A multiplayer online role-playing game for incidental vocabulary learning

Incidental vocabulary learning is regarded as one of the main sources of learner-centered vocabulary acquisition in authentic situations. In the past decades, extensive reading has been the main focus in incidental learning research. Recent studies have examined how information technology media can assist learners in acquiring vocabulary incidentally. More specifically, the affordances of MORPGs, such as vivid 3D simulation scenarios and players' interactions and communications, may be applied to construct an incidental language learning environment. This study is based on Krashen's Input Hypothesis to implement task-based learning in an MORPG that was suited for learners' background. An experiment was conducted for 26 sixth-grade students. Twelve target words were selected from the content text of the game to assess learners' vocabulary learning. The results from this study demonstrate that learners, especially the low academic achievers and less game experienced students, acquired the target vocabulary incidentally after being exposed to the MORPG language learning environment.