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Bartle Taxonomy

MboagnMboagn
in Common Grounds
Long ago in a forgotten age, Richard A. Bartle did a study on the 'personality types' of MUD players. It's a long (but very insightful) read: http://mud.co.uk/richard/hcds.htm

For a quick summary, there are 4 main groups: Achievers, Explorers, Killers, and Socializers.

Achievers Act on the World: they like grinding, they like ranks (and being high in them).

Explorers Interact with the World: they like exploring areas, figuring out quests, as well as fiddling with mechanics to find out the best way to do things (including PK mechanics).

Killers Act on Players: they like killing, and generally imposing their will on other people. This can also include leaders (who manage the actions of their citizens) as well as big shopkeepers (who may want to box out the competition).

Socializers Interact with Players: they like the argh-pees. They enjoy the social dynamics of the game, and how much they can express via the game's mechanics. Flexible emotes, fancy says, fancy tells, and all that are dollar signs to a Socializer.

There's been many tests, and the one I've been using is this one: http://matthewbarr.co.uk/bartle/index.php

I wondered in Discord if the admins think of the Bartle Taxonomy when pushing new stuff into the game, and I think it'd be nice to know how the Lusternian playerbase is grouped! For example, I'm an Explorer (80%), mainly, but also a Achiever (53%), Socializer (53%), and Killer (13%). What's yours!
It's pronounced "Maggy'!

Explorer (80%), Achiever (53%), Socializer (53%), Killer (13%)
Bartle Taxonomy
(test yourself)

«1

Comments

  • ParhelionParhelion
    (I'm actually facebook friends with the guy you're posting about. He's pretty cool)

    Her voice firm and commanding, Terentia, the Even Bladed says to you, "You have kept your oath to Me, Parhelion. You have sworn to maintain Justice in these troubled times."

    Yet if a boon be granted me, unworthy as I am, let it be for a steady hand with a clear eye and a fury most inflaming.
  • VellaVella
    edited July 2020

    Huh. I didn't expect those simply cut numbers. 

    The Bartle Test of Gamer Psychology

    You are 80% Achiever

    What Bartle says:

    ♦ Achievers regard points-gathering and rising in levels as their main goal, and all is ultimately subserviant to this. Exploration is necessary only to find new sources of treasure, or improved ways of wringing points from it. Socialising is a relaxing method of discovering what other players know about the business of accumulating points, that their knowledge can be applied to the task of gaining riches. Killing is only necessary to eliminate rivals or people who get in the way, or to gain vast amounts of points (if points are awarded for killing other players).

    You are also:

    40% Explorer

    40% Socialiser

    40% Killer

    This result may be abbreviated as AESK

    --

  • MboagnMboagn
    I want to highlight this sentence from the article: Players use the tools provided by the game to cause distress to (or, in rare circumstances, to help) other players.

    So, overbearing mentors can also be classified as Killers!  ;) 
    It's pronounced "Maggy'!

    Explorer (80%), Achiever (53%), Socializer (53%), Killer (13%)
    Bartle Taxonomy
    (test yourself)

  • AeldraAeldra , using cake powered flight

    You are 80% Explorer

    What Bartle says:

    ♠ Explorers delight in having the game expose its internal machinations to them. They try progressively esoteric actions in wild, out-of-the-way places, looking for interesting features (ie. bugs) and figuring out how things work. Scoring points may be necessary to enter some next phase of exploration, but it's tedious, and anyone with half a brain can do it. Killing is quicker, and might be a constructive exercise in its own right, but it causes too much hassle in the long run if the deceased return to seek retribution. Socialising can be informative as a source of new ideas to try out, but most of what people say is irrelevant or old hat. The real fun comes only from discovery, and making the most complete set of maps in existence.

    You are also:

    67% Socialiser

    33% Achiever

    20% Killer

    This result may be abbreviated as ESAK


    Kind of what I expected, really.
    Avatar / Picture done by the lovely Gurashi.
  • EneroEnero
    edited July 2020
    Hrm... I guess I'm... balanced?

    You are 53% Achiever

    What Bartle says:

    ♦ Achievers regard points-gathering and rising in levels as their main goal, and all is ultimately subserviant to this. Exploration is necessary only to find new sources of treasure, or improved ways of wringing points from it. Socialising is a relaxing method of discovering what other players know about the business of accumulating points, that their knowledge can be applied to the task of gaining riches. Killing is only necessary to eliminate rivals or people who get in the way, or to gain vast amounts of points (if points are awarded for killing other players).

