If you are new to esports, you may have seen or heard the term ‘GG’ being used by players, commentators, or fans. But what does it mean, and how does it express the culture and etiquette of esports? In this article, we will explain the meaning of ‘GG’, its origin, and some examples of how it is used in esports.
What is ‘GG’ in esports?
‘GG’ is an acronym for ‘Good Game’, which is a common phrase used in esports to show respect and sportsmanship to the opponent after a game or a match. ‘GG’ is often used to congratulate the winner, acknowledge the loser, or simply end the conversation. ‘GG’ is a crucial factor in esports, as it can reflect the attitude, behavior, or personality of a player or a team.
The term ‘GG’ comes from the online gaming community, where it is used as a form of courtesy or etiquette among players. The term ‘GG’ was popularized by the online multiplayer game StarCraft, which was released in 1998 and is considered as one of the pioneers of the esports genre. In StarCraft, the term ‘GG’ was used as a signal of surrender or defeat, as well as a sign of respect or gratitude. The term ‘GG’ soon became a universal term in esports, and it is still widely used today.
How is ‘GG’ used in different esports genres?
While the term ‘GG’ originated from online gaming, it has since been adopted by various esports genres, such as Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA), First-Person Shooter (FPS), or Fighting games. However, the meaning and usage of ‘GG’ may vary depending on the game and the context. Here are some examples of how ‘GG’ is used in different esports genres:
In MOBA games, such as League of Legends, Dota 2, or Heroes of the Storm, ‘GG’ is used to indicate the end of a game or a match, usually when the core or the nexus of one team is destroyed or when one team surrenders. In MOBA games, ‘GG’ is typically used by both teams, regardless of the outcome, as a gesture of goodwill or fair play. However, ‘GG’ can also be used sarcastically or mockingly, especially when the game is one-sided or when the opponent is rude or toxic. Some examples of ‘GG’ usage in MOBA games are ‘GG WP’ (Good Game Well Played), ‘GG EZ’ (Good Game Easy), or ‘GG FF’ (Good Game Forfeit).
In FPS games, such as Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO), Valorant, or Overwatch, ‘GG’ is used to express the satisfaction or dissatisfaction of a game or a match, usually when the final score or the final round is decided. In FPS games, ‘GG’ is typically used by the winning team, as a way of celebrating or boasting. However, ‘GG’ can also be used by the losing team, as a way of conceding or complaining. Some examples of ‘GG’ usage in FPS games are ‘GG WP’ (Good Game Well Played), ‘GG BG’ (Good Game Bad Game), or ‘GG HF’ (Good Game Have Fun).
In Fighting games, such as Street Fighter, Tekken, or Mortal Kombat, ‘GG’ is used to compliment or criticize a game or a match, usually when the final round or the final hit is delivered. In Fighting games, ‘GG’ is typically used by the players themselves, as a way of showing respect or disrespect. However, ‘GG’ can also be used by the spectators or the commentators, as a way of praising or ridiculing. Some examples of ‘GG’ usage in Fighting games are ‘GG WP’ (Good Game Well Played), ‘GG NO RE’ (Good Game No Rematch), or ‘GG EZ’ (Good Game Easy).
What are some examples of ‘GG’ players or moments in esports?
To illustrate the concept of ‘GG’ further, here are some examples of famous ‘GG’ players or moments in esports:
In League of Legends, one of the most respectful ‘GG’ players is Bae “Bengi” Seong-woong, who is widely regarded as one of the best junglers of all time. Bengi is known for his impeccable timing, positioning, and coordination with his team. He often uses his ‘GG’ abilities to initiate or secure kills, objectives, or team fights for his team. Bengi has won three World Championships, two Mid-Season Invitationals, and nine domestic titles with his team, SK Telecom T1. He is also known for his humble and polite personality, and he always says ‘GG’ to his opponents after every game or match.
In CS:GO, one of the most iconic ‘GG’ moments is the Coldzera jumping AWP, which occurred in the 2016 MLG Columbus Major. In the semifinals, Luminosity Gaming was facing Team Liquid, and the game was very close and tense. In the 15th round, Luminosity Gaming’s Marcelo “coldzera” David decided to jump on a box and use his AWP to shoot two enemies in mid-air, while defusing the bomb at the same time. This ‘GG’ play stunned the crowd and the commentators, and it helped Luminosity Gaming win the round, the game, and eventually the tournament.
In Street Fighter, one of the most legendary ‘GG’ moments is the Daigo parry, which happened in the 2004 Evolution Championship Series tournament. In the semifinals, Daigo Umehara was facing Justin Wong, and the game was Street Fighter III: 3rd Strike. In the final round, Daigo was playing as Ken, and Justin was playing as Chun-Li. Justin had a huge health advantage, and Daigo had only a pixel of health left. Justin activated his Super Art, which was a series of kicks that could easily kill Daigo. However, Daigo miraculously parried every single kick, and then countered with his own Super Art, which knocked out Justin and won the game for Daigo, in one of the most ‘GG’ moments in esports history.
To Sum Up
The term ‘GG’ is an acronym for ‘Good Game’, which is a common phrase used in esports to show respect and sportsmanship to the opponent after a game or a match. The term ‘GG’ comes from the online gaming community, where it is used as a form of courtesy or etiquette among players. The term ‘GG’ was popularized by the online multiplayer game StarCraft, which was released in 1998 and is considered as one of the pioneers of the esports genre. The term ‘GG’ has since been adopted by various esports genres, such as MOBA, FPS, or Fighting games, where it may have different meanings and usages depending on the game and the context. The term ‘GG’ is often used to congratulate, acknowledge, or end the conversation, as well as to express satisfaction, dissatisfaction, or sarcasm.