Nice article on what drives online gamers

Stranglehands · January 2016

http://randsinrepose.com/archives/stimulus-driven-creatures/ - it talks about Destiny but it all applies as much to ESO. It makes sense that the way you play the game is based around what you find enjoyable psychologically

I think I'm mainly a smart dresser (I like to make builds that look cool) followed by an improver. Being a smart dresser gets in the way of being truly competitive, and I care more about making an oddball build work than about having the meta or being emperor or whatever.

I'm always a sucker for lists of personality archetypes anyway. What do other people think?

Lysette · January 2016

Hm, smart dresser and sherpa is matching me somewhat, but there is so much more what is not contained in this systematic. Like where is the explorer who is not driven by gatherer-desire, but is doing it because its interesting without a specific goal. And where is the killer, who's only desire is to kill as many other players as possible or troll them, where killing is not allowed.

Heindrich · January 2016

OP I think you'll find this interesting. It's a more comprehensive and academic look at that particular topic.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yxpW2ltDNow

Though personally I don't think you can categorize human beings that easily.

My own motivations can change quite drastically over time, and sometimes depends on mood. For example when I am energetic and motivated, my competitive streak dominates and I pursue high scores in vMA and generally try to be efficient in whatever I do, whether it's making gold, PvE or PvP, and I am definitely drawn to titles and achievements like Emperor and Flawless Conqueror etc, so there's definitely an Achiever personality there.

However I also derive enjoyment from beating other human beings in PvP, which I find more rewarding than defeating an AI challenge, so there is a "Killer" streak in there, though I guess I enjoy the satisfaction of beating the challenge, rather than necessarily the anguish it causes my enemy. So maybe not I'm a classic "killer" as defined by Bartle.

Then of course there are phases where I just go full casual/roleplayer mode. Turn off my UI and wander around Tamriel and just enjoy and sights and sounds. I also enjoy theorycrafting, designing builds and trying them out. This is a bit like an Explorer. Finally I'd have quit ESO long ago if it wasn't a social game and I couldn't interact with other social human beings.

I dunno... maybe I'm just weird.

starkerealm · January 2016

Heindrich wrote: »

OP I think you'll find this interesting. It's a more comprehensive and academic look at that particular topic.

*Eyes the Extra Credits video.* ._.

But, seriously, there has been some pretty decent research done on types of gamers. Most of those archetypes convert over to MMOs pretty flawlessly. The one absent one is social gamers, who interact with the games as more of an online chat service with random bobbles to slap around while talking to friends. Or, at least, I didn't see it in the OP's article.

JD2013 · January 2016

It appears I am the sherpa and the storyteller ...

I am okay with that!

vamp_emily · January 2016

I have never really been what you call a gamer; however, for the last few years I have played "Second Life" and this last year I have also played "Elder Scrolls Online".

Why do I play second life?

First I love the social aspect of it. Meeting new people from all around the world is really fun and entertaining. I also like Dressing up in the game. Going out buying new outfits and stuff like that. I like it so much I have a few fashion blogs. Here is one of my pics.

Why do I like Elder Scrolls Online?

I'm actually shocked I am even playing this game. In the beginning, what really got me was crafting. I also liked the social part of the game, interacting with other people. Then one day I visited Cyro, that totally got me addicted. The rush I get from fighting other players is hard to explain. In real life I am friendly, polite, kind, and sort of shy in some ways. I have a good job and get along with most people. In PvP I am totally different, I think I am hated by most, but I am ok with that for some reason. I get so into my character it is kind of scary. Another reason I like ESO is dressing up. It is fun going out creating new armor and then changing its colors.

I've never really cared about the story, but I would have to say the following is what drives me:

-progression
-socializing
-dressing up
-being a hero / killing enemy players
-zone chat drama
-mechanics, learning how to create better builds to kill my enemy

Lysette · January 2016

Heindrich wrote: »

OP I think you'll find this interesting. It's a more comprehensive and academic look at that particular topic.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yxpW2ltDNow

Though personally I don't think you can categorize human beings that easily.

My own motivations can change quite drastically over time, and sometimes depends on mood. For example when I am energetic and motivated, my competitive streak dominates and I pursue high scores in vMA and generally try to be efficient in whatever I do, whether it's making gold, PvE or PvP, and I am definitely drawn to titles and achievements like Emperor and Flawless Conqueror etc, so there's definitely an Achiever personality there.

However I also derive enjoyment from beating other human beings in PvP, which I find more rewarding than defeating an AI challenge, so there is a "Killer" streak in there, though I guess I enjoy the satisfaction of beating the challenge, rather than necessarily the anguish it causes my enemy. So maybe not I'm a classic "killer" as defined by Bartle.

Then of course there are phases where I just go full casual/roleplayer mode. Turn off my UI and wander around Tamriel and just enjoy and sights and sounds. I also enjoy theorycrafting, designing builds and trying them out. This is a bit like an Explorer. Finally I'd have quit ESO long ago if it wasn't a social game and I couldn't interact with other social human beings.

I dunno... maybe I'm just weird.

Well, Richard Bartle's taxonomy was made about MUDs, but it is still valid and I am using it to categorize other players. For those, who do not know who Richard Bartle is, he founded the first MUD together with a partner (I think it was called MUD1 and later "British Legend"), so he is basically the father of all online RPGs.

Edit: Most players are a mix of these types -I am social/explorer/achiever - in this order. I never found it any interesting or fun to kill other players though.