Communication Professor Chris Paul delves deep into components of video games in his new book, “Wordplay and the Discourse of Video Games” (Routledge, 2012).

“Games create meaning,” Paul said. “They lead to identification and division. They persuade and promote social discourse.”

Paul found that players shape the conversation in games like World of Warcraft, which fundamentally changes how the game is played and reshapes the relationship between players and designers.He gave a lecture last October at ITU Copenhagen about concepts from the book, which is now available online here.

The gaming industry generates more than $50 billion a year in revenue, employs more than 50,000 people, and is a growing force in the entertainment sector.

Paul received his Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota and joined the faculty in the College of Arts and Sciences in 2008. His research focuses on applying tools rooted in rhetorical analysis to elements of new media, especially video games.

The College of Arts and Sciences is the largest college in Seattle University. The Communication Department offers specializations in digital communication, digital production, journalism, strategic communications, international/intercultural communication, and media studies.