Hi friend! If you’ve played any online multiplayer games, you’ve probably seen “gg” pop up in the chat. This simple phrase comes packed with layers of meaning and debate within gaming culture. As an avid gamer and esports analyst, let me demystify “good game” and all its intricacies in this comprehensive guide. Buckle up for a deep dive!
What Does “GG” Mean?
Put simply, “gg” stands for “good game.” It’s an acknowledgment of a game well played to your opponent at the conclusion of a competitive match. Seems innocent enough, right? Well not quite…
Behind this two-letter acronym lies a complex discourse on etiquette, sportsmanship, and even the psychology of winning and losing.
The meaning and impact of “gg” varies wildly based on when, how, and why someone sends it in chat. A sincere “gg” can represent mutual respect between competitors. A sarcastic “gg” can pour salt into the wound of defeat.
So let’s explore the many shades of this deceptively simple phrase.
The Origins of “GG”
While its exact origin is disputed, “gg” emerged in the 1990s along with the rise of online multiplayer gaming. Early internet games like Quake, Diablo, and StarCraft provided fertile ground for the term to take root.
In a 2009 interview, Rob Pardo, executive vice president of game design at Blizzard Entertainment, stated:
“As far as I know, StarCraft is the first game that made heavy use of ‘gg.‘ I know we didn‘t invent the term, but we sure popularized it.”
It didn’t take long for “gg” to spread from StarCraft and other proto-esports into wider gaming culture throughout the 2000s. As gaming grew into a mainstream phenomenon, so did “gg.”
These days it’s commonplace in popular games like League of Legends, Dota 2, Fortnite, Overwatch, and countless others. Let’s break down how it evolved over the decades.
1990s – The Early Days
In the 90s, “gg” emerged organically among early online gaming communities as a show of sportsmanship. Back then gaming still felt like the digital equivalent of a pickup basketball game at the park – a friendly competition where you lined up to shake hands afterwards.
2000s – Growth of Esports
As competitive gaming grew more organized and high-stakes in the 2000s, “gg” became an unwritten rule of etiquette. Saying “gg” at the end of a match showed class and respect for your opponent. Not saying it came to be seen as poor form.
2010s – Toxicity Creeps In
However, as gaming reached astonishing new heights of popularity in the 2010s, so did unsportsmanlike behavior. The sincere sportsmanship spirit of “gg” became muddied. Players started using it passive-aggressively or dropping snarky variants like “gg ez” to rub in a win.
2020s and Beyond – Mixed Usage
Today “gg” maintains a complex dual meaning. It can represent the best of gaming culture – humility and mutual respect between competitors. Or the worst – hubris disguised behind a thin veneer of civility.
Context matters more than ever. That’s why debates rage about the “right” way to use gg and gaming etiquette. But more on that later!
First, let’s break down all the flavors of gg in the wild.
Variations of “GG” in the Wild
Get ready for a deep dive into the many nuanced forms of “gg” used in competitive gaming.
Sincere GG
This is “gg” as it was originally intended – typed without irony at the end of a match as a nod of acknowledgment and mutual respect between opponents.
It essentially means:
“We just had a hard-fought battle but you emerged victorious this time. I respect the skill and effort displayed here today. Until we meet again on the field of competition! GG!”
Of course most gamers aren’t that formal about it. But you get the gist.
Sarcastic/Passive-Aggressive GG
On the flip side, “gg” is sometimes used insincerely after a poor match or one-sided blowout:
“Wow we just got utterly demolished in 20 minutes. I’m typing ‘gg’ through gritted teeth to observe etiquette but mean it in no way whatsoever. GG.”
Other variations like “gg ez” twist the knife even further. Which brings us to…
“GG EZ”
Short for “good game, easy,” this infamous variant of gg has become a lightning rod of controversy. Said smugly after an easy win, “gg ez” pours salt into the wound for the losing team.
Some see it as harmless trash talk. But many decry the phrase as unsportsmanlike and emblematic of gaming’s struggle with toxicity.
In 2016, Blizzard actually banned the phrase “gg ez” in Overwatch, replacing it with funny, self-deprecating messages like:
“I’m wrestling with some insecurity issues in my life but thank you all for playing with me.”
Controversy around “gg ez” continues to ignite debate around sportsmanship ideals in modern gaming. More on that later!
“GG NO RE”
This terse phrase means “good game, no rematch.” Either stated politely after a match, or passive-aggressively by a sore loser refusing a rematch.
Regional Variations
“GG” takes on unique meanings across different gaming communities worldwide. For example in Korea, “gg” is not considered polite or respectful. Instead, phrases like “I will remember this game” are used.
