"On" games

Jitterbug · May 2015

Don't know if this is a new thing or not, but I'm noticing a lot of Americans are saying "on" this and this game.
Like, "I'm playing a templar on ESO".
It hasn't always been like this, right? The norm used to be "in" games, no?

I realize that grammar and syntax are descriptive and not presciptive so I have no problem with this, and I also realize that Americans are native English speakers, I have just been wondering, as a bit of a language nerd, where this came from...

Any insight?

stewhead2ub17_ESO · May 2015

I think you may have stumbled on to something here! I think it's probably just because we are becoming more and more lazy and these damn kids are too busy with the auto correct in their cell phones!!

Mivryna · May 2015

I guess it's like being on a computer. Your attention and focus is upon it.

Jitterbug · May 2015

Umbranox wrote: »

I guess it's like being on a computer. Your attention and focus is upon it.

Moonshadow66 · May 2015

Jitterbug wrote: »

Don't know if this is a new thing or not, but I'm noticing a lot of Americans are saying "on" this and this game.
Like, "I'm playing a templar on ESO".
It hasn't always been like this, right? The norm used to be "in" games, no?

I realize that grammar and syntax are descriptive and not presciptive so I have no problem with this, and I also realize that Americans are native English speakers, I have just been wondering, as a bit of a language nerd, where this came from...

Any insight?

I haven't heard it like "on this or that game" yet, but I often wonder why people say "on the forums" instead of "in the forum(s)".
I'm German, and here it's more like "in", otherwise (using "on", translated) it would be like "on top of the forum(s)"

Moonshadow66 · May 2015

stewhead2ub17_ESO wrote: »

I think you may have stumbled on to something here! I think it's probably just because we are becoming more and more lazy and these damn kids are too busy with the auto correct in their cell phones!!

You mean, "on their cell phones", I suppose? (just kidding^^)

Jitterbug · May 2015

Moonshadow66 wrote: »

Jitterbug wrote: »

Don't know if this is a new thing or not, but I'm noticing a lot of Americans are saying "on" this and this game.
Like, "I'm playing a templar on ESO".
It hasn't always been like this, right? The norm used to be "in" games, no?

I realize that grammar and syntax are descriptive and not presciptive so I have no problem with this, and I also realize that Americans are native English speakers, I have just been wondering, as a bit of a language nerd, where this came from...

Any insight?

I haven't heard it like "on this or that game" yet, but I often wonder why people say "on the forums" instead of "in the forum(s)".
I'm German, and here it's more like "in", otherwise (using "on", translated) it would be like "on top of the forum(s)"

I've heard numerous streamers use it and each of them many times (so it's not just a mistake on their part).e
And it's true that it logically makes little to no sense to use "on" but many linguistic things make little to no sense.
I was just wondering about this shift in expressions.
Often it's a fashion thing; like everything right now is a "hype".
Streamer: "Short afk, I'm going to the bathroom"
Stream-chat: "afk hype!"
Stream-chat: "bathroom hype!"

Vedauwoo · May 2015

On.....as in "I am talking on the phone..." "I saw him on the television."

Not sure about limeys, but I've always heard it that way....we don't say "I talked into the phone" or "I saw him in the television"

One is "On the computer" when using it, not "in the computer"

so, the use of "on" is entirely inline with common speech.

Moonshadow66 · May 2015

Jitterbug wrote: »

Moonshadow66 wrote: »

Jitterbug wrote: »

Don't know if this is a new thing or not, but I'm noticing a lot of Americans are saying "on" this and this game.
Like, "I'm playing a templar on ESO".
It hasn't always been like this, right? The norm used to be "in" games, no?

I realize that grammar and syntax are descriptive and not presciptive so I have no problem with this, and I also realize that Americans are native English speakers, I have just been wondering, as a bit of a language nerd, where this came from...

Any insight?

I haven't heard it like "on this or that game" yet, but I often wonder why people say "on the forums" instead of "in the forum(s)".
I'm German, and here it's more like "in", otherwise (using "on", translated) it would be like "on top of the forum(s)"

I've heard numerous streamers use it and each of them many times (so it's not just a mistake on their part).e
And it's true that it logically makes little to no sense to use "on" but many linguistic things make little to no sense.
I was just wondering about this shift in expressions.
Often it's a fashion thing; like everything right now is a "hype".
Streamer: "Short afk, I'm going to the bathroom"
Stream-chat: "afk hype!"
Stream-chat: "bathroom hype!"