    You are also:

    53% Killer

    47% Explorer

    47% Socialiser


    EDIT: ...or all over the place. :D
  • JolantheJolanthe
    While there's been some shift from the last test I took years ago, feels legit enough.

    You are 100% Explorer

    What Bartle says:

    ♠ Explorers delight in having the game expose its internal machinations to them. They try progressively esoteric actions in wild, out-of-the-way places, looking for interesting features (ie. bugs) and figuring out how things work. Scoring points may be necessary to enter some next phase of exploration, but it's tedious, and anyone with half a brain can do it. Killing is quicker, and might be a constructive exercise in its own right, but it causes too much hassle in the long run if the deceased return to seek retribution. Socialising can be informative as a source of new ideas to try out, but most of what people say is irrelevant or old hat. The real fun comes only from discovery, and making the most complete set of maps in existence.

    You are also:

    60% Achiever

    40% Socialiser

    0% Killer

    This result may be abbreviated as EASK

  • TyrusTyrus
    I expected Explorer to be a little higher, but then there is this: 40% killer and yet...

    Kills by Tyrus
    --------------------------------------------------------------
    Kills      Victim                         Time              
    --------------------------------------------------------------
    --------------------------------------------------------------
    Player Kills: 0

    Apparently, I'm some pent up killer waiting to be unleashed. >:)

    You are 73% Explorer

    What Bartle says:

    ♠ Explorers delight in having the game expose its internal machinations to them. They try progressively esoteric actions in wild, out-of-the-way places, looking for interesting features (ie. bugs) and figuring out how things work. Scoring points may be necessary to enter some next phase of exploration, but it's tedious, and anyone with half a brain can do it. Killing is quicker, and might be a constructive exercise in its own right, but it causes too much hassle in the long run if the deceased return to seek retribution. Socialising can be informative as a source of new ideas to try out, but most of what people say is irrelevant or old hat. The real fun comes only from discovery, and making the most complete set of maps in existence.

    You are also:

    60% Socialiser

    40% Killer

    27% Achiever

    This result may be abbreviated as ESKA


  • SaranSaran

    You are 73% Explorer

    What Bartle says:

    ♠ Explorers delight in having the game expose its internal machinations to them. They try progressively esoteric actions in wild, out-of-the-way places, looking for interesting features (ie. bugs) and figuring out how things work. Scoring points may be necessary to enter some next phase of exploration, but it's tedious, and anyone with half a brain can do it. Killing is quicker, and might be a constructive exercise in its own right, but it causes too much hassle in the long run if the deceased return to seek retribution. Socialising can be informative as a source of new ideas to try out, but most of what people say is irrelevant or old hat. The real fun comes only from discovery, and making the most complete set of maps in existence.

    You are also:

    73% Socialiser

    47% Achiever

    7% Killer

    This result may be abbreviated as ESAK


    There's also this one which is based on an expansion Bartle made which added a third axis https://mudhalla.net/test/bartle3d.php It's a bit more complete, like Achievers who want to do absolutely everything vs those who wander around doing stuff as they come across it. 

    But it still has some of the basic issues like, Explorer is lore immersion and system mastery which don't really correlate. (There's a newer model which is Immersion, Cooperation, Achievement, and Competition.)

    Your Bartle Gamer Type is: fhpO

    Your dominant subtype is known as the Alchemist.

    The fhpO Alchemist is a community builder who helps others grow and reach their
    full potential developing solid friendships based on mutual respect. When he
    encounters an obstacle he will add it to his list of puzzles to solve.

    The fhpO Alchemist enjoys the occasional get together to discuss the latest news
    and developments. He enjoys a good gamble as long as the odds are in his
    favor.

    The fhpO Alchemist prefers a unique world world with great depth that encourages
    people to interact and engage in challenges.

    72 Friend   
    62 Networker   
    56 Opportunist   
    53 Hacker   
    50 Scientist   
    50 Politician   
    35 Griefer   
    28 Architect   
  • YinuishYinuish

    You are 67% Socialiser

    What Bartle says:

    ♥ Socialisers are interested in people, and what they have to say. The game is merely a backdrop, a common ground where things happen to players. Inter-player relationships are important: empathising with people, sympathising, joking, entertaining, listening; even merely observing people play can be rewarding - seeing them grow as individuals, maturing over time. Some exploration may be necessary so as to understand what everyone else is talking about, and points-scoring could be required to gain access to neat communicative spells available only to higher levels (as well as to obtain a certain status in the community). Killing, however, is something only ever to be excused if it's a futile, impulsive act of revenge, perpetrated upon someone who has caused intolerable pain to a dear friend. The only ultimately fulfilling thing is not how to rise levels or kill hapless drips; it's getting to know people, to undertand them, and to form beautiful, lasting relationships.

