The internet age has brought with it increased interest in the popularity of personality type quizzes. One of the most popular varieties of personality classification is the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, or MBTI.
The MBTI is a classification system that breaks down common traits into eight corresponding letters: E (Extroverted), I (Introverted), S (Sensing), N (iNtuitive), T (Thinking), F (Feeling), J (Judging), P (Perceiving). The system was initially devised by Katherine Cooks Briggs, who refined some of the fundamentals of Jungian philosophy, and the system has gone on to inform other popular personality metrics, including the Keirsey Temperament Sorter.
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Personal types & Star Wars
Essentially, the MBTI system works like this: After answering a series of detailed questions, if you score as an Introvert, it means you tend to be drained by lots of social activity. Extroverts, on the other hand, get energy from groups.
If you have a T (for Thinking) instead of an F (Feeling), that means you are more logic-based and less emotionally expressive. It doesn’t mean you are emotionless; it just means the way you make decisions is centered around logic and consistency rather than what you feel or the circumstances of a situation. You can read the official site for more information, as well as an explanation of the other traits.
Don’t know your personality type? We’re a fan of the test and explanations over at 16 Personalities. Though it isn’t an official MBTI test, it’s in-depth and provides robust, multi-page explanations of each type.
Here’s a fun visual breakdown of the different types via GeekInHeels.com.
Because it’s what we do here, we thought it would be fun to take the Myers-Briggs concept and apply it to the world of video gaming. Are there genres or games we can identify that might fit some personality types better than others?
Do INTJs prefer strategy and tactical games? Are Extroverts generally more drawn to social games like MMOs? We did some brainstorming and analysis, along with an informal survey of personality type message boards, to come up with some possibilities.
Image Credit: DepositPhotos.com.
INTJ (Introverted iNtuitive Thinking Judging) – The Architect
- Favorite genres: Puzzle, Turn-based Strategy, Sandbox
- Games to try: Myst, Civilization, Minecraft
While only making up 2% of the population as a whole, this type is generally more represented online. They are a combination of deep, abstract thinkers full of imagination and practical, detail-oriented behavior. Both idealistic and cynical, it makes perfect sense many would be drawn into the imaginative world of gaming where seemingly impossible goals are achievable once you put in the right amount of time and effort.
In gaming, INTJs can be drawn to mentally demanding games that allow for long-term planning.
Image Credit: Mojang Studios / Xbox Game Studios / Telltale Games / Sony Interactive Entertainment.
INTP (Introvert iNtuitive Thinking Perceiving) — The Logician
- Favorite genres: Action role-playing, Rogue-likes, Mystery/horror
- Games to try: Fallout: New Vegas, Rogue Legacy, Amnesia: the Dark Descent
Another rare type, INTPs make up only 3% of the population. They are similar to INTJs but pride themselves on their originality. They are able to see the bigger picture while applying practical logic to the situation. They love to spot patterns and are usually the most logically precise of all the types. At the same time, they are extremely imaginative; they need space in which to explore their big theories and thought processes.
In gaming, you may find INTPs enjoying broad games with intricate systems underlying them or imaginative, boundary-pushing titles in genres such as horror.
Image Credit: Bethesda Softworks.
ENTJ (Extroverted iNtuitive Thinking Judging) — The Commander
- Favorite genres: First-person shooter, Co-op teamplay, MOBA.
- Games to try: Battlefield 4, Evolve, Dota 2
These are the natural-born leaders. People who are usually student body presidents, team squad leaders, or high-ranking military officials. When they decide to do something, they will usually do it at all costs, which can often be perceived as ruthless. They might get pushback from it, but that doesn’t concern them as much as achieving their goal. They are very good negotiators, but at the same time, they are extremely stubborn.
You may think these types wouldn’t be drawn to video games, but actually some of the most popular forms of gaming are right up their alley. If you have one on your side in a multiplayer game, you’ll know it right away — and you’ll probably benefit from it.
Image Credit: Electronic Arts.
ENTP (Extroverted iNtuitive Thinking Perceiving) — The Debator
- Favorite genres: Action role-playing, MMO shooter, Action-adventure survival.
- Games to try: Mass Effect 2, DayZ, ARK: Survival Evolved.
You either love or hate this type of person. Even if you’re best friends with one, you may still hate them sometimes because they are always playing the devil’s advocate. They will debate for the sake of debating, and love to rile people up. They can be the epitome of mischievous troll. ENTPs can be both intelligent and extremely frustrating at times for others when they don’t do the leg work in a job. They are often very creative — just don’t get into an argument with one.
In the world of gaming, you might find these folks enjoying the important choices offered by a game like Mass Effect or the opportunities to tell people what they are doing wrong in survival-focused titles.
Image Credit: Mass Effect 2.
