The top-level domain (TLD) .GG is the Internet country code for Guernsey, a British Crown dependency in the English Channel, off the coast of Normandy. Country code top-level domains (ccTLDs) like .GG are usually used or reserved by a country, sovereign state, or dependent territory identified with a country code. The Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) establishes ccTLDs, and the .GG domain was first established in 1996.
The decision to introduce the .GG domain was made as part of the broader democratization of the internet, allowing for greater customization and representation online and providing an opportunity for local businesses, organizations, and individuals in Guernsey to establish and promote a distinct digital identity linked to their geographic location.
The administration and registration of the .GG domain names are managed by The Channel Island Domain Registry (CIRD), which is operated by Island Networks. Registrations are permitted directly into the second-level .GG domain or into third-level domains beneath several second-level domains (e.g., .CO.GG, .NET.GG, .ORG.GG). There are no specific restrictions on the registration of .GG domain names, and any person or business worldwide can register one.
While .GG is geographically tied to Guernsey, it has seen broader usage outside of the island because “GG” is widely recognized in the gaming community as short for “good game.” Subsequently, many eSports, online games, and related business/organizations often adopt .GG domains to identify within the gaming culture. Examples of .GG websites include discord.gg (a popular communication platform among gamers), datdrop.gg (an eSports service), and liquipedia.gg (a wiki dedicated to competitive gaming).
In summary, the .GG TLD is not only a cyber symbol for Guernsey but has evolved into a broader signifier for the global online gaming community. This trend is interesting because it highlights the creative and cultural uses of internet domains beyond their original geographic implications.
References:
1. IANA — .gg Domain Delegation Data. Iana.org. (2022). Retrieved 6 February 2022, from https://www.iana.org/domains/root/db/gg.html.
2. Register .GG domain names. Gandi.net. (2022). Retrieved 6 February 2022, from https://www.gandi.net/en-GB/domain/tld/gg.
3. Channel Islands Domain Registry. (2022). Retrieved 6 February 2022, from http://www.channelisles.net/.
4. GG Domain Name – .GG | Name.com. Name.com. (2022). Retrieved 6 February 2022, from https://www.name.com/domains/gg.
5. Boswell, J. (2019). How ‘.GG’ got gaming’s best real estate. Engadget. Retrieved 6 February 2022, from https://www.engadget.com/2019-03-27-.gg-gaming-urls-esports.html.
