Introduction and my presentation g

1. Playing by the numbers?A panel on theorycrafting Kristine Ask Faltin Karlsen Christopher Paul Mark Chen

2. 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

3. Example: Frostfire bolt In game description

4. Example: Frostfire bolt In game description: 722-838 dmg Theorycraft: 4324,43 dmg In game description 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 Theory-crafted version

8. Scientific play? Hypothetical deductive method Gathering data Analysis Presentation and discussion of findings Writing reports (guides) Apply in practice

9. Knowledge Society

10. 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

11. «To quote one of my former guildmateand 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»

12. Making discourses: Talking numbers to prove one’s skill Descriptive and non-emotive language Gatekeeping

13. Making representations: Tools for counting play

14. Making institutions: For those who know the numbers Stabilisation of practice Evaluation and learning in system

15. “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

16. Findings (?) Scientification of leisuretime From powergaming to positivist play? Engineering the game