    You are also:

    67% Achiever

    47% Killer

    20% Explorer

    This result may be abbreviated as SAKE


    Your Bartle Gamer Type is: fopS

    Your dominant subtype is known as the Pixie.

    The fopS Pixie is a community builder who helps others grow and reach their full
    potential developing solid friendships based on mutual respect. When she
    encounters an obstacle she is likely to focus on something else and return to it
    later.

    The fopS Pixie enjoys the occasional get together to discuss the latest news and
    developments. She is not the most studious but is well aware that having the
    right knowledge will go a long way.

    The fopS Pixie prefers a lively world full of opportunities that encourages
    people to interact and engage in challenges.
     
    66 Friend   
    59 Politician   
    59 Opportunist   
    56 Architect   
    50 Networker   
    50 Griefer   
    41 Scientist   
    25 Hacker   
  • IanirIanir
    The results were really different between the two tests (which will happen with different question sets I suppose). Here's both of mine.

    https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/732958569963716650/734949355953455145/image0.png

    Your Bartle Gamer Type is: Fasg

    Your dominant subtype is known as the Loyalist.

    The Fasg Loyalist is a people person who takes a genuine interest in others and
    is very loyal to his friends. When he encounters an obstacle he is not easily
    turned around.

    The Fasg Loyalist enjoys trying new things and mastering the occasional skill.
    He rarely starts a conflict but he won't shy away from one either.

    The Fasg Loyalist prefers a versatile world which responds in interesting ways
    that has many ways for people to interact and rewards cooperation.
     
    90 Friend   
    69 Architect   
    62 Scientist   
    59 Networker   
    50 Opportunist   
    44 Hacker   
    35 Griefer   
    25 Politician   
    Forum Avatar drawn by our lovely Isune.
  • ParhelionParhelion
    edited July 2020

    You are 80% Socialiser

    What Bartle says:

    ♥ Socialisers are interested in people, and what they have to say. The game is merely a backdrop, a common ground where things happen to players. Inter-player relationships are important: empathising with people, sympathising, joking, entertaining, listening; even merely observing people play can be rewarding - seeing them grow as individuals, maturing over time. Some exploration may be necessary so as to understand what everyone else is talking about, and points-scoring could be required to gain access to neat communicative spells available only to higher levels (as well as to obtain a certain status in the community). Killing, however, is something only ever to be excused if it's a futile, impulsive act of revenge, perpetrated upon someone who has caused intolerable pain to a dear friend. The only ultimately fulfilling thing is not how to rise levels or kill hapless drips; it's getting to know people, to undertand them, and to form beautiful, lasting relationships.

    You are also:

    73% Explorer

    40% Achiever

    7% Killer

    This result may be abbreviated as SEAK

    --------------------------------------------------------

    Your Bartle Gamer Type is: fOSP

    Your dominant subtype is known as the Vagabond.

    The fOSP Vagabond is a community builder who helps others grow and reach their
    full potential developing solid friendships based on mutual respect. When he
    encounters an obstacle he will typically pursue a different interest.

    The fOSP Vagabond enjoys learning something new from time to time and he is
    proud of his accumulated knowledge. He is not a person who seeks conflict but
    will stand up for his allies.

    The fOSP Vagabond prefers a festive world full of wonder that encourages people
    to interact and engage in challenges.

     

    81 Friend   
    78 Scientist   
    78 Networker   
    66 Opportunist   
    44 Politician   
    41 Architect   
    28 Hacker   
    16 Griefer   
    Her voice firm and commanding, Terentia, the Even Bladed says to you, "You have kept your oath to Me, Parhelion. You have sworn to maintain Justice in these troubled times."

    Yet if a boon be granted me, unworthy as I am, let it be for a steady hand with a clear eye and a fury most inflaming.
  • ParhelionParhelion
    TIL Sapphira, Alexandria and I are besties.
    Her voice firm and commanding, Terentia, the Even Bladed says to you, "You have kept your oath to Me, Parhelion. You have sworn to maintain Justice in these troubled times."

