Video Games - ISTP vs. INTP

So I was reading this old showdown thread on INTP Forum about who's better at video games -- ISTPs or INTPs.

As it happens, I have the MBTI manual and "they" did a study on which types prefer/dislike which leisure activities. The only overrepresented leisure activity for ISTP was "Playing with Computers or Video Games." The Index of Attraction (how much you liked it) was 1.39. Incidentally, it was also the only thing that you guys consistently listed for preferred leisure activities.

For INTPs, "Playing with Computers or Video Games" was also one of our favorite leisure pastimes, but it ranked after "Appreciating Art," "Writing," and "Taking classes, going to school." However, our Index of Attraction for "Playing with Computers or Video Games" was 1.67 compared to your 1.39, which means that we liked it more.

So who's better? I'd guess that it would depend mostly on the type of game. My ISFP cousin trounced our whole Rational family at Beginning level Minesweeper--not because she was better at it than us (our strategic brains ran circles around her in that arena) but because she could just sit there, lost in the flow of the activity, playing the game over and over and over and over until she got a super lucky arrangement of mines and solved it in a matter of seconds. I didn't know about type then and couldn't comprehend how anyone could possibly enjoy doing the same thing over and over like that. I can totally see how you guys get super good at physical tasks now.

In short I'd guess that you can probably crush us at just about any video game unless it involves puzzles or a sand box mode.

Great story, bro.

I can crush INTP's at video games, and most other people too.

But yeah, as far as minecraft and garry's mod go, I can't come up with half the ideas they can.

I am unbeatable in Tetris.

Another part to consider is what parts of a videogame does each type are attracted to?

For example, my ISTP brother LOVES videogames for their graphics. He completely ignores the storyline.

I, on the other hand, went the opposite route. Graphics are fine and dandy and I'm not complaining (oh, Dragon Age and their armors) ; but I'll still play D&D, indie pixelized game, etc. He mostly snickered / confounded at my choice.

Trifoilum wrote:
For example, my ISTP brother LOVES videogames for their graphics. He completely ignores the storyline.

I'm the opposite...I love it when games have a great storyline.

madhatter wrote:

Trifoilum wrote:
For example, my ISTP brother LOVES videogames for their graphics. He completely ignores the storyline.

I'm the opposite...I love it when games have a great storyline.

Me too, it's all about the story line for RPG's, etc.

Video Games/Computer Games = LIFE.

Game designers actually study what personality types are attracted to which games. (I'm actually an indie game designer myself, so I enjoy reading up on this stuff.) But their understanding of things is at more of a temperament level right now that a type level.

I can't post links yet, but if you Google "Nine Basic Player Types" the first item that will pop up will give you a look at one of the theories of player types floating around. I could see ISTPs as the Conquerors, Zoners, Monsters or Hotshots. INTPs are probably the Managers--I played this one strategy game like eight hours hours a day for weeks until my mouse hand started hurting...so I had to switch to my other hand. What do you guys see yourselves as?

madhatter wrote:

Trifoilum wrote:
For example, my ISTP brother LOVES videogames for their graphics. He completely ignores the storyline.

I'm the opposite...I love it when games have a great storyline.

More proofs that each people are different, no?

what defines a great storyline for you, madhatter and ohtochooseaname?

If I think about what defines a good storyline too much, it will make them less enjoyable by causing me to expose three mechanics of the stories, this reducing my enjoyment, so I refuse to do so on anything but a cursory level by giving examples:
Final fantasy 6 and 7
Fallout games
Parasite eve
Project Eden
Dragon age games
Mass effect games

Even with the ending of Mass Effect 3?

uhh...haven't had a chance to play Mass Effect 3 yet. I have, sadly, been busy fixing up stuff in my house.

Actually, I haven't either. But my friend filled up almost a page ranting about it.

Mass effect 3 is amazing, up until the ending. There's supposed to be some crucial DLC for it though so don't think its over yet. (Although the damn game should be done).

From what my friend says, the DLC that's out right now is an improvement, but still not five stars. (I won't give any spoilers beyond that.)

Digging out old stuff, so sry, but this is very interesting to me.

I'm a passionate gamer, considering myself at least above average, being an ISTP living in a flat share with an INTP.
We both played the same MMOs and usually it ended this way: I was better. Just quicker reactions, better choices.

When it comes to table top games like Monopoly, she usually beats me. :/


P.S.: I do have a collection of screenshots from areas with "aaaaaaw that's pretty"-effect.