Style Guide for Hardcore Video Gamers
Hey gamer, are you tired of people misunderstanding your Leet speak? Want to come up with new ways of burying that noob with stylish insults far more creative than, “you got pwned!” Well put down your joysticks and controllers, look away from your tv screens for a microsecond and let the blood flow back to your eyes. Here is a style guide that is guaranteed to improve those motor skills which you’ve long neglected since WOW hit cyberspace.
This manual was designed for maximum customization and replay value. It is not just a hardcore set of rules for you to swear allegiance to. Instead think of this manual as more of a gamer walkthrough. One that highlights the cream of the crop in terms of style and grammar. In the gaming-realm you may be the l337 but communication in the outside world is a whole other adventure. By now I’ve grabbed your attention, long enough for you to lose your last life anyway, so let’s take a break from saving the universe and check out these new unlockables.
Level 1: Sentences
With the exception of words themselves sentences are about as novice as you can get when communicating in the outside world. Before we gear up to play, one thing to keep in mind is that real-world communication is always a co-op game; you’re working with 2Player in order to hold a conversation and express yourself clearly. If you’re having trouble with co-op mode, looking at the basics of sentences can help you get into the game.
Sentences have two main functions; first is naming the subjects of your sentence and second is applying verbs as the actions your subjects are a part of. Think of subjects as your avatar(s) and verbs comprise the customizable artillery that will get your subjects to their objectives
Exp: Mrs. Pac-man effectively ate the jumping strawberry.
The subject of this sentence is Mrs. Pac-man and her actions of eating the strawberry are signified with the verb, ate.
The objective of every sentence is to express a clear and complete thought. This entails that every sentence contain a subject and a verb, but this is not the only criteria for making sense with your sentences. There are a few other guidelines to keep in mind. Always be as direct and concise as possible when forming your sentences. Use an active voice, rather than a passive one, because it puts sentences in a positive form and keeps a straight point of view. Even though sentences should be direct and concise, don’t sacrifice length at the expense of clarity.
Exp: Whoa, I just found a secret level. That is located inside Diablo’s chamber.
This sentence was broken in two parts but it makes more sense to leave it as one.
I just found a secret level that is located inside Diablo’s chamber.
Level 2: Powering-Up to Paragraphs
In the real world writing often is the most convenient form of communication. When you write, sentences are put into paragraphs. Paragraphs are the fortresses of sentences. When you put a group of sentences together they combine forces by forming into paragraphs; though you can’t just string together any group of sentences. Just like sentences have to make sense with subjects and verbs, paragraphs need to stick to one topic in order to make sense also. Paragraphs usually start by introducing a topic, but an introduction alone does not make a paragraph. After a topic is introduced it is customary to follow up with a discussion which expresses a point or argument made about the topic.
Exp:
On November 15, 2002, Microsoft launched its Xbox Live online gaming service, allowing subscribers to play online Xbox games with other subscribers around the world and download new content directly to the system’s hard drive. The online service first operated with a broadband Internet connection and approximately 250,000 subscribers signed up within two months of Xbox Live’s launch. In July 2004, Microsoft announced that Xbox Live had reached one million subscribers and that number has been steadily rising to 20 million current subscribers as of May 2009. Surely Xbox live has been a major influence on gaming in the past decade.
Level 3: Mastering the Craft of Clarity
Now that you have the basic tools for writing and speaking it is time to apply a few suggestions that will upgrade your style and word play. Real world communication is best expressed and more easily understood when thoughts and ideas are presently clearly. Often times in order to achieve clarity we need to take a step back and revise our words.
Make sure your words are as specific and concrete as possible. It is always better to be specific instead of speaking generally because it keeps the focus on your intentions and ideas. Concrete language allows for your point of view to be experienced by others which will ensure their understanding of what you’re trying to say.
Exp: “Boom, head-shot!” is too general to explain what just happened.
-I just shot that alien between the eyes with my blaster rifle – provides a more detailed and precise description.
Even though being specific helps to get your point across more clearly sometimes detailed language can get lofty and long-winded. If you find your sentences and paragraphs looking a bit crammed check to make sure you have not bloated them with unnecessary words or phrases. See if you can spot the unnecessary words here.
Exp: In my own experience the super-death mode of level four is a strange one.
Better version: I think level four in super-death mode is strange.
Conclusion: Game Over
This guide was designed to help you climb the ranks of real world communication champions. No matter what you think you’ve learned, above all else, remember that these are just tips and tricks for your gaming pleasure. Just like there is no one way to beat a level of GTA there are endless combinations to speak and write in the real world.
I hope you had fun and be sure to play again!
