Theorycrafting: from collective intelligence to intrinsic satisfaction

Abstract

My aim with this paper is to explore theorycrafting as cultural praxis, closely related to gaming. Theorycrafting can be defined as ‘the attempt to mathematically analyze game mechanics in order to gain a better understanding of the inner workings of the game’. I will engage two perspectives in my analysis. First, I will focus on theorycrafting as a collective enterprise from a techno-social perspective. This will include an analysis of how web resources are furnishing the activity. Second, I will focus on what motivation players have for engaging in theorycrafting in the light of the meaning that the crafters find, or import, in this activity. This will also address how a general fascination for technology, and not only games, can be an important aspect of theorycrafting. The empirical basis for my analysis is 12 interviews of excessive World of Warcraft players and websites dedicated to the game.