LEARNING VOCABULARY THROUGH STRONGHOLD: CRUSADER GAME

This study investigates the effectiveness of Stronghold: Crusader, a strategy-based digital game, in enhancing English vocabulary acquisition among Indonesian players in the MRFS Discord Gaming Community. The research employs a mixed-methods design, combining quantitative and qualitative data to explore the game's impact on both incidental and intentional vocabulary learning. Findings indicate that Stronghold: Crusader significantly contributes to players’ vocabulary acquisition, particularly in military, historical, and resource management terminology. The immersive gameplay, contextualized dialogues, and repeated exposure to in-game language foster deeper cognitive processing, supporting both engagement and long-term retention of new vocabulary. Players frequently encounter challenges with unfamiliar vocabulary, particularly older forms of English, but employ strategies such as using external resources, context clues, and in-game repetition to overcome these barriers. Furthermore, the study reveals that integrating additional features such as in-game glossaries or subtitles could enhance the learning experience. The results suggest that commercial digital games like Stronghold: Crusader present a promising and engaging approach to language learning, bridging the gap between entertainment and educational value in language acquisition. This study contributes to the growing body of research on game-based learning by highlighting the potential of commercially successful games in educational contexts.