Welcome to Coffee Talk! Let’s start off the day by discussing whatever is on your (nerd chic) mind. Every morning I’ll kick off a discussion and I’m counting on you to participate in it. If you’re not feelin’ my topic, feel free to start a chat with your fellow readers and see where it takes you. Whether you’re talking about videogames, awesome infographics, switching to a new mobile carrier, or waiting until 11AM hits so you can download new comics, Coffee Talk is the place to do it.
Do you prefer the term “video game” or “videogame”? Game journalists, writers, developers, publishers, and verbal entertainers argue about this issue all the time. It seems like a silly semantics war — and it mostly is — but I’ve heard people debate this matter for hours. I’d love to get your take on it!
Some people feel that it should be “video game” similar to how the term “PC game” is used. Others feel that “videogame” has grown into its own unique term and champion its use as a single world. Most dictionaries and search engines favor “video game”. What say you?
As for me, I like the word “videogame”, but I don’t defend it with the fervor that some of my colleagues do. To me it just reflects what the medium has become. I’m sure part of it has to do with my hate of search engine optimization (SEO has tarnished Internet writing for an entire generation…at least), but it’s mostly just a nebulous personal preference. I just like one term better than the other.
And you? Do you prefer “video game” or “videogame”?
What was this topic about…I tried to read it but for some reason all I can take away from this is the feeling of wanting to see more of Alba.
Most of us want to see more of her. She's awesome.
Im with BB I'll prefer more sexy Jessica Alba pix too!
videogames
/ \
PC game > Console games
________ Videogames_________
_____ PC Game > Console Game
There is both my hierarchy and preference.
Perhaps off topic, but I HATE it when ppl send me this in an email: i-phone or i have one of those ATT droids. Gah.
It's Coffee Talk. You can't go off topic. :P
Rpad is that 11a your time or eastern?
11AM PT for DC Comics. Marvel stuff hits earlier for some reason.
I wonder if it's because most comic book stores don't open until 12p. (local time)
Good point. The two that I go to in LA open at 11AM. The ones I used to go to in Manhattan opened earlier. I'm not really sure what the norm is for comic book stores.
White Nokia N9 is gorgeous. I want one!!!
http://goo.gl/8tave
Wow! That phone looks pretty awesome!
Completely. I might have to get one of my UK friends to pick one up…but it's so expensive and the exchange rates suck!
You know, I don't really care how its spelled, but if I had to choose I would say videogame. If it were two separate words, it seems like the term would be lessened somehow. Almost as if they're saying "video" and just tacking on "game" to the end. Also reminds me of cinematics…
You know what? I've decided. Video Game is the term for games with graphic-intensive cutscenes. So FF Type-0 would be a Video Game, while Wii Sports would be a videogame.
I sometimes switch back and forth. If I were to really get into a debate about this I would first need to know what the Wired Style Guide and AP Style Guide say on this matter. Then it would depend on the context of where it is being used. For anything written online I would say stick with the Wired Style Guide.
… And what, pray tell, does this topic have to do with a nude picture of Jessica Alba? Not that I am complaining. This site could use more naked pictures of Jessica Alba, now that I mention it.
On topic: I cannot believe that you and your journalist friends actually entertain this asinine thought. "Video games" is two words unless you're making words up like "Videogames." If you're going to do that you might as well come up with better words for it like "gamez" or "interactivments" or "ynsmealivers"
-M
Videotape and videocassette are listed as one word in most dictionaries. Languages evolve.
So do you one day you aspire to be a verbalentertainer?
Because a plain old verbal entertainer is SO 2010.
I'm not that good. Michael Arrington will get there first and decide the terminology.
The more I think about it, the more I totally see what you are talking about. It's becoming a compound word through evolution of use.
Somewhere
Rockstar
Asshole
Hammertime
Shoelace
Armbar
etc.
Hold number 762…armbar!!!
Fair enough, but as a wise, ancient philosopher once said: "Don't count your Eevee until it evolves." Meaning, until the word is officially recognized as "videogames", you are supposed to use the two separately.
-M
It is accepted depending on which dictionary and style guide you use.
What your talking about is the difference between formal english and applied english yet both are indeed proper english. If you want to get technical, as of the last year or 2, Lol is officially in Webster's. Not as an acronym, but pronounced as "Lol". The language has to evolve first before a dictionary can pick it up.
The other side is… are you really comfortable with a corporation being in charge of the way you speak and communicate? The thought of that kinda irritates me.