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now have a good idea of who plays these games and what they do
when they play, but the question of why they play remains unanswered.
Most computer games typically have very particular goals that
appeal to only certain kinds of people, so it may seem natural
to think that players in an MMORPG are all playing for similar
reasons, however it would be difficult for MMORPGs to have such
a wide appeal if this were the case. The truth is that MMORPGs
have wide appeal because they are able to cater to very different
motivations of play at the same time. One way of understanding
these differences is by exploring how male
and female players seem to prefer different aspects of MMORPGs,
but the most fundamental
differences in motivations of play in fact cut across all players
rather than just between male and female players.
The most obvious appeal derives from the elements of achievement
in these environments. They cater to players who enjoy accumulating
wealth, rare items and tangible power. The other main appeal derives
from the ability to chat, make friends and affiliate with larger
social groups such as guilds. Many players also find appeal in becoming
immersed in a fantasy world and becoming part of a story that is
being told. Also, certain players enjoy competing with other players
or even annoying and manipulating them through devious means. And
finally, some players are fascinated with the mechanics and geography
of the world. For them, the satisfaction comes from unraveling the
game.
MMORPGs are seductive because they have hooks for many different
kinds of people and appeal to them through different means. To a
certain extent, we can understand MMORPGs as environments where
people are playing a different game side by side. But MMORPGs are
dynamic worlds because of this diversity of motivations and because
players are ultimately playing the same game. Adventures, alliances
and betrayals emerge as players collaborate to achieve very different
goals.
- Hearts, Clubs,
Diamonds, Spades: Players Who Suit MUDs (Bartle's Types) by
Richard Bartle
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