It could be true that it's a fashion thing, yes

A while ago I was wondering if that "on" is just short for "online", but I guess this is not correct^^

Moonshadow66 · May 2015

Vedauwoo wrote: »

On.....as in "I am talking on the phone..." "I saw him on the television."

Not sure about limeys, but I've always heard it that way....we don't say "I talked into the phone" or "I saw him in the television"

One is "On the computer" when using it, not "in the computer"

so, the use of "on" is entirely inline with common speech.

Shouldn't it be "at the computer"? I'm not an expert here, as posted somewhere above, I'm just curious

Robo_Hobo · May 2015

In ESO...On ESO...Hmm. "I'll be in ESO", "I'll be on ESO", if I were to guess I think I use 'on' as well, it sounds a bit more natural to me, but I can't say I've really payed attention to if anyone else says it differently. Either way, both get the point across well enough, and in the end that's all that matters to me.

Perhaps it could be related to the term 'online'?

Maybe I should start using 'In' though, it sounds more immersive. "See you later, I'll be in ESO."

Grayphilosophy · May 2015

Vedauwoo wrote: »

On.....as in "I am talking on the phone..." "I saw him on the television."

Not sure about limeys, but I've always heard it that way....we don't say "I talked into the phone" or "I saw him in the television"

One is "On the computer" when using it, not "in the computer"

so, the use of "on" is entirely inline with common speech.

You are on the computer
You are in a game

On
Used to indicate a device or machine, such as a phone or computer

In
Used to indicate a location or place (In this case, a virtual location)

Jitterbug · May 2015

To me "in" is definitely more natural.

"I completed the DB quest line in Skyrim"
"I completed the DB quest line on Skyrim"

The latter just sounds weird to me...

Moonshadow66 · May 2015

Jitterbug wrote: »

To me "in" is definitely more natural.

"I completed the DB quest line in Skyrim"
"I completed the DB quest line on Skyrim"

The latter just sounds weird to me...

That's true, even to me it sounds weird. Maybe it IS related to "online" then?

Shunravi · May 2015

Well, here is a rather complete definition.

on
än,ôn/Submit
preposition
preposition: on
1.
physically in contact with and supported by (a surface).
"on the table was a water jug"
located somewhere in the general surface area of (a place).
"an internment camp on the island"
synonyms: so as to be resting on, on to, onto, to the (upper) surface
"put the cushion on the chair"
as a result of accidental physical contact with.
"one of the children had cut a foot on some glass"
supported by (a part of the body).
"he was lying on his back"
synonyms: resting on, supported by, resting atop, touching the (upper) surface of
"your purse is on the hood of my car"
antonyms: under, underneath
so as to be supported or held by.
"put it on the table"
in the possession of (the person referred to).
"she only had a few dollars on her"
2.
forming a distinctive or marked part of (the surface of something).
"a scratch on her arm"
3.
having (the thing mentioned) as a topic.
"a book on careers"
having (the thing mentioned) as a basis.
"modeled on the Mayflower Compact"
4.
as a member of (a committee, jury, or other body).
"they would be allowed to serve on committees"
5.
having (the thing mentioned) as a target, aim, or focus.
"five air raids on the city"
6.
having (the thing mentioned) as a medium for transmitting or storing information.
"put your ideas down on paper"
being broadcast by (a radio or television channel).
"a new TV series on Channel 4"
7.
in the course of (a journey).
"he was on his way to see his mother"
while traveling in (a public conveyance).
"John got some sleep on the plane"
onto (a public conveyance) with the intention of traveling in it.
"we got on the train"
8.
indicating the day or part of a day during which an event takes place.
"reported on September 26"
at the time of.
"she was booed on arriving home"
9.
engaged in.
"his attendant was out on errands"
10.
regularly taking (a drug or medicine).
"he is on morphine to relieve the pain"
11.
paid for by.
"the drinks are on me"
12.
added to.
"a few cents on the electric bill is nothing compared with your security"
adverb
adverb: on
1.
physically in contact with and supported by a surface.
"make sure the lid is on"
(of clothing) being worn by a person.
"sitting with her coat on"
2.
indicating continuation of a movement or action.
"she burbled on"
further forward; in an advanced state.
"later on"
3.
(of an entertainment or other event) taking place or being presented.
"what's on at the festival"
due to take place as planned.
"the reorganization is still on"
4.
(of an electrical appliance or power supply) functioning.
"they always left the lights on"
synonyms: functioning, in operation, working, in use, operating
"the computer's on"
antonyms: off
(of a performer, etc.) broadcasting or acting.
(of an employee) working.

