1. Kristine Ask Phd student Scientific Play?How Players Remake World of Warcraft as a Game of Numbers.Kristine Ask, PhD Student Norwegian University of Science and Technology

2. Synopsis Background: Steinkuehler, Chen, Taylor Methodology: Ethnography Theory: Idiom of co-production (Jasanoff 2004) Case: Theorycraft in the MMO World of Warcraft Research question: how does the use of specific knowledge (theorycraft) shape player practices? Main findings: Remaking of the game as numbers

4. Developing a research question LF Two Healers Ulduar 10 We Saved for Auriayna Link Me Epic For INV 3 each stay at st and lm, rest rush GM LF2M DM tribute need ranged and tank To calculate the value of a spell, the formula (BaseValue + Spellpower * Coefficient) * Modifiers is used. Warlock with 2.6k+ XP LF arena partner in any teams, u need atleast 2.3k+ /w for if intrested Truesilver Ore is a rare spawn on certain nodes

5. 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

6. Example: Frostfire bolt In game description

7. 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

9. Framework for investigation Sheila Jasanoff: Idiom of co-production Identity Discourse Representations Institutions Knowledge Society

10. Making identity: When being a jerk is idolized ”Rule no 7: Do not beg for hand-holding. ” Links expertise and elitism/jerkism 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 funcitonality Few are able to do the calculations, but talking as if you do still works!

13. Making representations: Tools for counting play

14. Making institutions: For those who know the numbers Evaluation of other players was central Performance was based on logs Resistance and acceptance of the game as numbers Dedication is not enough – you also need to prove your worth

15. Concluding remarks ”scientification” of leisuretime Gameplay is quantified and measured Game performance as production and evaluation of numbers Homogenisation and hetereogenisation