    Yet if a boon be granted me, unworthy as I am, let it be for a steady hand with a clear eye and a fury most inflaming.
  • UzrielUzriel

    The Bartle Test of Gamer Psychology

    You are 87% Explorer

    What Bartle says:

    ♠ Explorers delight in having the game expose its internal machinations to them. They try progressively esoteric actions in wild, out-of-the-way places, looking for interesting features (ie. bugs) and figuring out how things work. Scoring points may be necessary to enter some next phase of exploration, but it's tedious, and anyone with half a brain can do it. Killing is quicker, and might be a constructive exercise in its own right, but it causes too much hassle in the long run if the deceased return to seek retribution. Socialising can be informative as a source of new ideas to try out, but most of what people say is irrelevant or old hat. The real fun comes only from discovery, and making the most complete set of maps in existence.

    You are also:

    47% Socialiser

    33% Achiever

    33% Killer

    This result may be abbreviated as ESAK



    Your Bartle Gamer Type is: SagF

    Your dominant subtype is known as the Wizard.

    The SagF Wizard is an intellectual who desires to understand the world around
    him through methodical experimentation, obtaining an arsenal of knowledge which
    he can use to his advantage. When he encounters an obstacle he is not easily
    turned around.

    The SagF Wizard enjoys the occasional battle as long as he is victorious. He
    enjoys playing by himself but has a few close friends.

    The SagF Wizard prefers a versatile world which responds in interesting ways
    that requires study and experimentation to fully unravel.

     

    75 Scientist   
    59 Architect   
    50 Griefer   
    50 Friend   
    47 Politician   
    47 Opportunist   
    47 Hacker   
    31 Networker   


    Based on implicit questioning your ideal game caters to a player looking for something interesting.

    Seems pretty accurate to me.
  • NepentheNepenthe
    This is not shocking.

    You are 100% Socialiser


    60% Explorer

    40% Achiever

    0% Killer


    "The only ultimately fulfilling thing is not how to rise levels or kill hapless drips; it's getting to know people, to understand them, and to form beautiful, lasting relationships."

    That tracks. ;_;


    Your Bartle Gamer Type is: foSp

    Your dominant subtype is known as the Vagabond.

    The foSp Vagabond is a community builder who helps others grow and reach their
    full potential developing solid friendships based on mutual respect. When he
    encounters an obstacle he is likely to focus on something else and return to it
    later.

    The foSp Vagabond enjoys learning something new from time to time and he is
    proud of his accumulated knowledge. He avoids conflict when possible and picks
    his battles wisely.

    The foSp Vagabond prefers a lively world full of opportunities that encourages
    people to interact and engage in challenges.
     
    72 Friend   
    59 Scientist   
    59 Opportunist   
    59 Networker   
    47 Architect   
    38 Politician   
    28 Hacker   
    25 Griefer
  • DrastrathDrastrath
    edited July 2020

    The Bartle Test of Gamer Psychology

    You are 80% Killer

    What Bartle says:

    ♣ Killers get their kicks from imposing themselves on others. This may be "nice", ie. busybody do-gooding, but few people practice such an approach because the rewards (a warm, cosy inner glow, apparently) aren't very substantial. Much more commonly, people attack other players with a view to killing off their personae (hence the name for this style of play). The more massive the distress caused, the greater the killer's joy at having caused it. Normal points-scoring is usually required so as to become powerful enough to begin causing havoc in earnest, and exploration of a kind is necessary to discover new and ingenious ways to kill people. Even socialising is sometimes worthwhile beyond taunting a recent victim, for example in finding out someone's playing habits, or discussing tactics with fellow killers. They're all just means to an end, though; only in the knowledge that a real person, somewhere, is very upset by what you've just done, yet can themselves do nothing about it, is there any true adrenalin-shooting, juicy fun.

    You are also:

    73% Explorer

    33% Socialiser

    13% Achiever

    This result may be abbreviated as KESA


    Your Bartle Gamer Type is: SFPA

    Your dominant subtype is known as the Sage.

    The SFPA Sage is an intellectual who desires to understand the world around him
    through methodical experimentation, obtaining an arsenal of knowledge which he
    can use to his advantage. When he encounters an obstacle he sees it as a fun
    challenge for him and his friends.

    The SFPA Sage enjoys the occasional word of appreciation for his dedication to
    others. He is not the hardest worker but prefers to finish what he starts.

