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Methodological Analysis of Upgrading from Casual to Competitive Gameplay

on League of Legends.

Method · June 2020

DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.27561.21606

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Vitor Satyro Vitturi

Insper Institute of Education and Research
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 Methodological analysis of upgrading from Casual
to Competitive gameplay on League of Legends
Theorical approach to analyze and upgrade your position to a Competitive gameplay or
improve performance for an actual professional player on League of Legends

Vitor Satyro Vitturi

University of Southern Denmark
Odense, DK
[email protected]

Abstract — The goal of the article is to present a After two years of practicing and playing long hours a d a y ,
methodological analysis about how to upgrade your view, I decided to take it more seriously and applied for a
gameplay, mindset, and routine from a casual to a competitive competitive team as a Support Player. Therefore, I learned
player in League of Legends. The aim is to provide different sides about control wave, match ups, and all professional base
which could improve the evolution of becoming a professional knowledge for changing from a casual to competitive view.
player. I do not intent to resolve the actual problems inside
competitive players but introduce methods to guide a person who It is important to understand that there are different kinds of
intent to be one. players and plays. Considering this, Richard Bartle created [2]
a classification describing players based on a character theo ry .
Keywords — League of Legends, Competitive, Casual, This consists of four types: Achievers, Explorers, Socializers
Gameplay, Richard Bartle, Caillois, Wittgenstein, Methodology, and Killers. These are used according to a quadrant model
Routine, Mindset. where the X represents preference for interacting with other
players vs. exploring the world and the Y axis represents
I. I NTRODUCTION preference for interaction vs. unilateral action as can be seem in
Fig. 1.
One of the most growing profitable scenarios is the game
market. Nowadays, League of Legends has become the lea d er
and the cause of this good scenario. And for these reasons I FIGURE I. CHARACTER THEORY CHART
choose to introduce some methods of how casual players could
be professional and receive for it. However, it is important to
confirm that I will not get into specifically how a Multiplayer
Online Battle Arena is because this paper has the intension of
show deeply points about only League of Legends.
Moreover, the competitive context, mainly in Europe, USA,
China and Korea, is so advanced that in addition to having
coach staff, analysts, team manager, the teams also need to
have all kind of support for their players, like psychologists,
physiotherapist and gaming houses with all infrastructure
needed to be a champion.
For these reasons, this game could get more then 67 millio n
players per month and 27 million per day [1] and so many
money invested though the teams.

II. LEAGUE OF LEGENDS PLAYERS

Explorers have their tendency to dig around, are players
who prefer discovering areas, and im merse themselves in the
Before introducing the technical points, I would like to say game world. They are often annoyed by time-restricted
more about my experience with this game. At 2009 I tried the missions and appreciate finding glitches and easter egg.
Beta test from USA Server for a couple days. I was 14 years
old and I just loved that new kind of game. Furthermore, wh en Achievers are players who prefer to gain rewards like
they launched the Brazil Server, I took some time to study a n d points, experience, equipment, and other concrete
improve my gameplay to upgrade my rank.
measurements of succeeding in a game. They would go in a
long road to achieve items that are merely cosmetic.
Socializers are the players who choose games just for the
social aspect, rather than the actual game and rules itself. Thy III. ANALYSIS AND M ETHODOLOGY
gain the most enjoyment from a game by interacting with other
players, and sometimes characters with personality. The game
is merely a tool they use to meet others in-game or outside. Now that it is possible to separate players in Casual and
Competitive groups we can compare using a typology from th e
Killers thrive on competition with other players and prefer anthropologist Roger Caillois [3] that introduced his four
fighting them to scripted computer-controlled opponents. For “fundamental categories”, which purport to describe the
some of them it is more about power and the ability to hurt phenomena of play:
others or the thrill of the hunt. Also, on the other hand, the joy
of being a Killer results friendly competitive spirit. 1) Agôn: competition and competitive struggle.
Analyzing the LoL players using Fig. 1 it is interesting that
2) Alea: submission to the fortunes of chance.
we could find all kind. For instance, the Explorers are the
casual players that like to test different combos and
combinations to find some secret way to win or abuse bugs. On 3) Mimicry: role-playing and make-believe play.
the other hand, the Achievers are the players who focus on
climb in ranked games and this is a good bridge to be a 4) Ilinx: vertigo and physical sensation.
Competitive Player, but I will talk about it later. Moreover, it is
easy to find Socializers players in groups of friends playing, In these 4 phenomena there is a fusion of experiential and
because the game for them is just a way to keep then do cognitive components that creates a useful critical framewo rk .
something together and have some fun. Finally, but not less Caillois’ theory allows you to effectively manage results and
important, almost every player in League of Legends has a side effects of the game. His approach articulates this
little of Killer inside, because of the pleasure about receiving framework that gives you an overall picture on a complex
gold and reading your name as a slayer it became a prize that game experience.
they were looking for. Comparing to Competitive scenarios, the coach staff and
For not being so comprehensive I decided to reallocate manager can use Caillois approach to understand the focus and
these 4 character in two different groups: Casual and mind of the players. In instance a complete player has mo re o f
Competitive as can be seem in Fig. 2. Thereby it is possible to the two first points, Agôn and Alea, and less, but not none, of
observe that the Competitive players should be Killers and the last ones. This happen because besides the competition an d
Achievers, on account of they claim for high number of status submission to win the professional player need to have tim e t o
and use this will to be in high ranked positions, accordingly reconstruct his / her mind after a sequence of loses and this is
learning so much more on the little details. On the opposite possible by exercising the Mimicry and Ilinx.
side, the Casual players should be Socializers and Explorers, In addition, there is also another framework called 8 Kinds
on account of they prefer to play in groups and take fun as a of Fun that is based upon feelings perceived by players. From
priority. Also, the Casual players are normally 80% of the this point of view, it’s very similar to Caillois’ theory. Instead
players [3], that is why it is important for them to make some of four drivers [3], for Ma rc LeBlanc, there are eight possible
different and funny mini games beyond the normal MOBA kinds of fun:
strategic map.
1) Sensation – games engage your target sense directly.
Consider the audio and video “eye candy” of video games; o r
all kind of feelings that could be bring to life.
FIGURE II. CHARACTER THEORY CHART FOR COMPETITIVE AND CASUAL
2) Fantasy – games can provide a make-believe world, it
can be a scape way for the problems in real-life.

