Assuming Control

Assuming Control

Part of a series on Mass Effect. [View Related Entries]

Updated Dec 18, 2019 at 05:58AM EST by Y F.

Added Feb 22, 2010 at 09:07PM EST by Topo.

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About


ASSUMING CONTROL

"Assuming (Direct) Control" is an expression typically used as an interruption device in forums and comments, in similar vein to Hypnotoad and Mauled By Cougar. Originally heard in the popular action RPG game Mass Effect 2, the phrase began as one of the most often heard quotes during gameplay and quickly evolved into a playful interrupter.

Origin

The Quote



The phrase originates from the sci-fi action RPG game Mass Effect 2 that was originally released in January 2010. In the game, one of the primary enemy units known as "Harbinger," a highly advanced mechanical warship capable of mind-controlling certain enemy units, frequently says things like "I am assuming control of this form" or "direct intervention is necessary." Similar to other gaming-related phrases like you must construct additional pylons and cake is a lie, "assuming direct control" quickly gained notoriety within the fanbase and the very deep, unintentionally comical voice by Keith Szarabajka. This idea grew into a fad among many forum posts, where someone would interrupt a sentence to say one of Harbinger's lines.

The Interrupter

Several user accounts have pointed to 4chan's /v/ board as the birthplace of "assuming (direct) control" as an interrupter, but it still remains debatable without any support of visual evidence.

Usage


Commenter: Yeah, I don't know, the combat in Mass Effect 2 was good, but it felt like so-I AM ASSUMING DIRECT CONTROL.

Spread

"Assuming control" began to gain traction as a catchphrase circa February 2010, particularly on gaming-related forums like 4chan's /v/ board, IGN boards[1] and GameFAQs[2]. The Urban Dictionary entry for assuming control[3] was registered on February 21st, 2010.

A Facebook group[4] in tribute to the phrase was launched on March 4th and one of the earliest Reddit[5] threads in reference to the phrase was posted on March 9th, 2010.

On 4chan

One of the earliest documented threads on 4chan dates back to May 2010:

Anonymous 05/28/10(Fri)22:30:0 No.233057180 This is a horrid idea with no suppo ASSUMING DIRECT CONTROL S> >233057137 GOD NO WHAT HAVE YOU DO- ASSUMING DIRECT CONTROL Anonymous 05/28/10(Fri)22:30:5 No.233057469 Knock it o- ASSUMING DIRECT CONTROL >> Anonymous 05/28/10(Fri)22:32:0 No.233057827 all of you are faggo-ASSUMING DIRECT CONTROL S> Anonymous 05/28/10(Fri)22:32:5 No.233058068 inb4 40--ASSUMING DIRECT CONTROL


On YouTube

Hammerman24 (há 3 dias) Oh f--- it's the colle-NEUTRALIZE COMMANDER SHEPHERD darthnazgul (há 4 dias) Harbringer is not a mem-ASSUMING DIRECT CONTROL. ImCommanderShepard1 (há 6 dias) I'm commander Shepard and this is my Favo-l AM ASSUMING DIRECT 9 7 Responder Spam +49 Responder I spam 0 Responder spam +1 CONTROL Hakageryu (há 5 dias) @ ImCommanderShepa- ASSUMING CONTROL OF THIS FORM Karmapolice1982 (há 1 semana) forced meme is fo-DIRECT INTERVENTION IS NECESSARY raCteJ (há 1 semana) Do I smell a meme...?:D ASSUMING DIRECT CONTROL ScaryMan (há 1 semana) What kind of stupid meme is this?! All of this because of a Reaper trying to-I AM Responder l Spam +2 Responder Spam +6 Responder Spam +6 34 Responder I Spam +4 ASSUMING DIRECT CONTROL DominationVideos (há 1 semana) So is Harbinger a Reaper or some kind of-ASSUMING DIRECT CONTROL Responder | Spam 9 +5 +59 greanami (há 1 semana) Careful, now, dont spoil it. Some people havent be-l WILL DIRECT THIS Responder 1 Spam PERSONALLY DominationVideos (há 1 semana) oh I'm sorry, I apolo--IF I MUST TEAR YOU APART, I WILL Responder spam +4 7


Search Interest

Google Insights results for "assuming direct control" shows a significant spike at the beginning of January 2010, eclipsing with the release date of Mass Effect 2. However, its accuracy and relevancy remains debatable due to the prevalence of the phrase "assuming control" in financial news articles:

Videos

Assuming Direct Control vs The Prize



Techno Remix feat. "Assuming Control"



External References

[1] IGN -- ASSUMING DIRECT CONTROL / Posted on 2-12-2010

[2] GameFAQs -- Wtf is up with this assuming control BS?

[3] Urban Dictionary -- ASSUMING CONTROL / Registered on 2-21-2010

[4] Facebook -- ASSUMING DIRECT CONTROL Group / Launched 3-04-2010

[5] Reddit -- I'm admiring it now. / Posted on 3-09-2010

Recent Videos 8 total

Recent Images 49 total


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