This will be my third analysis of one of Bartle's gaming types, and the fourth of my post on the topic. I have posts for Killers and Achievers, as well as a general post outlining the types in its basic form. What I have I get from my online game experience, and from this article by Richard Bartle, which I have used in all of these writings.
This posts topics will be Socializers. Socializers are gamers who play a game for social benefits, "interacting with others," as Bartle would say. Socializers make up a significant market, and are the most dedicated players of games such as "Words with Friends." This may seem a pretty narrow-minded group, and there are less clear types than the others I've looked at so far, but in reality, there are several unique groups of Socializers.
Keep in mind that the following are based on my personal observations, and do not have any respectable research behind them. They are, for the most part, theoretical.
First is your basic In-Game Socializer (IGS). IGS's are more of a catch-all group than anything else. Generally, this is anyone that talks to another person in the game, for satisfaction outside of the game (no-in game reason to do so). They may talk about the game, or life, or gossip about other players. It's truly about pure social interaction for them, without any other motives.
Given the IGS's, I would also call Out-of-Game Socializers (OGS's) as a group. This may sound like an oxymoron, but allow me to explain. These people have friends in reality that also play this game. While they may not play the game with their friends, they talk about it with them. This is another form of socializing based on games. This is particularly related to the other types, as you have to do, or see things in the games to talk about them. Thus an OGS type Socializer also likely falls into one of the other main types while playing the game as well, most likely Achiever or Explorer, but a Killer type OGS may also have some interesting stories to tell.
Next are the Role-players. The Role-players are people who like to escape into the virtual world and become their characters. They will talk about things in game terms, and will try to not break the fourth wall. Often large MMO's will designate special worlds as role-playing worlds, but as this is a rare subtype, it can be difficult to find one with people who actually role-play.
Finally is the Politician. This is the Socializer that uses social action as a means to an end. They want to gain some control in the game world, through running an in game guild, establishing a following, or being known as a person to trade with for items. They thrive on being known and relied on, and are more concerned with their online popularity than traditional Socializers. The more people that know them, the better.
Socializers very rarely cause any problems in a game, besides the occasional annoyance. Additionally, knowing some Politicians can be beneficial in an MMO, as they usually have access to good information and items to sell, and their reputation benefits from helping. While Socializers might not be the most interesting or most common group, they are rather unique in their function and role in a game.
Disclaimer for Mrs. A. I was only able to complete about 250 words in class. The rest were added later.
This posts topics will be Socializers. Socializers are gamers who play a game for social benefits, "interacting with others," as Bartle would say. Socializers make up a significant market, and are the most dedicated players of games such as "Words with Friends." This may seem a pretty narrow-minded group, and there are less clear types than the others I've looked at so far, but in reality, there are several unique groups of Socializers.
Keep in mind that the following are based on my personal observations, and do not have any respectable research behind them. They are, for the most part, theoretical.
First is your basic In-Game Socializer (IGS). IGS's are more of a catch-all group than anything else. Generally, this is anyone that talks to another person in the game, for satisfaction outside of the game (no-in game reason to do so). They may talk about the game, or life, or gossip about other players. It's truly about pure social interaction for them, without any other motives.
Given the IGS's, I would also call Out-of-Game Socializers (OGS's) as a group. This may sound like an oxymoron, but allow me to explain. These people have friends in reality that also play this game. While they may not play the game with their friends, they talk about it with them. This is another form of socializing based on games. This is particularly related to the other types, as you have to do, or see things in the games to talk about them. Thus an OGS type Socializer also likely falls into one of the other main types while playing the game as well, most likely Achiever or Explorer, but a Killer type OGS may also have some interesting stories to tell.
Next are the Role-players. The Role-players are people who like to escape into the virtual world and become their characters. They will talk about things in game terms, and will try to not break the fourth wall. Often large MMO's will designate special worlds as role-playing worlds, but as this is a rare subtype, it can be difficult to find one with people who actually role-play.
Finally is the Politician. This is the Socializer that uses social action as a means to an end. They want to gain some control in the game world, through running an in game guild, establishing a following, or being known as a person to trade with for items. They thrive on being known and relied on, and are more concerned with their online popularity than traditional Socializers. The more people that know them, the better.
Socializers very rarely cause any problems in a game, besides the occasional annoyance. Additionally, knowing some Politicians can be beneficial in an MMO, as they usually have access to good information and items to sell, and their reputation benefits from helping. While Socializers might not be the most interesting or most common group, they are rather unique in their function and role in a game.
Disclaimer for Mrs. A. I was only able to complete about 250 words in class. The rest were added later.
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