Digital Ethnography of Cross-Cultural Communication in Multiplayer Competitive Games:

Game Design, Multimodality, and Cultural Dimensions

Abstract

Online games such as Apex Legends (Respawn Entertainment, 2019) and Valorant (Riot Games, 2020) are dynamic virtual spaces where players from diverse cultural backgrounds interact, collaborate, and compete (Kahn et al., 2015; Taylor, 2009). These games offer aunique opportunity to explore how cultural differences manifest in gameplay and howplayers adapt their communication styles across various game genres. Previous researchemphasizes the role of multiplayer games as environments for cultural exchange andidentity negotiation, underscoring their potential to bridge cultural divides throughinteraction and collaboration (Boellstorff, 2008; Taylor, 2009). However, many existingstudies focus on single-game contexts or static cultural frameworks, often overlooking the dynamic and multimodal nature of cross-cultural interactions in online games (Sato, 2024; Brückner et al., 2018). This study addresses these gaps by employing longitudinal digital ethnography to examine cross-cultural communication in multiplayer games, focusing on multimodal communication tools, game design elements, and localization practices. By observing player interactions over six months across multiple genres—MOBA, FPS, and Battle Royale—this research highlights the complexities of cultural adaptation and collaboration in virtual environments, offering actionable recommendations for creatingculturally inclusive gaming experiences.