After reading Bartle’s article, HEARTS, CLUBS, DIAMONDS, SPADES: PLAYERS WHO SUIT MUDS, I began to think about what type of player I was when I play World of Warcraft, and then began to think about the type of player I was when I played when I was younger.
Bartle defines and categorizes four types of things people like within a “MUD.” These things are achievement within the context of the game, exploration within the game, socializing with others, and imposition upon others.
Achievement within the game context: Bartle defines this as player mandated goals that the player imposes on themselves. Usually in the form of acquiring large amounts of goals or treasures within the game.
Exploration of the game: Players seek to learn as much as they can about the virtual world they are in. This usually begins with mapping out the world they are in.
Socializing with others: Players interact with each other via the mechanism of the game and role-play within the context of the narrative of the game.
Imposition upon others: This is typically seen through the player to player combat. In the imposition, category players are using means within the game to cause other players distress.
Before I define and reflect on the type of player I see myself, I thought it was important to first define the types given by Bartle.
I believe that I am a mix between an explorer and socialiser.
Bartle mentions, “Socialisers are interested in INTERACTING with other PLAYERS. This usually means talking, but it can extend to more exotic behavior” (pg. 9). Previously, Bartle defines explorers, “Explorers are interested in having the game surprise them, ie. in INTERACTING with the WORLD. It’s the sense of wonder which the virtual world imbues that they crave for; other players add depth to the game, but they aren’t essential components of it, except perhaps as sources of new areas to visit” (pg. 9).
I can see both of these types fitting into my play style especially within my experience playing World of Warcraft for this class. Writing this blogpost was fun, because I had never reflected on the type of player that I am within video games. Bartles article helped me to do so.