Week 8 - Players who suit MUDs

How do different styles of player relate to the game world and the other players around them?

Richard Bartle's article describes the people who play MUDs will normally be divided between 4 play-styles.

Achievers: These players are primarily focused on completing the game as quickly and efficiently as possible. They look to improve their character constantly and look to complete personal goals. They like to think they are playing the game the way it's meant to be played and see the game as a competition.

Explorers: Usually want to find out as much about the game as possible. They like to push the game for bugs and go looking for things that are hidden (easter eggs etc.)

Killers: These players try to distress the other players on the game by killing or annoying them. They like to troll or hurt other players etc.

Socializers: Normally care more about conversing with other players than actually playing the game. They like to trade and share stories etc.

The player types shown above are described by Bartle as extremely significant, as each one can have an impact on the other. So to make the game successful, it is important to make the game balanced so you don't have too much of a decrease/increase in one type of player.

Games are not limited to these 4 player types and this is only one template for the way people play games.