Engagement and Incidental L2 Vocabulary Acquisition in Digital Gaming: A Qualitative Perspective of an “In-Denial Gaming Addict” From Hong Kong

An increasing amount of language learning is occurring outside the traditional classroom settings, with digital gaming emerging as a prominent arena. This study presents a case analysis of an individual, Choi, who is a gaming enthusiast or even an “in-denial gaming addict” (in his own words) and demonstrates a paradoxical academic profile: academically underperforming yet possessing an advanced level of English proficiency. Through reflective essays and five rounds of interviews, the study explored Choi's engagement with digital games in relation to vocabulary acquisition. The paper provides a deep insight into the critical events that shape the cognitive, behavioral, and affective dimensions of Choi's language learning engagement in gaming. The paper ends with practical suggestions for those who are interested in leveraging the potential of games in incidental vocabulary acquisition.