Dr. Richard Bartle identified four main gamer types: Killers, who enjoy competing with and fighting other players; Achievers, who seek in-game rewards and accomplishments; Socializers, who primarily enjoy interacting and forming relationships with other players; and Explorers, who take pleasure in discovering hidden areas and learning about game worlds. Each type tends to prefer different genres of games that cater most directly to their motivations, such as first-person shooters for Killers, MMORPGs for Achievers, casual games for Socializers, and adventure games for Explorers.

1. Gamer Types
Instructor: Mr. Wondra

2. Bartle’s Gamer Types
Dr. Richard Bartle
(Like acting on players)
(Like interacting with the environment)
(Like acting in the environment)
(Like interacting with players)

3. Bartle’s Gamer Types

4. Killers
Thrive on competition with other players, and prefer fighting humans vs. scripted computer-controlled opponents
Some things they like….
● Action*
● Carnage / Mayhem
● Destructible Environments
● Being the “Bad Guy”
● Competition
● Feeling of Control / Power / Dominance
● Player Ranks
● Leaderboards
*** First Person Shooters (FPS) and Fighting games cater heavily to the “Killer” type ***

5. Achievers
Go to great lengths to achieve rewards simply for the prestige of having it.
Some things they like….
● High Scores
● Player Levels
● Impressive Collections (Equipment, for example)
● Titles / Badges / Achievements / Trophies
● “Beating” Games
● 100% Completion
● Extra Endings*
*** MMORPGS cater heavily to the “Achiever” type ***

6. Socializers
Gain the most enjoyment from a game by interacting with other players. The game is merely a tool they use
to meet others in-game or outside of it.
Some things they like….
● Online games
● Friend lists
● Guilds
● Chat features
● Sharing
● Trading
● Gifts
*** Casual Games cater heavily to the “Socializer” type ***

7. Explorers
Players who prefer discovering areas, creating maps and learning about hidden places. Feel restricted by
linear paths or time limits in games
Some things they like….
● Discovering areas / hidden places
● Easter Eggs*
● Hidden tricks*
● Backstory and lore
● Interesting characters
*** Adventure Games cater heavily to the “Explorer” type ***