응답은 현재 `topicId / topicName`과 `gameId / gameName`을 함께 내려주고 있으므로, 다음 단계에서는 실제 프런트/관리자에서 더 이상 `gameId` fallback이 필요 없는 지점을 확인해 호환 키 제거 순서를 정한다.
+- 티어표 공개 목록, 관리자 전체 티어표 관리, 저장/요청 API는 `topicId`를 우선 받도록 바꿨으므로, 실제 브라우저에서 검색/저장/공유/관리자 필터가 모두 같은 파라미터 체계로 자연스럽게 이어지는지 한 번 더 QA한다.
 - `/api/topics`, `/api/admin/templates` alias를 연 뒤 프런트 호출도 새 경로로 옮겼으므로, 실제 브라우저에서 주제 목록/즐겨찾기/주제 상세/관리자 템플릿 관리가 모두 같은 세션으로 자연스럽게 동작하는지 한 번 더 QA한다.
-- 다음 마지막 단계에서는 DB 스키마와 백엔드 함수/변수명까지 실제로 옮길지, 아니면 현재 alias 구조를 안정판으로 남길지 최종 결정한다.
 - 프런트 API 호출부는 `topic/template` 의미 이름으로 옮겼으므로, 다음 단계에서는 `api.js` 안의 레거시 alias를 얼마나 더 유지할지와 백엔드 API 경로를 실제로 바꿀지 범위를 정한다.
 - 관리자 템플릿/주제 화면과 홈·에디터·즐겨찾기에서 새 API 이름층으로 바뀐 뒤에도 저장, 즐겨찾기, 템플릿 생성, 아이템 정렬 흐름이 자연스러운지 한 번 더 QA한다.
 - `topicHub / topicId`를 기본 라우트 기준으로 세웠으므로, 기존 `/games/...` 북마크와 새 `/topics/...` 주소 양쪽에서 주제 상세와 에디터 진입이 모두 자연스럽게 이어지는지 한 번 더 QA한다.
diff --git a/docs/update.md b/docs/update.md
index d8a8cfa..5708a65 100644
--- a/docs/update.md
+++ b/docs/update.md
@@ -1,5 +1,10 @@
 # 업데이트 로그
 
+## 2026-04-02 v1.4.13
+- DB 실명 변경 마지막 단계로 `games / game_items / favorite_games`를 `topics / topic_items / favorite_topics` 기준으로 자동 마이그레이션하도록 정리하고, `tierlists.game_id`, `template_requests.source_game_id/target_game_id`도 각각 `topic_id`, `source_topic_id/target_topic_id`로 옮기게 했다.
+- 백엔드 저장/조회 쿼리는 이제 새 topic 스키마를 기준으로 동작하고, 응답에는 `topicId / topicName`을 기본으로 내려주되 기존 프런트가 바로 깨지지 않도록 `gameId / gameName`도 잠시 함께 유지했다.
+- 티어표 공개 목록, 관리자 전체 티어표 관리, 티어표 저장/요청 API는 `topicId`를 우선 받도록 정리하고 기존 `gameId`는 호환 입력으로만 남겨, 외부 표면과 실제 저장 스키마가 한 단계 더 가까워지게 맞췄다.
+
 ## 2026-04-02 v1.4.12
 - 백엔드에 `/api/topics`와 `/api/admin/templates` alias 경로를 추가하고, 주제/템플릿 응답도 `topic/topics`, `template/templates` 키를 함께 내려주도록 정리했다.
 - 프런트의 새 의미 이름은 이제 실제로도 `/api/topics`, `/api/admin/templates`를 타도록 연결해, 경로 이름과 호출 이름이 다시 어긋나지 않게 맞췄다.
diff --git a/frontend/src/lib/api.js b/frontend/src/lib/api.js
index 5e328f2..272ba34 100644
--- a/frontend/src/lib/api.js
+++ b/frontend/src/lib/api.js
@@ -45,12 +45,12 @@ export const api = {
     request(
       `/api/admin/custom-items?q=${encodeURIComponent(q)}&page=${encodeURIComponent(page)}&limit=${encodeURIComponent(limit)}&filter=${encodeURIComponent(filter)}`
     ),
-  listAdminTierLists: ({ q = '', gameId = '', page = 1, limit = 50 } = {}) =>
+  listAdminTierLists: ({ q = '', topicId = '', gameId = '', page = 1, limit = 50 } = {}) =>
     request(
-      `/api/admin/tierlists?q=${encodeURIComponent(q)}&gameId=${encodeURIComponent(gameId)}&page=${encodeURIComponent(page)}&limit=${encodeURIComponent(limit)}`
+      `/api/admin/tierlists?q=${encodeURIComponent(q)}&topicId=${encodeURIComponent(topicId || gameId)}&page=${encodeURIComponent(page)}&limit=${encodeURIComponent(limit)}`
     ),
-  getAdminTierListStats: ({ q = '', gameId = '' } = {}) =>
-    request(`/api/admin/tierlists/stats?q=${encodeURIComponent(q)}&gameId=${encodeURIComponent(gameId)}`),
+  getAdminTierListStats: ({ q = '', topicId = '', gameId = '' } = {}) =>
+    request(`/api/admin/tierlists/stats?q=${encodeURIComponent(q)}&topicId=${encodeURIComponent(topicId || gameId)}`),
   updateAdminTierList: (tierListId, payload) =>
     request(`/api/admin/tierlists/${encodeURIComponent(tierListId)}`, { method: 'PATCH', body: payload }),
   deleteAdminTierList: (tierListId) =>
@@ -112,9 +112,9 @@ export const api = {
   deleteAdminUser: (userId) => request(`/api/admin/users/${encodeURIComponent(userId)}`, { method: 'DELETE' }),
 
   listPublicTierListsByTopic: (topicId) =>
-    request(`/api/tierlists/public?gameId=${encodeURIComponent(topicId || '')}`),
+    request(`/api/tierlists/public?topicId=${encodeURIComponent(topicId || '')}`),
   searchPublicTierListsByTopic: (topicId, q = '') =>
-    request(`/api/tierlists/public?gameId=${encodeURIComponent(topicId || '')}&q=${encodeURIComponent(q || '')}`),
+    request(`/api/tierlists/public?topicId=${encodeURIComponent(topicId || '')}&q=${encodeURIComponent(q || '')}`),
   searchAllPublicTierLists: (q = '') => request(`/api/tierlists/public?q=${encodeURIComponent(q || '')}`),
   listMyTierLists: () => request('/api/tierlists/me'),
   listMyFavoriteTierLists: ({ q = '', sort = 'favorited' } = {}) =>
@@ -163,7 +163,7 @@ export const api = {
   createAdminGameTemplateFromTierList: (tierListId, payload) =>
     request(`/api/admin/tierlists/${encodeURIComponent(tierListId)}/create-game-template`, { method: 'POST', body: payload }),
   listPublicTierLists: (gameId) =>
-    request(`/api/tierlists/public?gameId=${encodeURIComponent(gameId || '')}`),
+    request(`/api/tierlists/public?topicId=${encodeURIComponent(gameId || '')}`),
   searchPublicTierLists: (gameId, q = '') =>
-    request(`/api/tierlists/public?gameId=${encodeURIComponent(gameId || '')}&q=${encodeURIComponent(q || '')}`),
+    request(`/api/tierlists/public?topicId=${encodeURIComponent(gameId || '')}&q=${encodeURIComponent(q || '')}`),
 }