“I Never Know What to Expect”: Aleatory Identity Play in Fortnite and Its Implications for Multimodal Composition

Abstract

Abstract In game and composition studies, an increased scholarly attention has been paid to affect as it relates to the formation of habits. However, the current discussion of affect has not been extended to gamers’ identity performance in multimodal composition practices. In this article, I argue that aleatory procedure—one type of affective game design that centers on the random and unknown processes of rhetorical invention—has the potential to transform gamers’ gender and racial identity performance in flux. To explore the value of aleatory procedure in modulating the affective relations of game play, I conducted screencast recordings, stimulated recalls, in-depth interviews, and observations with Fortnite gamers who were randomly assigned avatars of different genders and races. Findings suggests that aleatory procedure invites players to engage in a fluid affective identity play that is not restricted to individual players and their desires, but rather is in a constant process of transformation both within and across affective assemblages. Based on the findings, I conclude this article by discussing the implications of the aleatory method for critical literacies and multimodal composition.