One Self to Rule Them All: A Critical Discourse Analysis of French-Speaking Players’ Identity Construction in World of Warcraft

Abstract

This chapter provides a critical discourse analysis of French-speaking players’ personal and collective identity construction in World of Warcraft. Based on sixteen semi-structured interviews conducted online, we have analyzed how players introduce their avatars, the extent to which avatars correspond to or differ from players’ real selves, and how players perceive and construct collective identity within their guilds. The study revealed that most players make use of avatar introduction as a rhetorical pretext to fabricate narratives of personal experiences related to their game practice. In addition, players’ discourses made it evident that avatars constituted either transparent (extensions) or translucent (enhancements) representations of their real selves. Finally, collective identity within guilds was mostly perceived and experienced through shared values that transcend the technical format of the game including sense of belonging, trust, respect, putting things into perspective, and modesty.