Who are my teammates?

In terms of research and analysis of players, sports psychology can indeed provide valuable insights and help for the game industry. The classification method for players based on self-value (self-worth) and sense of responsibility might have been inspired by goal orientation theory in sports psychology.

Self-value refers to an individual’s perception of their own worth and capabilities. This impacts how players approach their roles and interact with others.

Players with high self-value tend to:

Be confident: They trust in their abilities and are more likely to take risks and make decisions that benefit the team.

Be highly motivated: They are usually more driven to improve and make positive contributions because they recognize their potential impact on the team’s success.

Be resilient: High self-value allows them to demonstrate greater resilience when faced with setbacks, as they view challenges as opportunities for growth.

Conversely, players with low self-value may:

Be indecisive: They might hesitate to act or give their all due to fear of failure or criticism.

Withdraw: They may disengage from group activities or shy away from taking on responsibilities.

Be dependent: They may heavily rely on others for direction and validation.

Sense of Responsibility

The sense of responsibility pertains to how individuals perceive their obligations and responsibilities in a team or group setting. This manifests in several ways:

Ownership mentality: Players with a strong sense of responsibility will proactively assume their roles, actively seeking to fulfill duties and contribute to team goals.

Accountability: They are willing to take responsibility for their actions and decisions, which helps build trust and reliability within the team.

Leadership: Such players might naturally take on leadership roles, guiding and inspiring others through their example.

In contrast, players with a weak sense of responsibility may: Be negligent: They might overlook their responsibilities or fail to follow through on commitments, which can undermine team cohesion. Shift blame: They might quickly attribute failures to others rather than owning their part in the outcome. Be apathetic: Lack of involvement can negatively impact team morale and performance.

Classification Framework

Based on these two dimensions, players can be categorized into four groups: High self-value, high sense of responsibility: These players are confident and focused, often seen as team leaders and key contributors. They inspire others and drive positive outcomes.

High self-value, low sense of responsibility: These individuals may possess great skills and confidence but lack commitment to their role. They can become disruptive if their personal interests override team needs.

Low self-value, high sense of responsibility: This category of players is dedicated and reliable but may lack confidence. They often work hard to fulfill their roles but their effectiveness might be limited due to low self-value.

Low self-value, low sense of responsibility: This group may disengage from the team, lacking both confidence and commitment. They can have adverse effects on team dynamics and performance.

This framework appears to be particularly applicable to esports players who are akin to athletes in competitive sports. Esports players who fall closer to the category of ‘high self-value, high sense of responsibility’ are better equipped to maintain high levels of competitive performance. In comparison, other types of players may seem less suited for team-oriented esports where cooperation and coordination are essential.