Video Game Player Dynamics

In the article “The Individual and the Group in Console Gaming” the authors identify several facets of group dynamics in the gaming environment. Most notably is the way in which players can compete while collaborating, and collaborate while competing. Ultimately there are three types of play identified:

Competitive: the goals of each player is directly in contradiction to the goals of other players. The goal of the game is to defeat the other opponents in some way. It is important to note that this does not necessarily mean that the players are directly affecting each other, they may be attempting to navigate a challenge the computer represents in a better manor than the other players, with the victor being identified by a score or some kind of timer.

Cooperative: the goals of each player is not necessarily contradictory to the goals of other players. In cooperative games the players may find it beneficial to aid each other, but their goals are ultimately distinct. At times collaboration will help one player more than another, and they may turn on each other at a given time. These types of games can transform into competitive at key moments, most often when the score is shown.

Collaborative: this is a newer dynamic that is appearing more and more often in gaming. In collaborative type play the goals of all players is completely aligned and the outcomes rely on the group as a whole. There is no benefit to striking out on ones own while your erstwhile allies fail, the outcome being that the entire group loses. This type of play often requires the most collaboration amongst the group and stratagems that require everyone to succeed, at times with the support of the rest of the group.

These dynamic...

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