Digital Thriving Glossary

These players are driven by the desire to complete objectives, earn achievements, and reach goals. They thrive on challenges and enjoy mastering game mechanics.

Richard Bartle introduced a well-known classification of player types, which includes Achievers, Explorers, Socializers, and Killers (often abbreviated as Bartle’s Types).

How digital spaces make players feel welcome members of the community.

Casual gamers play games for relaxation and entertainment, typically avoiding intense competition and long gaming sessions.

These players engage with games in a relaxed and non-committal manner. They may play games occasionally and are not heavily invested in gaming.

Encouraging groups to hold together, and communicating to players what it takes to do so.

Collector gamers focus on amassing in-game collectibles, such as items, cards, or achievements.

Similar to Achievers, completionists aim to complete every aspect of a game, including collecting all items, finishing all quests, and achieving 100% completion.

Enabling players to identify, build, and maintain meaningful relationships with others, to the extent they want to.

Encouraging players to work together toward shared goals, either in a game or for the community.

Putting a player’s fate into their own hands.

Explorers love to uncover hidden secrets, discover new areas, and engage with the world of the game. They often enjoy open-world games and games with rich lore.

The ways a game or space ensures everyone is treated equitably and justly.

Grinders are willing to invest extensive time and effort in repetitive tasks, such as leveling up or farming resources, to achieve their goals.

Hardcore players are highly committed to gaming, often dedicating significant time and effort to their chosen games. They may be highly skilled and competitive.

Also known as “Competitors” or “Attackers,” killers thrive on competition and conflict. They enjoy player vs. player (PvP) combat, defeating opponents, and demonstrating their skill.

Grinders are willing to invest extensive time and effort in repetitive tasks, such as leveling up or farming resources, to achieve their goals.

Hardcore players are highly committed to gaming, often dedicating significant time and effort to their chosen games. They may be highly skilled and competitive.

Also known as “Competitors” or “Attackers,” killers thrive on competition and conflict. They enjoy player vs. player (PvP) combat, defeating opponents, and demonstrating their skill.

These players are motivated by the acquisition of rare and valuable in-game items, often dedicating themselves to loot-focused gameplay.

How the game supports players’ improvement and growth.

These players are deeply invested in the story and lore of games, often choosing games for their compelling narratives and character development.

How the game ensures players, teams, and communities remain strong even when dealing with difficult topics and challenges.

Role-players immerse themselves in the narrative and role-play their characters in games, often adhering to in-game roles and storylines.

Socializers are primarily interested in the social aspects of gaming. They enjoy interacting with other players, forming connections, and collaborating in multiplayer games or online communities.

Speedrunners specialize in completing games as quickly as possible, often exploiting glitches and using optimized strategies.

Theorycrafters are analytical players who enjoy dissecting game mechanics, optimizing character builds, and discovering the most efficient strategies.