3) Narrative – games can involve stories that can engage

players even better than a book, or a TV Serie.

4) Challenge – some gaems derive their fun largely from

the thrill of competition: with others, with themselves, with the
game itself.

5) Fellowship – in many games with a high social

component, the social interaction (with family, friends or
online) in a strong motivator to keep playing.
 6) Discovery – many games rely on the sense of wonder 4) All a natural language seen as comprising a family of
connected to find out something different, new, as in adventure language-games.
and role-playing games.

7) Expression – the possibility to express yourself throug h This term can be used inside the MOBA games universe,
game play, like in RPG or even in open-world games like because even if you have a player coming from a different
game then LoL, it is clear that he / she will have some
“Grand Theft Auto” or “The Sims”.
knowledge about the words referent to League. Therefore, the
time spent in setting up all team communication will be less
8) Submission - many games allow to build game than an amateur player from the same game.
interaction as an ongoing hobby, rather than an isolated event
like single-player. Usually applied in teams games, or even Communication is the priority skill when you want to build
a champion team. In League of Legends, communication win s
simply ritualized play of games at a weekly meeting. This last
games. The lack of in-game voice communication makes pings
point, in fact, is lacking in Caillois while can be useful to and chat a necessity when it comes to coordinating with your
improve your solutions simply changing its fruition by player. teammates. However, when you do have access to t ea m m ates
with voice communication, it is important to milk that
LeBlanc’s theory is particularly useful to frame relationship advantage for all it is worth.
between players, and it is appropriate to assessment on a Communicating in ways similar to the pros can give you
specific game like League of Legends. If you are having the opportunity to play better in a team setting and
trouble to identify the issues of your players or of yourself understanding the communication that occurs between
using the Caillois’ Framework, the 8 Kind of Fun provide a fair professional teams can lead to a better viewing experience as
alternative sight over the game. However, this framework do es well as a better understanding of the game.
not work well on narrow analysis, when specifically evaluate
player’s contribution: accordingly, to LeBlanc, some actions The most import communication in League is the player
involves fun (like Expression), while for Ca illois those need (sometimes more then one) who is the Shotcaller. Being this
underneath driver to create fun. into the team means that you will define the strategy throu gh
the hole game and your team will always follow your calls.
After analyzing frameworks about types of players and This is the most complex form of communication. Not only d o
different manners of being a player it is also important to you need to have a deep understanding of the game; y o u n eed
understand how you can build and form a good team to be capable of perceiving subtle details, process them, reach
communication. conclusions in split seconds, and communicate them. While
That said the German philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein playing.
referred to the concept of language-games.[5] He rejected the Shotcalling is demanding to the point of reducing players
idea that language is somehow separate and corresponding to ability to excel mechanically. And it is a team effort, so up to a
reality, and he argued that concepts do not need clarity for certain point it taxes everyone. Teams should have systems
meaning. Wittgenstein used this term to designate forms of implemented to reduce the amount of conscious effort p la y ers
language simpler than the entirety of a language itself and need to make to communicate.
connected by “family resemblance”.
From the coach’s perspective, it is common to watch a
The German philosopher develops this discussion using game and see the same mistake made 3 or 4 times in a row
simple examples but intends it to be used for the many ways in until the team loses. From the outside, it is easy to see when a
which we use language. The central component of language team should be doing 1-3-1 instead of team fighting, but in-
games is that they are uses of language, and language is used in game players cannot. They are in a high stress situation and
multifarious ways. For example, is the meaning of the word their brains are overloaded. That is why if you want to be a
“game” that can be used in various kind of games like video professional player you must work your communication skills.
games, board games, betting games. The term ‘language-game’
is used to refer to:
IV. M INDESET AND ROUTINE
1) Fictional examples of language use that are simpler
