Game/write: Gameplay as a factor in college-level literacy and writing ability

This chapter explores the potential correlation between college students' leisurely video game experienceand their narrative composition writing ability in a first-semester university writing course. Thisexploratory survey data report moderate correlations between students' aggregated video game experience(years spent playing) and their ability to articulate tension and turn, and use proper organizationin composition assignments, notably a diagnostic essay assigned on the first day of class, prior to formalinstruction. Findings suggest that leisure gameplay might help develop competency with the same cognitiveand creative skills related to written narrative ability by exposing players - in particular, adolescents- to elements of narrative through the gameplay process, facilitating the learning of these skills in theclassroom. In conclusion, the authors suggest areas for future research on this topic.