Bartle Test — Definition, examples, FAQs, and more

Bartle Test: a brief history

The term originated from Richard Bartle’s 1996 paper, “Hearts, Clubs, Diamonds, Spades: Players Who Suit MUDs.” In this paper, Bartle introduced a player typology for multi-user dungeons (MUDs), an early form of online multiplayer games.

Over time, the concept evolved into the Bartle Test, a questionnaire that classifies players according to Bartle’s four main player types based on where they fall along two axes (players, world; acting, interacting). It has since become a standard for understanding gamer psychology in various online gaming contexts.

Eventually, Bartle added a subset of additional types, based on whether players displayed certain behaviors explicitly or implicitly. This came to be known as the 3D Bartle Test, as it measures dimensions along a third axis (implicit/explicit).

How it's used today

Players and game designers use the Bartle Test to better understand how people interact with text-based RPGs and what motivates different play styles. It is especially popular in communities where understanding player preferences helps improve game experiences.

Types of games where the term is commonly used include:

MUD, MUSH, RPMUD, PbP, Chat RPG, MMORPG, Social media RPG, RPI, RPE.

Bartle Test examples

• Achievers in MMORPGs: In World of Warcraft, Achievers focus on leveling up their characters and collecting powerful gear. They aim to complete quests and earn achievements.
• Explorers in Text Adventures: In Zork, Explorers enjoy discovering hidden areas and secrets within the game world. They take pleasure in solving puzzles and uncovering the game’s lore.
• Socializers in Virtual Worlds: In Second Life, Socializers engage with other players, attend virtual events, and form relationships. They prefer activities that involve interaction and community-building.
• Killers in Competitive Games: In PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG), Killers thrive on defeating opponents. They seek the thrill of combat and aim to be the last player standing.
• Balanced Players in RPGs: In The Elder Scrolls Online, balanced players might engage in crafting, exploring, questing, and PvP combat, showing a mix of the four Bartle types.

Myths and misconceptions

1. The Bartle Test pigeonholes players into a single category, limiting their gaming identity. In fact, most players exhibit traits from multiple categories, reflected in a percentage-based result.
2. The Bartle Test dictates the only way players should enjoy games. While it offers insights into preferences, it doesn’t prescribe a single path of enjoyment.
3. The Bartle Test is outdated and no longer relevant to modern gaming. While the original Bartle Test focused on MUDs, its principles are still useful in the design of modern games, and the test is still cited as being a foundational tool.
4. The Bartle Test can accurately predict all aspects of a player’s behavior or preferences. In reality, the test serves as a general framework and may not encompass the full complexity or nuance of individual players.
5. The Bartle Test applies only to text-based games rather than all online games. In practice, the Bartle Test’s player types are frequently referenced in the design and analysis of many kinds of online games, not just text-based experiences.

Bartle Test FAQs

What do the four types in the Bartle Test represent?

Achievers are players who like to gain “points,” levels, or achievements within the game. Explorers like to discover areas, create maps, and learn about hidden places. Socializers enjoy interacting with other players, forming relationships and communities. Killers thrive on competing with other players and exerting their influence on the game world.

How is the test administered?

The Bartle Test is typically administered as an online quiz consisting of a series of questions. Players choose answers that best align with their gaming preferences, and based on their responses, they are classified into one of the four categories.

Where can I go to take the test myself?

Great question! Where you go depends on what version of the test you want to take:

• Matthew Barr hosts a version of the 2D test.
• Mudhalla hosts a version of the 3D test.

Can a player belong to more than one category?

Yes, most players show a mix of characteristics from different categories. The result is often presented as a percentage for each category, showing how strongly a player identifies with each of the four types.

How can I use my results to improve my gaming experience?

You can use your results to explore games and roles that align with your dominant player type.

For example, if you’re more of a Socializer, you might seek out casual games with chat features and light roleplay. If you’re an Achiever, look for a game with an achievements system, custom titles, rare equipment, and other goodies.

Can your results change over time?

Absolutely. Your preferences can evolve as your circumstances change, and retaking the test can reflect these changes.

For example, you might score high in the Killer and Achiever categories during college, then find that later in life, while working full time and taking care of a family, you’ve become more of a Socializer.

For another example, see my test results at the bottom of this post. In it, I explain my latest test scores and explain how/why they’ve changed over time.

How has the test impacted game design?

The Bartle Test has influenced game designers to create more balanced experiences, catering to different player types. By understanding the diverse motivations of players, developers can design games that appeal to a broader audience.

Is the test applicable to all types of games?

While the Bartle Test was specifically designed for online multiplayer games, particularly MUDs and early MMORPGs, its principles can be applied to a broader range of game genres to understand player behavior and preferences.

See also: MUD styles and player types.