Socializer

There are a multitude of gamers who choose to play games for the social aspect, rather than the actual game itself. These players are known as Socializers or "Hearts". They gain the most enjoyment from a game by interacting with other players, and on some occasions, computer-controlled characters with personality. The game is merely a tool they use to meet others in-game or outside of it. Since their objective is not so much to win or explore as it is to be social, there are few games that the Socializer enjoy based on their merits. Instead, they play some of the more popular games so that they can use their experience to socialize with others who have played them, or use the multi-player features. The online environment is very appealing to the Socializer, as it provides near limitless potential for new relationships (Wikipedia.org/wiki/Bartle_taxonomy_of_player_types).

Discussion Questions:

1. Gamified units are highly personalized according to each student's preferences, meaning every learner could be at a different place in the multi-path game journey. How do we motivate the socializers? (Consider the function of tribes, collaborative assignments, etc.).

2. Do you think public displays of XP Points, Leaderboards, and/or earned badges could motivate socializers? Why or why not?

3. What are ways that Socializers could help or assist Achievers and vice versa? What about Explorers as well as Griefers/Killers? (See definitions by clicking on the page links to other gamer types in the drop down menu at the top right)

4. What are other potential roles that could be played by Socializers in a student-directed gamified unit?

Be ready to share with the group some take aways from your conversation. You will be given a couple minutes to share. Go here to see how we plan to do that.