    The SFPA Sage prefers a civilized world with a central market that requires
    study and experimentation to fully unravel.

     

    87 Scientist   
    75 Politician   
    75 Friend   
    59 Architect   
    47 Networker   
    41 Hacker   
    35 Griefer   
    31 Opportunist   






    This is interesting for sure. However, I would say that there are two different reasons why killers would be killers. One is as stated: "only in the knowledge that a real person, somewhere, is very upset by what you've just done". The other being that the killer gets an sense of achievement or acknowledgement that they are superior at the game. This person isn't about making others feel bad, but it is more about themselves feeling a sense of achievement. One thought would be that I want the other person to lose while the other thought is I want to be better than the other person and win. 


    Edit: Grammar
  • AyisdraAyisdra
    Maligorn said:
    Your Bartle Gamer Type is: faSg

    Your dominant subtype is known as the Loyalist.
    ---

    Friendly scientist loyalist sounds about right.

    Your type is 'Loyalist'. Scientist and Friend are in second and third place.
  • MaligornMaligorn Windborne
    edited July 2020
    Loyal scientist friend then!

    EDIT: My version is better. Loyalist is the subject. But here is the final form: friendly scientifically-minded loyalist.

    image
  • OrtiOrti

    You are 80% Explorer

    What Bartle says:

    ♠ Explorers delight in having the game expose its internal machinations to them. They try progressively esoteric actions in wild, out-of-the-way places, looking for interesting features (ie. bugs) and figuring out how things work. Scoring points may be necessary to enter some next phase of exploration, but it's tedious, and anyone with half a brain can do it. Killing is quicker, and might be a constructive exercise in its own right, but it causes too much hassle in the long run if the deceased return to seek retribution. Socialising can be informative as a source of new ideas to try out, but most of what people say is irrelevant or old hat. The real fun comes only from discovery, and making the most complete set of maps in existence.

    You are also:

    67% Socialiser

    33% Achiever

    20% Killer

    This result may be abbreviated as ESAK


    __________________


    Your Bartle Gamer Type is: fSga

    Your dominant subtype is known as the Sage.

    The fSga Sage is a community builder who helps others grow and reach their full
    potential developing solid friendships based on mutual respect. When he
    encounters an obstacle he will examine it in detail until he has it figured out,
    learning in the process.

    The fSga Sage enjoys the occasional battle as long as he is victorious. He is of
    the general sentiment that a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.

    The fSga Sage prefers a complex world with fascinating physics that encourages
    people to interact and engage in challenges.

     

    72 Friend   
    69 Scientist   
    53 Griefer   
    50 Networker   
    47 Politician   
    47 Opportunist   
    47 Architect   
    41 Hacker   

    _____________________________

    Cool. 

  • VexacionVexacion
    In the first posted one, I got: 73% Socializer, 60% Explorer, 40% Achiever and 27% Killer.

    In the second one, I got:
    Your Bartle Gamer Type is: fsPo
    Your dominant subtype is known as the Sophist.

    The fsPo Sophist is a community builder who helps others grow and reach their
    full potential developing solid friendships based on mutual respect. When she
    encounters an obstacle she will contemplate if it's worth her time and the best
    strategy to work around it.

    The fsPo Sophist enjoys the occasional word of appreciation for her dedication
    to others. She knows that slow and steady wins the race but is occasionally
    tempted to cut corners.

    The fsPo Sophist prefers an intriguing world with interesting physics that
    encourages people to interact and engage in challenges.

    75 Friend               Implicit Socializer
    66 Scientist            Explicit Explorer
    66 Networker         Explicit Socializer
    62 Politician           Explicit Killer
    50 Opportunist      Implicit Achiever
    44 Hacker              Implicit Explorer
    44 Architect           Explicit Achiever
    38 Griefer              Implicit Killer
  • SaranSaran
    Drastrath said:

    This is interesting for sure. However, I would say that there are two different reasons why killers would be killers. One is as stated: "only in the knowledge that a real person, somewhere, is very upset by what you've just done". The other being that the killer gets an sense of achievement or acknowledgement that they are superior at the game. This person isn't about making others feel bad, but it is more about themselves feeling a sense of achievement. One thought would be that I want the other person to lose while the other thought is I want to be better than the other person and win. 

    I think the other one described here is kinda an "Explorer" if the motivation is about mastering a game system (PvP) rather than imposing yourself on other players? Which kinda matches up with Scientist and Politician (building a big "good" reputation) ranking high.
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