In this context, the preposition is not being used to convey physical contact. I believe in this case that it is referring to 'being a member of' or 'engaged in'. Of course, useage of prepostions can also vary depending on the context of the medium....

I am finding it rather hard not to mention a certain internet meme that always enters discussions of grammar. I feel I must beg forgiveness, as I am conflicted whether to post the meme or not.... EDIT: this spoiler incorectly displayed my intent. I apologise.

Elsonso · May 2015

I am convinced that half the time us Americans are not exactly sure what we are saying, anyway.

Most of us could care less. For all intensive purposes, it is one in the same. If you disagree, you've got another thing coming. It is not like we say it on accident.

Irregardless, in this particular case, the phrase "in ESO" is the proper way to express thoughts related to the game.

Lots of

Shunravi · May 2015

lordrichter wrote: »

I am convinced that half the time us Americans are not exactly sure what we are saying, anyway. Most of us could care less. For all intensive purposes, it is one in the same. If you disagree, you've got another thing coming. It is not like we say it on accident.

Irregardless, in this particular case, the phrase "in ESO" is the proper way to express thoughts related to the game.

Lots of

Yea... American grammar works by rough estimations and 'getting the gist' of what's being said. As long as it's close enough, we don't really care.... Usually.

How many grammatical errors did you catch in the quoted post

Jitterbug · May 2015

Haha don't get me wrong guys, I'm not in any way trying to knock on Americans and their relationship to their own language however lose you yourself might describe it to be.
There is nothing wrong with a language developing, in fact it is inevitable.

I'm just, as a former language student, curious as to this development.

@Shunravi I think I need to see that meme now :-P

Shunravi · May 2015

Jitterbug wrote: »

Haha don't get me wrong guys, I'm not in any way trying to knock on Americans and their relationship to their own language however lose you yourself might describe it to be.
There is nothing wrong with a language developing, in fact it is inevitable.

I'm just, as a former language student, curious as to this development.

@Shunravi I think I need to see that meme now :-P

At your insistance

https://youtu.be/N4vf8N6GpdM

PBpsy · May 2015

Well Americans also like to travel on planes

. They are a very adventurous ,fearless bunch.

UrQuan · May 2015

lordrichter wrote: »

I am convinced that half the time us Americans are not exactly sure what we are saying, anyway. Most of us could care less. For all intensive purposes, it is one in the same. If you disagree, you've got another thing coming. It is not like we say it on accident.

Irregardless, in this particular case, the phrase "in ESO" is the proper way to express thoughts related to the game.

Lots of

Oh man, I really want to rage at all of the errors* in your post @lordrichter, but instead I salute you for how beautifully you illustrated your point.

*Yes, I know that they're not really errors if they are intentional.

Drazhar14 · May 2015

I am going to log on ESO, so see you in game.

Jahosefat · May 2015

As an American who verbally uses "on" the reason (grammatically correct or not) is:

I'm getting on the computer..
I'm hopping on facebook...
I'm getting on netflix...
I'm getting on skype...
I'm getting on ESO...

As someone said "On: Used to indicate a device or machine, such as a phone or computer"; the definition of a "device" has just been extended to social media/communication/entertainment tools. When my friends and I are trying to sound dorky we will say things like "I'm getting in the e-world...".

I think this is an interesting topic though (language is fun). If I had to further hypothesize I would say that (at least where I am from) adolescent/young males playing video games is pretty normal if not common or expected. Games of choice are usually shooters/sports/other violent or scary topic. However, real-life role playing/dungeons and dragons sorts of activities are still very dorky in main stream society and this has extended over to video game behavior and language. Playing video games as a tool to fight other people = cool/normal (on a video game), playing a video game to role play/mentally exist in a virtual world = dorky (in a video game). Keep in mind this is all thoeretical

Shunravi · May 2015

NewBlacksmurf · May 2015

I'm on PC ...not I'm in PC
I'm on Elder Scrolls Online vs. I'm in Elder Scrolls Online

https://blog.udemy.com/in-vs-on/

On

When using the on preposition in a sentence, there are various situations that might call for it. Typically, you use on whenever you want to denote the position for surfaces or a position just above or outside an area. For instance, whenever setting something on the surface of something: I set a pencil on my desk, or the cup is on the table.

