Playing by the numbers?

A panel on theorycrafting

Kristine AskFaltin KarlsenChristopher PaulMark Chen

Theorycrafting 101

“Theorycraft is the attempt to mathematically analyze game mechanics in order to gain a

better understanding of the inner workings of the game. “

Wowwiki.com

Example: Frostfire bolt

In game description

Example: Frostfire bolt

avg_damage_per_cast_noncrit = (avg_cast_base_dmg + (spell_coefficient + empowered_fire + empowered_frostbolt + arcane_empowerment) * final_spell_dmg) * (firepower + ffb_glyph + spell_impact + arcane_blast_buff + arcane_power) * pwf * piercing_ice [* ebon_plaguebringer or coe+malediction or earth&moon] * arcane_instability * frostbolt_glyph * molten_fury [* sanctified_retribution or ferocious_inspiration] * tricks_of_the_trade * troll_beast_racial/worgen_racial

ex: frostfire bolt -- molten fury + berserking(20%) + bloodlust + icy veins + 4pct7 + CSD included, 2000 spelldmg, 55% crit, 500 haste ratingavg_damage_per_cast_noncrit = ( (722+838)/2 + (3/3.5 + 0.15) * 2000 spelldmg) * (1.1 + 0.02) * 1.03 * 1.06 * 1.13 * 1.12 = 4324.43avg_damage_per_cast_critical = 4324.43 * (1 + 0.55 * (3.34565 - 1)) = 9903.41final_cast_time = 3 / (1 + 500/32.78998947/100) / 1.05 / 1.03 / 1.3 / 1.2 / 1.2 = 1.29

In game description

Theory-crafted version

In game description: 722-838 dmgTheorycraft: 4324,43 dmg

Scientific play?

1. Hypothetical deductive method

2. Gathering data3. Analysis4. Presentation and

discussion of findings5. Writing reports (guides)6. Apply in practice

KnowledgeSociety

Making identity: When being a jerk is idolized

”Rule no 7: Do not beg for hand-holding. ”

• Links objectivity with elitism• Opens for evaluation of

other players’ performance

«To quote one of my former guildmate and good friend on what he said about the Blizzard forums: I almost never use them cause there is nothing interesting

there and I tend to get a headache when that many retards are at one place»

Making discourses: Talking numbers to prove one’s skill

Descriptive and non-

emotive language

Gatekeeping

Making representations: Tools for counting play

Making institutions: For those who know the numbers

• Stabilisation of practice• Evaluation and learning in system

“We're not here to be [the server’s] next "raider prep school", but if you see someone struggling to keep up, talk to them. Have a look at the WWS's to see what they're doing (wrong) and suggest what they could do different.”

Guildmaster

Findings (?)

• Scientification of leisuretime• From powergaming to positivist

play?• Engineering the game