"GOOD!? What do you mean 'good'!?"
Jaramon over at Deathcoil.org has a post up entitled Good players versus GOOD Players that prompted me to think more about how I define a “good” player and what it actually means, as well as a second thought that I’ll share later in this post:
What is it that I expect out of someone to consider them a good player?
Let’s start with some basic thoughts that come to mind:
A “good” player should…
- … understand common group etiquette.
- … know enough about their class to understand what their role is and be able to fulfill said role in a satisfactory1 manner.
- … be courteous.
- … be mindful of their surroundings and the other people in the group.
What then, after those thoughts, makes a GOOD player?
GOOD players are the ones that make you stop and pay attention to the name. The ones you recognize again later. The ones who did something to stand out from the crowd in a positive way.
To avoid confusion, let’s think of “good” players as average players, and GOOD players as above average players (average, in this case, being the standard set forth above). One might notice an above average player because of their willingness to do whatever is asked without grumbling, or because of their ability to actually handle threat, or perhaps even something as simple as providing humor after the thirteenth consecutive wipe…
The point is, an average player is typically going to do what they are asked to do, and at least do it well enough to skate by. Above average players will try to go above and beyond what they are called upon to do.
These thoughts vary a little depending upon content, which is where the second item (… know enough about their class to understand what their role is and be able to fulfill said role in a satisfactory1 manner) comes from:
For a general guideline, satisfactory in 5-man content is quite different from satisfactory in a raid environment. Where one person is above average for dungeons they may fall into the average category for raid content, or even vice versa. Perhaps this is just the nature of raiding, wherein the expectation of someone reaching that content means they have to bring more to the table than others. I know that I, personally, hold a different set of expectations for raiders than I do the general player.
With that in mind, what truly makes an all-around, above average player?
- Focus and attention, and experienced at playing their class. I normally consider an above average player to be a person who pushes the envelope, doing what they can to maximize their contribution to the objective at hand.
- Above average players will have their own consumables normally, and know enough about the fights to adapt to the group’s composition and strategy.
- And perhaps most importantly, an above average player will have a very specific type of attitude. They’ll be able to accept suggestions without getting defensive. They’ll make suggestions when the group is stuck on an objective. Realistically, they’ll simply be courteous and supportive.
This is an interesting thought process to undertake, especially because we generally do not tend to objectively step back and analyze ourselves using the same generalized standards we apply to others.
What do you think, are you an above average player?
I agree with you on your definition of a good player, but I’d have to say that I’d also settle for someone who understands group etiquette and is courteous. The rest is just a bonus. If a person is polite, I don’t mind taking the time out of my day to help them with the rest. That’s just my opinion. And I greatly enjoy your definition of “good” vs. GOOD. Very well done, and I couldn’t agree more.
–Davlin of Epic Dwarven Blogger
I absolutely agree with regards to the thought on etiquette and courteousness being primary concerns. What I have noticed, at least in my general groupings, is that if they are both of those things they typically fulfill what I find to be satisfactory performance.
For example, a mage dealing 300dps at 80 is horrible. A mage dealing 900dps at 80, although definitely not where they could be (or debatably should be), is enough for me to be happy if they are trying. Obviously for others this may not be the case, but I think using the criteria of “satisfactory” at least allows the same thought to be applied by more people than for me to try to actually define it.
Oh, and nice layout on your site. I do have one suggestion though (and maybe I overlooked it): RSS feeds
Personally, my definition of “good” is someone who cares enough to show up, might ask a few questions, and doesn’t cause a wipe. GOOD is someone who cares enough about their class to either do research or try out lots of things to get what works best for them and pushes themselves to play well. The GOOD definition absolutely hinges on the caring part… with it, you get caps, without it you don’t. Simple.
Hey Byaghro, thanks for the RSS suggestion. I’ve set one up. I think that it works anyways, I’ve new to RSS. Thanks again. If I ever figure out subscribing and what not I’ll see about subscribing to yours. By the way, I’d like to add your blog to my “Dav Approved Blogness” in my links if that’s ok with you?
@Davlin
Certainly (on the link). And if you need any help figuring out something feel free to send me a message.
@Deekow
I think that’s one area we’ll all agree on – by caring one generally finds better players.
In a lot of ways I’m a below average player: I AFK during trash way to frequently and some days I am prone to major mood swings when people criticize me during a raid (especially my husband.) And I do agree with you that those two things need to be included to define a GOOD player.
But I would disagree on placing “mindful of their surrounds” on the “good” list. I think there are far too many people who are just completely oblivious to their surroundings in WoW, but may otherwise meet the definition of “good”. I think the ability to not stand in fire bumps a lot of players from “good” to GOOD.
I also don’t know how to handle the courteous part too… While I am more likely to play with someone who is pleasant, some of the BEST WoW players I have known have been complete jerks. The real key is to convince the jerks to like you – then you have the best of both worlds!
@Aertimus
Interesting. I suppose a lot of mine comes from the general group of people I play with and the caliber of those we end up pug’ing. I don’t mind working with someone who has a great attitude, and helping them become better, but I find I cannot (normally) work with someone who is a bit of a jerk.
As with anything there are exceptions, and the mindful of what is going on around them is typically the one most will overlook… with one exception: they have to be able to pay attention, or look for, what it is that caused a problem as a result of them not minding their surroundings after they have been through the content a couple of times. I think we’ve all been guilty of not paying attention to something we should have, but typically a good player will notice it and not repeat the same mistake again.
I just have to disagree on the jerk part though… most of the people I have encountered that were great players were also pretty friendly (though I have no doubt that comes down to being lucky in who I’ve met)
I liked this post and think you have some good criteria for good vs. GOOD. And for the comments, I would have to disagree about allowing jerks to be categorized as GOOD. Sure, a jerk may play their class well, but a GOOD player is someone that not only plays well themselves, but plays well with others. A jerk is not going to be helpful to those around them and therefore NOT go above and beyond what is expected of them… which would lump them back in the “good” or “average” category.