NOTES: Richard A. Bartle: Players Who Suit MUDs

What is a MUD?  A MUD is a Multi-User Domain (or Dungeon, depending on the source).

In the article written by Richard A. Bartle, he describes his research of player types and the four main things players typically enjoy within a gameplay experience. The four main things are achievement within the game, exploration of the game, socialising with players and imposition upon other players. In abstract we are left with; explorers, socialisers, killers and achievers.

Achievers - set game related goals for themselves and set out to achieve their goals.

Explorers - try to figure the game out. Explorers explore the mechanics and the game world by means of experimenting with the way the world works.

Socialisers - May enjoy role-playing in context with players and will make use of the communication tools within the game.

Killers - cause grief and distress to other players by using the tools within the game world or in occasionally help other players.

Players mostly drift between all four gameplay styles, players usually tend to have a primary gameplay style though and will only change their style to continue with their main interest. For example an explorer in Skyrim may only achieve goals within the game and go on quests just so that they can see more of the game world.

Bartle then explains which dynamics and mechanics we can use as designers to  drive these different types of players within the game world.