Gaming Language as a Language Variations in Digital Humanities

Abstract

This study examined the language used by players in the online game Valorant. Gaming language develops massively as a digital way of living. In digital humanities, variation in virtual communication needs to be considered an essential milestone in language development. This study investigated in specific the use of slang, which identified a particular community. There were two goals of this study first, to determine the slang words used by players during the game, and second to examine the function of these slang words. Data for this study were collected during one month of the consecutive game, including screenshots and recording of sessions. Results showed four categories of slang words used by Valorant players, with acronyms and clippings used more frequently (42,50% for each category) than other slang words. Players used these slang words to convey emotional and tactical messages. These functions were identified, including disapproval, criticism, support, and praises. It was concluded that the new slang words showed language used in gaming as a phenomenon in digital humanities. Implications for future research were also discussed for further development of digital culture and digital humanities.