Researchers at York University have found a correlation between the gaming performance of fans of online multiplayer games League of Legends and Dota 2 and their intelligence scores. Users with higher scores in the games passed IQ tests more successfully than less fortunate gamers. According to scientists, such games require a combination of strategic thinking and quick reactions.
League of Legends and Dota 2 are MOBA (Multiplayer Online Battle Arena) games. They combine elements of computer role-playing games and real-time strategy. Both games – popular eSports disciplines, since 2011 world championship League of Legends is held.
How the study was conducted
The first phase of the study involved 56 experienced League of Legends players, with an average age of 20.5 years. The participants took an abbreviated form of the Wechsler Intelligence Test (WASI-II Matrix Subtest) and completed three tasks to test working memory. Researchers also accessed game statistics and each participant’s rating on the development company’s website. The tests confirmed that there was a correlation between a player’s rating and his IQ score.
In the second phase of the work, the researchers investigated the relationship between intelligence, scores and the age of players in four popular online games. IQ is measured with age, so if success in games can indeed serve as an indicator of intelligence, most players’ scores will also vary with age. The researchers obtained data on 17,861 players in League of Legends and 286 players in Dota 2, the control group was 1,669 users of the game Destiny and 8,743 players in Battlefield 3. The latter two games belong to a different genre – first-person shooter. Dependence of the results on age, “repeating” the curve of the relationship between age and IQ, found only with players in MOBA.
The authors of the paper believe that shooters require the player to have mostly reaction speed and visual accuracy in determining the target. In MOBAs, the player is more likely to need to rely on memory and make strategic decisions based on multiple factors. A similar correlation between performance and intelligence has previously been observed in players of board games requiring strategic thinking, such as chess.
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Does age matter?
Further study of the subject showed that with increasing age of the subjects, the correlation between intelligence and level of play persisted in the case of MOBA games. But in shooters, the level of intelligence of adults was completely unrelated to the game skills.
According to scientists, online games such as League of Legends and Dota 2 require advanced memory, situational awareness, social interaction skills and the ability to make strategic decisions based on many factors. In contrast, first-person shooters prioritize speed and accuracy, and it’s these skills that are waning in people beyond adolescence.
Researchers haven’t questioned whether strategy games make people smarter. But the experts of paper writing services suggest that the research could form the basis for further studies of changes in health and intelligence over time, as well as for “field” assessments of IQ in the general population. In the past, scientists have pointed out that good chess players tend to show high IQ levels. New tests have extended this connection to games played by millions.
A psychological portrait of a League of Legends player
It turns out that forester and toper are mostly male positions. The percentage of girls in these roles is no more than 3%. And the role of support is the most feminine of all, where there are as many as 24% of them! Only 13.5% of respondents are under 16! While every 200 players you meet will already have grandchildren! The most unpopular role was the Top with 17% of respondents. And 10% of people only care about their score, not the result of the game.
So let’s get down to business! Together with the authors of write my essay service, let’s find out what the people on the other side of the screen are like in the various roles!
Topper
Lone wolves at their core. The type of people who do everything relaxed, but most importantly, for fun. Usually non-serious people, but as it turns out, they believe in themselves more than anyone else, that’s why they have the most luck. These people live in the moment, and long walks in the park or along the sea are not to their liking! In a nutshell, they don’t give a damn about problems at all.
The Woodsman
Self-confident, loving to control and manipulate. These people provoke conflict most of the time, and many people enjoy conflict. Quite greedy people. But for all the conflict, they are very caring, just like a formidable lioness. They want everything and everywhere, and if they came to the gang, then one of the kills must necessarily be theirs. And, if they call you to pick up a blue, you better hurry up! They don’t like to wait.
Leader
Another control freak, thinks he’s the team captain. If someone does not like something, “explodes” instantly. Vengeful: any mistake or bad word will not be forgotten. They are very gambling: if you sit down to play, you will not pull away by the ears. Again, think and strive to be the best in the team. The most tenacious role in League of Legends; they almost always get their way because they will remind you every minute of what they want.
Support
The most outgoing, yet secretive people. As the saying goes, “there are devils in a quiet pit.” They are unsure of themselves, and therefore to get used to something new they need more time than others. Quick to set, and if you hurt them, they will be strongly and long resentment. These remarkable people are poised and can hold their own. So people following the rules, watch out!
Shooter
People who play shooters are very goal-oriented, trying to do everything they can to win. These people are demanding of themselves as well as those around them. They constantly try to develop and become better, and they are the ones who watch the guides, read articles and patchbooks. However, for all their pluses, people of this role are quite hot-tempered, and God forbid to tell him that he poorly farmed! However, they are not vindictive and rarely report anyone after the game.
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