INFJ (Introverted iNtuitive Feeling Judging) — The Advocate
- Favorite genres: Action role-playing, MMORPG, Life simulation
- Games to try: Dragon Age: Inquisition, Final Fantasy XIV, The Sims
The “Mother Teresa” of types, this is the rarest of all personality classifications. Less than 1% of the population falls into this category. INFJs feel very strongly about their morals and will strive to execute them on a daily basis. They are introverted in part because, after a while, the world’s problems become too much, and they must hide away in order to maintain their sanity. They are also one of the least competitive types.
INFJs playing games will enjoy opportunities to make moral choices and inspire others, whether those others are digital or actual living people. They desire to engage with a story over “‘winning” in a game.
Image Credit: Square Enix.
INFP (Introverted iNtuitive Feeling Perceiving) — The Mediator
- Favorite genres: Story-driven single player, MMORPG, Co-op action
- Games to try: The Half Life series, Guild Wars 2, Portal 2 multiplayer
INFPs are deeply sensitive, but that doesn’t mean they can’t take criticism. They hate conflict with others and just want everyone to get along. They are also true idealists, seeing the good in everyone, and they really feel the injustice if someone else is wronged (don’t get INFPs and ENTPs in the same room). Like INFJs, they’d rather work towards a common goal and are not motivated by competing against others. They like staying in the background but are extremely passionate about what they do like.
If you’re playing an online game with an INFP, they are probably hanging out in your team speak with their mic muted. If the team starts arguing though, they’ll be the ones to speak up and keep everyone focused on working together.
Image Credit: Valve.
ENFJ (Extroverted iNtuitive Feeling Judging) — The Protagonist
- Favorite genres: Tactical shooter, MOBA, MMO shooter
- Games to try: Ghost Recon, Heroes of the Storm, Destiny
Like ENTJs, ENFJs are natural born leaders but are more attuned to other people’s feelings. No matter where they go, the party is sure to follow. As such, they are good coaches and politicians, charismatic to a fault. Less noble ENFJs can easily manipulate others, but most of the time they get enjoyment from bringing up other people and “taking one for the team.” Their downsides include sometimes overanalyzing a situation or taking on other people’s problems needlessly.
ENFJs are probably the most vocal in your team speak, but you most likely won’t mind.
Image Credit: Bungie.
ISTJ (Introverted Sensing Thinking Judging) – The Logistician
- Favorite genres: Real-time strategy, Action-adventure stealth, Tactical RPG
- Games to try: StarCraft II, the Metal Gear Solid series, Final Fantasy Tactics
One of the more abundant personality types (making up 13% of the population), ISTJs are bound by their sense of responsibility. Practical and logical to a fault, their S aspect means that they react to their surroundings rather than dwell on internal thoughts.
Extremely dedicated and loyal, these are the people who don’t mind the grind if it means achieving their goal. They like patterns, tradition, and routine (they live for spreadsheets). More likely to express their care through actions rather than words, the ISTJs in your group of gaming friends are friends you’ll more than likely have for life.
Calculating, practical, and not swayed by emotion, ISTJs will show up tirelessly for raids, guild meetings, or whatever scheduled event you have planned.
Image Credit: Kojima Productions / Konami.
ISFJ (Introverted Sensing Feeling Judging) – The Defender
- Favorite genres: Single-player RPG, J-RPG, Interactive story/mystery
- Games to try: The Legend of Zelda series, To the Moon, Gone Home
This type is unique in the sense that they combine a lot of qualities that you wouldn’t think go together. Although they feel very deeply (F), they also are very analytical and logical. While they are introverted, they are also very people oriented. In fact, they often put other people’s needs above their own, preferring to take a back seat and let others take the limelight. True altruists, they can sometimes be meticulous to a fault, and their kindness can easily be exploited.
In the world of games, ISFJs enjoy games with people-focused stories with which they can get emotionally involved. Since they also enjoy order and organization, number-heavy RPGs can also appeal.
Image Credit: Nintendo.
ESTJ (Extroverted Sensing Thinking Judging) – The Executive
- Favorite genres: Third-person shooter, Tactical shooter, Cooperative first-person shooter
- Games to try: Splatoon, CS:GO, Left 4 Dead 2
Motivated by their core values of honesty, dedication, and dignity, ESTJs are happy to lead the way through difficult paths. They lead by example and are prized for their natural abilities to bring people and communities together. Because, however, they see things so clearly defined by facts and what they see around them (where the S comes into play), they can be very stubborn. They often see the world in black and white.
An ESTJ can be an asset to an online team and community, and their clear vision can help find a way through complicated scenarios.
Image Credit: Nintendo / YouTube.
