Noun
The argument for video game as a noun centers around the idea that it refers to a specific thing or object, rather than an action or process. Proponents of this viewpoint argue that video game is more like other forms of entertainment such as books, movies, and music, which are all considered nouns.
One case study that supports this argument comes from a survey conducted by the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) in 2019. The survey found that 68% of respondents identified video game as a type of entertainment, rather than a verb or action.
Expert opinion on this matter also supports the notion that video game refers to a specific thing or object. Dr. Shawn Graham, an assistant professor of interactive media at Ryerson University, argues that video game can be owned and experienced, much like a book or a movie.
However, proponents of this viewpoint also acknowledge that there are instances where video game can refer to an action or process. For example, when we say “I am playing a video game,” the emphasis is on the verb aspect of the phrase.
Verb
The argument for video game as a verb centers around the idea that it refers to an action or process, rather than a specific thing or object. Proponents of this viewpoint argue that video game is more like other forms of entertainment such as movies and music, which are both verbs when used in a sentence.
One case study that supports this argument comes from a study conducted by the University of California, Irvine in 2016. The study found that people tend to use the word “play” when describing video game, which suggests that video game is more like an action or process than a specific thing or object.
Expert opinion on this matter also supports the notion that video game can be considered a verb. Dr. Richard Devine, a professor of psychology at the University of Sussex, argues that video game can refer to both a noun and a verb, depending on the context in which it is used.
However, proponents of this viewpoint also acknowledge that there are instances where video game can refer to a specific thing or object, much like a noun. For example, when we say “I have a collection of video games,” the emphasis is on the noun aspect of the phrase.
The Importance of Language and Semantics
The debate over whether video game should be considered a noun or verb highlights the importance of language and semantics in our understanding and communication of ideas.
As game developers, it is important to understand how language works and how it affects the way we perceive and interact with video games. By using precise and accurate language, game developers can better communicate their ideas to players and create more engaging and immersive experiences.
In addition, understanding the nuances of language can also help game developers to make informed decisions about how they design and develop their games. For example, if a game is designed around an action or process, it may be more effective to use verbal language to describe it, while if a game is designed around a specific thing or object, it may be more effective to use nounal language.
The Future of Video Game Language
As technology and communication continue to evolve, it is likely that our understanding of language will also continue to evolve. In the future, we may see new forms of language emerge that are specifically designed for online gaming and digital entertainment.