Play to win vs play as a scrub

[Xcom]

I read this very interesting article regarding gaming mentality. Was about the mentality players use to achieve there goals. One thing that really stood out was how it really did factor in the actual psychology behind alot of the decisions you make when your in a competition and not just in games. Both of them are really interesting. Wanted to share them and reflect on what they had to say.

This was the article by a eve player called Gevlon:
http://greedygoblin.blogspot.com.au/p/play-to-win-vs-play-for-fun.html

That article was based on another article made ages ago by Sirlin found here:
http://www.sirlin.net/ptw

I agreed with most of what both had to say and I really did think Gevlon's viewpoint was correctly assumed about the types of players that exists. Sirling's article really did open my eyes to what a good game really is all about as well making me rethink alot of the viewpoints I have had over games I have played over the years.

Although alot of it was interesting it didn't really go in depth into why each type of player did really play to the game styles they chose to play in. They both just assumed there are week and strong players as if it was raw survival and nothing else. If they could color there view points in depth why each type of player really did choose to fall into either category it would have been alot more interesting. But I guess they both come from a viewpoint of both being hardcore gamers and they both do look down on weaker players.

One thing both articles did really point out was how some players really do whatever it takes to stay alive and how some players put up extra barriers fall behind then complain over and over when things don't go there preferred way. It does really also show the mentality of what you should take when your under attack or even in risk of getting attack. Alot of players fall over and give up instead of shedding there shackles and charge forward.

[Sarge]

I read the condensed version and chapter 1 & 2 of the full write up and it was VERY interesting. He sure as hell didn't pull any punches and it could be (probably is) a pretty sensitive read for many.

[Granny]

I find it interesting that those two are the only options in these authors universe. You either play to win or you are a scrub and are motivated by a ego-boost.

For a more indepth study of gamers and their motivation for playing, I always link people to the Daedalus project found here : http://www.nickyee.com/daedalus/

[NOOBY93]

Well "scrub" can be phrased differently, I mean, I don't mind people who play casually. I don't mind people who play for fun and not to win every part of the game. They aren't scrubs, they're just not trying to win and it's okay..
HOWEVER
I am fucking pissed when a skrub goes mad when, in a game such as this, they get owned by some play-to-win person, and even though they could've taken measures to protect themselves (but didn't because they're casual), they're angry.
If you're casual, don't get pissed for consequences of being casual.
Anyways, I guess those are the 2 gamer sides indeed, excluding the "playing the game to test bugs and shit" group.

[MagicManICT]

Although alot of it was interesting it didn't really go in depth into why each type of player did really play to the game styles they chose to play in. They both just assumed there are week and strong players as if it was raw survival and nothing else. If they could color there view points in depth why each type of player really did choose to fall into either category it would have been alot more interesting. But I guess they both come from a viewpoint of both being hardcore gamers and they both do look down on weaker players.

I read the sirlin article a while back and I saw the same thing. The "spirit of competition" has been studied in the past. There are philosophical works on it as well as psychology and sociology papers. They are out there for those wanting to find them, but there can always be more work done on the subject.

If the new post isn't much different, I don't think I'll bother reading it.

One thing both articles did really point out was how some players really do whatever it takes to stay alive and how some players put up extra barriers fall behind then complain over and over when things don't go there preferred way. It does really also show the mentality of what you should take when your under attack or even in risk of getting attack. Alot of players fall over and give up instead of shedding there shackles and charge forward.

I think this is pretty obvious in life as well as games to an observant person, but then we aren't all born to be super-scientists.

[Kaios]

replace "play-to-win" with "no-lifer" and you have yourself an article.

[Sarge]

replace "play-to-win" with "no-lifer" and you have yourself an article.

Did you read it Kai? The very point you are trying to make is addressed almost verbatim.

[Kaios]

Yeah and that was kind of my point, I find the whole perception the article is written in to be rather skewed. Like Xcom said though:

But I guess they both come from a viewpoint of both being hardcore gamers and they both do look down on weaker players.

I agree with most of what was said in regards to the mentality of players but I've always believed that when it comes down to it, it's just a matter of who has more time on their hands.

[insanechef]

replace "play-to-win" with "no-lifer" and you have yourself an article.

Did you read it Kai? The very point you are trying to make is addressed almost verbatim.

Kinda makes sense too. Is someone with 1000 ua a no-life? Or could they have simply only logged on to restudy curios? What about a calling someone a no-lifer who has 100 hours, whilst they've just racked up 500 hours on skyrim? "Well I enjoy skyrim"

It's good to find psychological and philosophical reasoning I guess, but it just boils down to people playing how they want to. What even is a casual gamer?

[Sarge]

Yeah and that was kind of my point, I find the whole perception the article is written in to be rather skewed. Like Xcom said though:

But I guess they both come from a viewpoint of both being hardcore gamers and they both do look down on weaker players.

I agree with most of what was said in regards to the mentality of players but I've always believed that when it comes down to it, it's just a matter of who has more time on their hands.

Ah gotcha, thought for a moment you fluked onto it with your superpowers