ESFJ (Extroverted Sensing Feeling Judging) – The Consul
- Favorite genres: Music/dancing, Party, Racing
- Games to try: Just Dance, Mario Party, the Forza series
This type is usually very popular — the cheerleaders and cool kids of their school, for instance. They are probably not what people think of when they imagine gamers, but there’s a place for everyone in the gaming space. ESFJs are cooperative and warmhearted and enjoy social activities and keeping up to date with the latest events in their friends’ lives. They are also usually willing to following along with established traditions, rather than pushing for something new.
ESFJs might not always be “hardcore” gamers, but they enjoy the social aspect of gaming. They are the kinds of people who make Mario Kart tournaments fun. At the same time, they may also make said tournaments frustrating, because they love the limelight of victory. They aren’t looking for serious storylines or existential discovery in their games. They want a good time and a chance to show off their skills.
Image Credit: Mario Wiki Commons / Nintendo.
ISTP (Introverted Sensing Thinking Perceiving) – The Virtuoso
- Favorite genres: Procedurally generated open world, Action-adventure sandbox, City-building simulation
- Games to try: Starbound, Terraria, Cities: Skylines
Natural tinkerers and hands-on learners, ISTPs love to get their hands dirty and learn from their environment before moving onto the next challenge. They explore through trial and error, learning more through doing rather than reading manuals or long-winded bits of text. They also don’t mind people participating in their projects, as long as they still have the freedom to explore. They work best when they can really work freely with the tools they’ve been given to create something amazing.
ISTPs are drawn to games where they can jump in, discover things for themselves, and master the tools to eventually create something huge and wonderful.
Image Credit: Chucklefish.
ISFP (Introverted Sensing Feeling Perceiving) – The Adventurer
- Favorite genres: Indie puzzle, Interactive story, Experimental
- Games to try: Papers, Please, The Stanley Parable, Mountain
True artists, ISFPs use their refined sense of aesthetics and design to push the limits of social convention. They want to think outside the box, break conventions, and push norms in order to provoke thought and discussion. They love upsetting traditional patterns and see the beauty in unlikely places. They are probably the first in your group to discover a game, and they are more than happy to talk about it for hours.
ISFPs are usually not good at handling criticism, so single player games are probably best. Since they value innovation and challenging ideas, they’ll find the appeal in indie and experimental titles others might overlook.
Image Credit: 3909 LLC.
ESTP (Extroverted Sensing Thinking Perceiving) – The Entrepreneur
- Favorite genres: Action-adventure, Team first-person shooter, Fighting
- Games to try: Batman: Arkham Asylum, The Borderlands series, Mortal Kombat X
Much like ESFJs, ESTPs love being the center of attention. They do well in fast-paced environments and thrive on making decisions on the fly. They aren’t fans of theories or over-thinking things and would much rather jump into the action and put their skills to the test. An ESTP can be a good person to have on your team — just make sure they know the drill first before you let them loose.
ESTPs jump out into the fray fearlessly, which doesn’t always have to end in disaster. Their fearlessness is good in games like action adventures and co-op titles, where they are more than willing to go for first blood.
Image Credit: Midway Games.
ESFP (Extroverted Sensing Thinking Perceiving) – The Entertainer
- Favorite genres: Motion-control, Racing, Dancing
- Games to try: Disney Fantasia: Music Evolved, Mario Kart, The Just Dance series
Not one to sit down for more than a minute, ESFPs love to get caught up in the moment. They will often switch subjects mid-stream, get distracted easily, or lose track of what they were talking about as another idea pops into their head. They are drawn to aesthetics, and usually have a strong fashion sense. One thing’s for sure: there’s never a dull moment with an ESFP.
An ESFP’s extroverted nature is particularly strong — they need to be with people to get energy, so social games are probably best. They’re also not suited for a grind, so it’s best to avoid single player RPGs.
Image Credit: Nintendo, Nintendo Entertainment Analysis & Development.
ENFP (Extroverted iNtuitive Feeling Perceiving) – The Campaigner
- Favorite genres: Choose-your-own adventure, Co-op first-person shooter, MOBAs
- Games to try: A Wolf Among Us, Left 4 Dead 2, League of Legends
I’ve decided to wrap things up with my own personality type: ENFP. While the E is definitely a part of the type, ENFPs generally skirt the line between introverted and extroverted. They love people but also crave time to themselves. ENFPs are not very competitive and hate conflict. They also want to experience everything, so they like to try all kinds of different things. They’re always reading between the lines and trying to find the deeper meaning to things.
Deeper meanings are important for ENFPs, so open-world experiences might not resonate well with them. Structured stories and games that allow for and reward improvisation are solid options.
This article originally appeared on GamerTerra.com and was syndicated by MediaFeed.org.
Image Credit: Riot Games.
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