You might also use on when referring to a device or machine. When someone is on the phone, for example, this indicates a person is using the phone. Although this is an idiomatic phrase that makes little sense when taken literally, on is the correct preposition in this instance. Likewise, someone could also be “on the computer” or “on TV” in the event that someone you recognized was being seen on your TV screen. This wouldn’t mean that they were physically sitting on the TV, and in wouldn’t be the right preposition in this case either, as that would imply they were actually inside the television.

On could also be a reference to a part of the body. As an example, you may might say a flung rock struck you on the shoulder, or that you witnessed someone slap someone on the cheek. When someone gets engaged, she wears a ring on her finger.

Another usage for on could involve the state of something. If a building bursts into flames, you would describe it as being “on fire.” Likewise, if you’re out shopping for clothes and there is an item that is half off, you might say that item is “on sale.”

In

When using in, you’re typically talking about something contained in an object, or something that is inside. Usually it references something that is in a position with space limitations.

It may also be used to represent general times of the day, month, year, or season. For instance, if you say that you tend to wake up early in the morning, or that you work less in the summer, or that your next semester of school starts in August.

In can work when referring to a location or place as well. If you’re traveling, you might be staying in a motel, or if you’re at home, your residence may be in New York. This location does not necessarily have to be a physical place, however. If someone shouts loudly in your ear, or if you are staring directly in the eyes, these are also places that the in preposition works for.

It’s also correct to use in when discussing shape, color or size. When looking at a painting at a museum, you might say that it was done mostly in yellow. Perhaps a group of spectators gathered around an unusual event and formed a ring around the perimeter. This would be the spectators gathering in a circle. When it comes to size, think of clothing. If you’re describing whether a shirt is available in large or medium, you’ll need to rely on the in preposition.

Lastly, in could also be used to describe a belief, opinion, or interest. For instance, you might believe in donating to charities on a regular basis, or have no interest in politics.

Jitterbug · May 2015

I don't doubt the merit of using "on" in this context, and you guys have a lot of insightful comments to my nerdy little topic, but I am still curious as to whether this is a new trend or if people have been using "on" since forever and I just haven't noticed until now.

Shunravi · May 2015

Jitterbug wrote: »

I don't doubt the merit of using "on" in this context, and you guys have a lot of insightful comments to my nerdy little topic, but I am still curious as to whether this is a new trend or if people have been using "on" since forever and I just haven't noticed until now.

Well, I think so, yes. Though I have not taken much notice myself to be sure. Heck, as far as I know its a regional thing. Like some places calling carbonated softdrinks 'soda' others 'pop' and still others 'coke' (even if its pepsi). Sory I can't answer your question to well.

Nebthet78 · May 2015

LOL.. This reminds me of the conversation I had with the one lady from Creation Entertainment when I was at their Supernatural Convention a little over a year ago. She kept on telling people to get on line if they had a certain ticket number.

Being Canadian, I was like oh, she must mean people who purchased their signature ticket online.. so, I am waiting and waiting for my number to be called and it's not happening. After a while I went up to her and asked her if my ticket number had been called. It was like 70 something and she was in the 200's by then.

She then told me that they had already gone well passed my number and get my but on line... I was like What? on line? don't you mean "IN" line.

She then stated that "On" was the correct way to say it. I then had to explain to her that in Canada and Britian (My English teacher went Oxford in England), it is "IN" not on, and it explains why all these people are sitting around here looking all confused.

So yes, I am thinking this may be a newer trend showing up in the United States in regards to the evolution of grammar there and all of the people I have come across it that use "On" instead of "In" have all been American.

Jitterbug · May 2015

Seems even the pros are confused :-P

Deltia's "Character Creation on the Elder Scrolls Online"

Deltia's "Crafting Basics in The Elder Scrolls Online"

Yolokin_Swagonborn · May 2015

So "Stack on crown" should be "Stack in crown?"

Jitterbug · May 2015

Shunravi wrote: »

And on another note, wtf is third kid from the left supposed to be wearing? And come to think of it, why isn't the one on the right wearing a costume?
We have a bunny, a bear, a girl with a frozen crown/dinosaur helmet and a completely regular chick...