than our own everyday language.
Before being a champion, you will need to think like one.
You can have all the talent and potential in the world, but if
your emotions and thought processes are unstable, your path
2) Simple uses of language with which children are first
will be rocky and volatile. The common thread that ties
taught language together the best of the best in the world is their ability to use
their mind as a strength. It is a source of power they can
harness to rise in the face of challenges and perform well wh ile
3) Specific regions of our language with their own their peers crack under pressure.
grammars and relations to other language-games.
To make it happen you will need to create a ro utine, this
will allow you to find a rhythm and limit the factors that affect
your play. If you keep changing what you are doing, it can 5. Consider muting the chat if it is not helping you
negatively affect your consistency and make it hard to isolate win the games.
what is causing you to play well or worse.
Also find wha t works for you. It is normal that players have Following each step will guarantee that you will not just
different personalities and play styles. So, what works for a pro improve your gameplay, but you will build your mind to be a
may not work for you. If you find yourself improving, try to champion.
understand every step you took and take notes to keep at it.
In addition, give yourself the best shot by playing when you V. CONCLUSION
are the most active and alert. This depends from person to
person, but for the most part it is done earlier in the day. Being a Competitive Player is a long road to follow and
Although just follow a good routine will not place you in each step has its own importance in the end. The frameworks,
the first place. You will need also to achieve a healthy mindset. Caillois’ or LeBlanc’s, presented here can clarify what kind of
Play when you have a clear and fresh mind. If you are not player are you and how you can interact with the other
having a good day just change a play day to a review ga m e o r members of your team, which also has its own particularity.
practice some mental exercises to make your memory stronger. After choosing and understanding it, practice your
communication skills by comparing to other games or even
Find your kind of player inside the game world using the listening to others pro players communication during a match.
framework passed here and see the strong and weak points that If you want to be the Leader and Shotcaller you will need to b e
you can work on. the best of your team. Also use your mind for your own
Stay in the moment, give all your attention to the task at performance and work on your emotions and stability, this will
hand. Try to take care of business ahead of time so you d o n o t make you not just a best player but a best human. Do not forget
get distracted during your match and allow you to really focus to make a routine and follow it, always changing it to be bet t er
on what you need to do in-game. in your way, this will help you know yourself for any kind of
future task in your life and will prevent your percentage of
Also, expect the unexpected and be prepared for it, have a failure and time spent for learning.
contingencies and be versatile. The more prepared for the
different situation you can face, the less it will throw you off I could not show to a coach staff or manager view all the
your game. items said in this article because I do not have this experience
and this article is focused on the player side. However, it is
Finally, avoid all kinds of tilt. In general, tilt is when your important to understand both sides for making a great team . I n
emotions negatively affect your game. This could be in the conclusion, to paraphrase Kobe Bryant: “Heroes come and go ,
form of tunnel visioning, typing more than playing, or playing but Legends are forever”, so take your time, train hard an d see
to end on a win. Prohibit says that tilt is like cancer, it needs to you in Summoner’s Rift.
be cut off before it spreads and becomes uncontrollable. Here
are some techniques that you can use to prevent tilt, deal with it
when it is happening, and use after it happens. REFERENCES
1. Establishing a limit number of games.
2. Do not use ranked as a distressed. [1] Sheer, Ian (27th, January, 2014). «Player Tally for 'League of Legends'
Surges». Wsj.com. Consulted in 31st, January, 2014).
3. Do not chat to your teammates words that will no t [2] "Hearts, Clubs, Diamonds, Spades: Players Who suit MUDs", Ric ha r d
help in game. Known as bad words. Bartle (1996).
[3] R. Caillois. “Man, Play, and Games”. University of Illinois Press,
4. Everyone makes mistakes. Just continue trying (2001).
your best. [4] M. LeBlanc. Lectures at Northwestern University (2004).
[5] Wittgenstein, Ludwig (2001) [1953]. Philos ophical Investigations.
Blackwell Publishing. ISBN 0-631-23127-7.

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