The Bartle Test classifies players of multiplayer online games (including MUDs and MMORPGs) into categories. This may have some application to tabletop RPGs, as far as any taxonomy of humans can ever be said to have value.

As part of prep for my forthcoming campaign, I’ve asked the players to take a simple Bartle Test. For fun, I thought I’d share the ratings that I received:

There were surprises around the low Achiever score and high Socialiser rating. Perhaps this explains my disinterest with Level-based progression games and the acquisition of “power” or magic items when I play.

The Killer score perhaps reflects my wargaming past and the enjoyment I get from tactical combat. This is always secondary, however, and ultimately confirms my interest in Exploration – especially of the fantastic worlds we play in.

If nothing else, perhaps it helps me to identify my unconscious biases and compensate for them at the table.

Game on!