Play-Persona: Modeling Player Behaviour in Computer Games

In a quantitative approach towards finding clusters of player behaviors, Drachen, Canossa and
Yannakakis [12] utilized an Evolving Self-Organizing Map (a form of Korhonen neural network) to
analyze data from a small sample of 1365 players of TRU, all of whom had completed the game.
The analysis considered six variables (completion time, numbers of deaths, death by falling, death
by enemy, death by environment and the use of the Help-on-demand system). Four clusters of
behavior were located (table 1) based on the core mechanics of the game encompassing more than
90% of the examined players. Each group was rated on a low-average-high scale, which is based
on the underlying range in the gameplay metrics. Each group was given a metaphorical label, which
serves to provide an illustration of the core behavior of the group, and is essential when
communicating results of an analysis to the design team in a game development company.
Veterans Solvers Pacifists Runners
Death count low average n/a average/low
Completion time low average/high average/low low
Death by falling low high average/high average/low
Death by enemy low average/low high high
Death by environment high low low High
Help on demand average/low low low high / low
Table 1: the four clusters of player behaviour according to the game metrics tracked
Veterans: These players where characterized by low death counts, fast completion times and very
few deaths by enemies or falling, and low numbers of request for help in solving puzzles. The only
weakness was environment related deaths, which this group handled rather badly. A closer look at
the metrics data could be utilized to locate the specific areas or traps where this otherwise very well
performing group ran into problems.
Solvers: This group of players where characterized by very low numbers of requests for help in
solving puzzles, but average to high numbers of death by falling and enemies. Completion time was
average. Perhaps surprisingly, environment-related deaths were low, indicating careful navigation
through the environment.
Pacifists: These players are characterized by average numbers of death to environment and falling,
but low numbers of death to environment effects such as traps, and low numbers of requests for
help, and very high numbers of deaths by enemies. These players generally navigate the game well,
but are very bad at handling mobile threats.
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