Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[rice07]

Hi teachers
Title:Life in computer land
Even though it is technically called a"massively multiplayer online game,"Second Life is not a competitive pursuit as much as an alternative state.
In the context above,why it serves "a massively multiplayer online game " not "a massive multiplayer online game"? I'm deeply grateful!

[CP]

If you use "massive," you are calling it a massive game. By using the adverb "massively," you are calling it a game that is "massively multiplayer," an inelegant way to say that a great many people can play it at the same time (I guess).
_________________
You live a new life for every new language you speak. -Czech proverb

[Lorikeet]

By the way, I've usually heard MMORPG

http://www.answers.com/topic/mmorpg

[rice07]

Hi Cp
According to your explanation,"multiplayer" seems like an "adjective",so use "massively" an adverb to modify it(multiplayer).
I used to guess word "multiplayer" as a "noun" not an "adjetive",because I found it nowhere in my dictionary.Thanks a lot!

[asterix]

In fact they are using multiplayer as a verb. Therefore massively is correct.
The English though, is not good, but is obviously understood by those who play these games.
It would come under the heading of "Technical Jargon".

[Lorikeet]

How could multiplayer be a verb?

[rice07]

Hi Asterix
I got confused with your suggesting that "multiplayer" is a verb,too.Let's take a close look at "massively multiplayer online game" again.I found it's hard for me to take "multiplayer" as a verb perhaps my poor English.Could you explain that in more detailed.
I hope I didn't cramp your style.Thanks!

[asterix]

Well, no - it's not good English, but it is a good example of how technical jargon mangles the English language.
What it means is that it is a game that can be played by a very large number of people at the same time, as CP has already noted.
Jargon is a kind of shorthand that members of this group (game developers and the gaming fraternity) use to succintly express ideas that are frequently discussed between members of the group. Some terms, in this case multiplayer, are given specialised usage. So within this group multiplayer is used as a verb.

[rice07]

Hi Asterix
I can dig it . Thanks your precise analyses !

[Lorikeet]

[asterix]

We agree that the English is flawed, but nevertheless we all seem to know what it means.
If you take the original query: massively multiplayer online game:
game = noun
online = adjective
that leaves, massively multiplayer.
massively is definitely an adverb, but what verb does it modify?
There's only one word left - multiplayer.
It's jargon.

[bud]

Adverbs can also modify adjectives, and that's what "multiplayer" seems to be in the sentence in question.

[rice07]

Hi Teachers
In fact ,bud's oppinion is quite convincing.But there's nothing wrong for all of us to rack our brain to figure that out,isn't it?Thanks everyone!

[Lorikeet]

[asterix]

High Five Bud!