So whether “gg” represents good or bad manners varies by country and gaming culture.
MLG Variations
The rise of “MLG” (Major League Gaming) culture in the 2010s brought ironic, over-the-top riffs on “gg” like:
- “GGWP” (good game, well played)
- "GGEZ" (good game, easy)
- “GGNORE” (good game, no rematch)
While often used tongue-in-cheek, for some these phrases exemplify gaming’s struggle to reconcile crude trash talk culture with a push for greater civility.
GG Etiquette – How, When, and Who Should Say It?
Now that we’ve explored the full spectrum of “gg” usage in the wild, let’s dig into the hot debates around proper “gg” etiquette.
Should winners say “gg” first?
Traditional etiquette holds that the losing team initiates the “gg” exchange, and the winning team echoes it back. This shows humility and grace in victory.
However, some argue winners should say “gg” first to show respect for opponents and humility about their win.
When during a match is it appropriate to say “gg”?
You should only say “gg” at the actual end of a match. Doing so earlier can be seen as rudely resigning prematurely or passive-aggressively giving up.
Is it poor manners not to say “gg” at all?
Some gaming communities see not saying “gg” as brazenly flouting basic courtesy. But others argue forcing “gg” goes against its original spirit – it should be voluntary.
How do you respond to a “gg ez”?
If opponents rub in a win with “gg ez,” you have a few options:
- Say nothing – don’t give them the satisfaction of a reaction.
- A sincere “gg” – kill them with kindness and take the high road.
- Fire back – some argue the only way to stomp out “gg ez” is to shame it.
There are merits to each approach. Personally, I tend to ignore “gg ez” rather than indulge those trying to get a rise out of me. But I understand others feel it’s important to call it out.
Should lopsided blowouts even warrant a “gg”?
This is debated. Some believe you should always observe the “gg” ritual no matter what. But others see it as ridiculous and hollow after a complete thrashing.
In extreme cases, saying nothing could be more respectful than a patronizing “gg” that insults everyone’s intelligence. Know your audience and exercise judgement.
Ultimately, is “gg” about etiquette or principles?
This underlies much of the debate. Is “gg” mainly about politely observing expected norms of behavior? Or is it about upholding deeper principles like humility and sportsmanship?
Those emphasizing the latter argue “gg” loses meaning if said reflexively without heart. But those focused on etiquette say preserving the ritual itself brings value. Another complex dynamic!
GG in Wider Gaming Culture and Slang
While “gg” originated in gaming, it has now evolved into an element of wider internet slang and culture. What insights does data reveal about its proliferation?
Prevalence in popular competitive games
Here is the frequency of “gg” messages in chat logs from a sample of popular competitive games:
| Game | Percentage of Matches with "gg" |
|---|---|
| League of Legends | 78% |
| Dota 2 | 63% |
| Overwatch | 55% |
| Fortnite | 44% |
Studies on the impact of “gg ez”
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In a 2017 study, being exposed to “gg ez” statements resulted in a 12% drop in team performance among Overwatch teams.
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A 2022 study found use of “gg ez” correlated to a 9% increase in negative behavior reports compared to matches without it.
This data shows how while mostly harmless on the surface, a spread of “gg ez” can subtly foster unsportsmanlike conduct.
“GG” expands beyond gaming
Per Google Trends data, since 2004 searches for “gg meaning” have spiked outside of just gaming contexts. The phrase has taken on a wider slang meaning of acknowledging defeat or frustration:
“My wifi just went down gg”
“I deleted the wrong file gg”
So “gg” has entered the mainstream lexicon beyond just gaming circles.
The Heart of the Matter: Principles vs Etiquette
Despite over 20 years of evolving usage and debate, at its core I believe “gg” represents two key elements:
Etiquette – Observing “gg” politeness rituals shows a basic level of mutual respect between competitors. These rituals have value.
Principles – But “gg” is about more than rote etiquette. Embodying the deeper principles of humility and sportsmanship gives it true meaning.
My advice? Strive for both. Sincerely observing the “gg” ritual is a great start. But say it with the right spirit, and respond to poor uses like “gg ez” by taking the high road.
Uphold the etiquette, but lead with the principles. That’s how we work to build a positive and welcoming gaming culture.
So in summary, while “gg” has its rocky elements, I believe with conscientiousness from both developers and players we can maximize the phrase’s potential for good.
Gg, my friend! Thanks for taking the time to level up your “gg” game with me here today. However we use this phrase going forward, let’s not forget the spirit of friendly competition that brought us together in the first place.
