Sarron gamerDNA Development Team

Caerdwyn, thanks for mentioning Richard Bartle's work, and Designing Virtual Worlds in particular.

It's amazing to realize how accurate Bartle's work is for describing modern MMORPGs (at least until you reflect on how similar they are to the games he originally wrote about). I certainly don't agree with all his theories, but the core of his work is an undeniably powerful aid when thinking about matters of players' desires, goals, and interactions in MMORPGs.


As for being classified as a SEAK, I have to say I was very impressed that my first time through the test produced what I feel is the exact right classification (within the system, that is).

I also find it interesting to reflect on why it is that my social side has not typically dominated my experiences with MMORPGs. It seems that there is still a tough barrier to break through when you enter a world filled with thousands of strangers and nothing/next to nothing that's familiar.


A quick story could perhaps shed some light on the situation: I first tried SWG because a roommate of mine (who had actually made his own successful MMOs) talked with me and our other roommate and mutual friend about how rewarding it can be to play a support character in that game.

This really appealed to the "closet" socializer in me who figured he could break the ice and make friends by showing I'm not just there to increase integers displayed on screen or yell "STUFU n00b, RTFM!" at every bewildered newcomer.

Ultimately, though, I found that relying on others (and complex interactions with others) was too difficult to do at the odd times I'd want to go online and play, so I shifted my focus to more exploration-related activities as a ranger.


What might have made a huge difference, however, is if I'd had a group of people (e.g. a guild) to play with that I knew fit my values close enough and whose strengths and weaknesses I could compliment with my own.

Perhaps GuildCafe can help with this process of finding "the right guild for me" and helping new players find what they'll ultimately enjoy the most about a given game and even find the right game for them.

Caerdwyn New Member

If you're interested in Richard Bartle's work (he is the godfather of ALL online multiplayer roleplaying games and has devoted his professional life to their development and study), look up his book "Designing Virtual Worlds". The major online bookstores have it.

The Bartle Personality Test essentially is a two-axis system:

Cooperate <--> Compete
Players <--> Environment

Someone who "cooperates" is interested in the broadest experience.
Someone who "competes" wants relative public status.
"Players" are... well, you. This is distinct from the developers.
"Environment" is the game itself (setting, rulesystem, quests).

Someone who "cooperates" with "players" is a Socializer. They want to be liked and sought out.
Someone who "competes" with "players" is a Killer. (Bartle is careful to note that this includes "politician" types... those whose motivation is relative status). They want to be respected and/or feared.
Someone who "cooperates" with the "environment" is an Explorer. They want to know everything about the game.
Someone who "competes" with the "environment" is an Achiever. They want to do everything in the game.

Bartle also spends a large amount of time (and pages) on the relationships between the various player-archetypes, and why all are necessary. He also has analyzed, based on 20 years of research, what tends to happen to games when specific archetypes come to dominate a game. Some ratios, for instance, are unsustainable and can lead to the demise of the game. Others are highly desirable and lead to long-term satisfaction.

It's a fascinating read.

Cayle Member

Yeah, SEAK fits me I guess since I’m a role player and that combines socializer with explorer. In Ron Edwards' GNS scheme, I’d be a simulationist first, then narrativist and a gamist waaaaaaaay down the list.

The gameplay can be horrible and the graphics can be ascii, but if the RP is good and there are nooks and crannies to stick my nose into, I’ll enjoy myself.

Lillith Shadowstar New Member

I have to say .... I found myself 1000 % in the discription of SEAK.

But I guess it's no wonder, I run a rather large guild on CO and in a few weeks time we're celebrating our 2nd anniversary.
For me this guild is like a family, I talk to alot of them on MSN and we share personal stuff.
When someone in guild starts doing something (which is alot of times me), then it won't take long and a bunch of my guildies are alongside me.
I really enjoy the companionship of them all.

I like to get to know the surroundings I play in ... and I'm very curious to find spots others didn't.

I abhore PVP ... if there's a way for me to settle things peacefully, I'll do that. I've made alot of friends out of enemies along the way, people who now back me up 100% if I need it - because they respect the way I handle things.

So yeah .... SEAK fits me.

EmmieShadow Member

I love exploring with groups of people. Learning all about the game and the quest systems. I generally always a crafter in games so that usually requires socialising with people, buying and trading along with repairs. I dont really aim for what other people aim for. Others tend to aim for highest level in game, best armor etc. I tend to focus on completing skills I want to achieve so I can be better at helping others in - repairs, making armor or healing. I am pretty much a party player.

As for the questionaire I thought the killer side was refering to killing other players, rather than killing monsters. I just dont feel hack and slaying monsters should be all there is to a game. I really avoid entering into PVP dont really like that type of competition. I do wish more games however had thieves pickpockets in MMORPGs. UO used to be great with thieving until UO:AoS came out. Kinda got super nerfed. I was always a playful thief, giggling and tickling murderers around Yew gate. If people attacked me I ran hid and then pinched their bandages! Hehe I guess you have to of played UO to understand the whole thing :P