LINGUISTIC FEATURES AND JARGON IN RISE OF KINGDOMS GAME: A QUALITATIVE STUDY OF IN GAME CHAT

• LOUIS MARCO KURNIAWAN
• 2025

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The proliferation of online gaming has created dynamic virtual communities in which language plays a central role in both strategic coordination and social bonding. This thesis investigates the characteristic linguistic features and jargon of Rise of Kingdoms (RoK) in-game chat and explores how these elements function within player communication. Employing a qualitative descriptive design grounded in discourse analysis, the study draws on purposively sampled English-language chat logs—captured through manual transcription of alliance and private messages—to document
patterns of language use. Through iterative open and axial coding, five primary categories of jargon were identified: abbreviations (e.g., “TP” for teleport), technical acronyms (e.g., “AoE,” “YSG”), register borrowings (e.g., “DM”), metaphorical extensions (e.g., “Kraken” for high-spending players), and player-identity markers (e.g., “F2P”). In addition, pragmatic markers such as “pls,” “ty,” and “lol,” along with emoticons, were observed to manage politeness, mitigate face-threats, and foster camaraderie. Findings reveal that specialized vocabulary enhances rapid, unambiguous coordination under time pressure while simultaneously reinforcing in-group membership and, paradoxically, creating entry barriers for newcomers. Pragmatic markers further shape interpersonal tone and sustain team cohesion. Theoretically, this work contributes to sociolinguistic and computer-mediated communication (CMC) scholarship by detailing how digital communities innovate language to meet interactional demands. Practically, the insights offer guidance for game designers to develop inclusive communication tools and for language educators to integrate contemporary gaming jargon into pedagogical contexts.

• Rise of Kingdoms
• In-Game Chat
• Gaming Jargon

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