The potential of mobile legend game as a supplementary tool in enhancing English vocabulary

Mobile Legend is popularly played by the current generation. Apart from being popular because of the entrainment value, Mobile Legend as online video
games have opportunities as EFL learning because there is an opportunity to explore language options available in online video game features. This research explores the potential of Mobile Legend as a supplementary tool for English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learning. It adopts a qualitative approach, specifically a phenomenological study, using interviews and observations. The informants are long-term users of Mobile Legends, aged 25-27 years old. The research findings suggest that Mobile Legend has the potential to enhance English vocabulary when certain strategies are employed, such as setting the game language to English, focusing on in-game communication, using translation tools, and practicing vocabulary. However, it is important to note that Mobile Legend should not be relied upon as the sole solution for comprehensive language learning. Other activities like formal instruction, reading, and communication practice are crucial for balanced language proficiency. Additionally, the research highlights the popularity of Mobile Legend as a leisure and socialization platform but emphasizes the need for moderation and awareness of potential challenges related to gaming. Furthermore, the observations indicate that game users understand the in-game vocabulary based more on context and meaning rather than dictionary definitions.