In Volume 1 of the June '96 edition, Richard Bartle looks at what players want in a MUD, and how their playing style reflects that. His survey showed that people log on for four reasons:
1. Achievement: gained by acting on the virtual world. The achievers — called "Diamonds" — see the MUD as a game.
2. Exploration: via interaction with the world. These are the "Spades," and Bartle feels they view MU*ing as a pastime.
3. Entertainment: by socializing with the other players. These are the "Hearts."
4. Sport: enjoyed by acting on other players. This group is symbolized by the "Club," since they usually enjoy player-killing.
Bartle then uses these categories to suggest ways to influence the predominant type of player on the MUD, with the understanding that any one person will drift between classes over time. He also feels that the primary reason for MU*ing is a good guide when choosing a MUD that you'll enjoy.
Other topics include Alan Schwartz's look at "Competition and MUD Failures", an interesting look beyond the typical reasons given for MUD closures — mismanagement, staff boredom, excess resource use and stagnation — to see if competition between games in the virtually limitless expanse of the 'Net is actually a factor. Also, several researchers explore gender swapping on the 'Net, gender roles in virtual reality and the educational use of MUDS.
The latest edition focuses on MUDs as an arena for social interaction: how the removal of the barriers of face-to-face communication, along with the loss of social cues, like body language, for interpretation give a sense of easier camaraderie. But the studies ask, is this an illusion? 'Net relationships built on a MUD sometimes feel strikingly intimate at a faster pace than in real life. Yet a closer look at what is actually said hints that the communication really isn't as deep. It's a fascinating look at how these virtual communities work.
If you have something to contribute, the Journal of MUD Research is always open for submissions. Don't worry about your background or credentials — if you MUD and like to wonder why, you're qualified. Thanks for dropping by. : )
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