DGD2: Aphorisms

While mulling over the skill sets of Temperament Theory, I came up with the following aphorisms to summarise the four player types of "DGD 1.5" (i.e. Temperament Theory applied to games):

Logistical
"Practice makes perfect"

Tactical
"Give me the tools and let me at it."

Strategic
"I can figure it out"

Diplomatic
"We can find a way."

(The Diplomatic skill set remains the least clear in terms of games, since so much focus elsewhere has been on the Idealist's interpersonal skills which don't apply in single player games. Integrative thinking and the ability to deal with abstracts seem key, however.)

Comments

[Jack Monahan]

Nice. Alternative for logistical might be "try, try again" :)

[Duncan]

I've always thought of logistical more along the lines of management. You have so much stuff, so much space, and so much time. Organize it into an optimized group for a particular result. Write the schedule so that everyone gets their requested time off, and there are always 2-3 people in the store. Organize the $400 worth of groceries into the VW Bug so that the eggs aren't crushed on the bottom, but won't fall off the top. Make it work with what you have.

I'd be inclined to swap the definitions of Logistical and Strategic. Logistics being the core of "working it out" by optimization. Strategy being learned by repetitive actions (practice), learning from successes and failures.

[Chris]

Duncan: it's interesting, because your first paragraph *does* describe Logistical behaviours. But the Logistical skill set is not generally considered to be about devising solutions, per se, but rather about getting the right things to the right people at the right time et al.

If there is a 'figuring out' to be associated here, it is in efficiency. One can tell when someone who uses the Logistical skill set has done your washing up, because the plates will be stacked perfectly. :) This is a kind of figuring out, but not the same kind as I meant. (Which suggests I do need to change the wordings).

The Strategic skill set is about problem solving, on the other hand. "I can figure it out" strikes me as being in the right area, but if it can be confused with the Logistical skill set, perhaps the aphorism should be strengthened: "I can devise a solution", perhaps. Is this not synonymous with "I can figure it out"?

Logistical play appears to be about repitition and efficiency. It is generally framed by clearly defined goals.

Conversely, Strategic play need not have clearly defined goals. Part of the play can be figuring out what to do (hence "I can figure it out"). Adventure games and turn-based strategy games are the classic examples.

Well, this was a throwaway in the first place, but it would be nice to work on the terminology so that it was at least clear.

Perhaps these alternatives:

Logistical: "The more often I do it, the easier it becomes." [as per Jack's 'Try, try again' :)] or "I'll get there in the end"
Strategic: "I will learn all that I can, then devise a solution."

[Patrick Dugan]

I think you're on about "logistical" play, because it describes Diner Dash perfectly and the game hit really hard with a casual participant audience.

[Duncan]

I like the redefinition of Logistical better. Still feels close to the root word, but defines the type of play you are getting at much clearer.

Quick Question: was the use of military related terms intentional, or just a happy accident?

[Chris]

The terms are employed in Temperament Theory. I didn't coin them, I just use them. :)