What sort of gamer are you?
In recent years, as technology has infiltrated HR practices, gamification has moved steadily up the priority list. HR leaders now recognise the positive effect it can have upon areas such as engagement, productivity and innovation.
In order to deliver long-term results, gamified applications must appeal to as wide a demographic as possible. As such four personality types, based on the well-known game player classification system, The Bartle Test, are used to design a programme which caters for all types of Gamer.
The Achiever
The achiever likes to win, and once they do, show off about that win and their elite status. They thrive on the challenge of creation or accomplishment; preferring to gain points, experience or opening a new level as a reward for their success.
Achievers enjoy the ability to compare progress with others and therefore like the use of scoreboards. If they aren’t at the top, however, then they soon will be – completing tasks for the sake of the rewards as opposed to the learning or knowledge gained.
When they aren’t in game mode, you’ll most likely find an Achiever posting about their accomplishments on various social networks in order to maximise the number of people who see what they have achieved.
The Socialiser
As the name would suggest, a Socialiser’s aim is not so much to win or explore the game but instead be social. They like to interact with other players; offering them help or sharing information.
For a socialiser, an online environment offers the potential for lots of new relationships and so providing the opportunity to connect and communicate with new people is very appealing. And if there are groups or communities that can be joined through game play, they will take full advantage in order to feel a sense of belonging.
Socialisers are well-known characters and very compatible with all other types of gamer. When they aren’t in game mode you’ll most likely find them networking or having instant message conversations with their friends and colleagues through a variety of communication mediums.
The Explorer
Explorers love to get under the skin of a game; discovering all that they can about the subject in order to improve their knowledge. As such they don’t appreciate timed games which stop them from exploring in their own time and at their own pace.
Highly detailed individuals, they pay attention to the small things. This comes in handy for future game play, using their previous experiences and learning to help them advance. And in a team play situation, they thrive on being surrounded by people who will benefit from their wisdom.
Outside of the gaming world, it’s likely you’ll find an explorer sharing their experiences with others. Whether that’s posting a review on TripAdvisor, voting on polls or curating Pinterest boards; Explorers love to swap stories and build their knowledge.
The Killer
For killers, it’s all about the thrill of defeating other players. Rewards, such as trophies or points, are appreciated. However it’s the immediate rush following the demise of another player which really makes them tick.
As a result they prefer player vs player competition; thriving on the opportunity to read their opponents moves and attempting to act with honour. We say ‘attempt’ as Killers are more likely to hack or cheat within a game in order to overcome…
When Killers aren’t gaming, they can be found in highly competitive roles and usually have a natural talent for reading a situation or market change, which can make them very successful.
Want to know how to use these personas within your business? Drop Tim a line at [email protected]