Starcraft 2 Fandom - Article Analysis

Huang, Jeff, et al. "Master Maker: Understanding Gaming Skill through Practice and Habit from Gameplay Behavior." Topics in Cognitive Science, vol. 9, no. 2, Apr. 2017, pp. 437-466. EBSCOhost, doi:10.1111/tops.12251.

Starcraft 2 is described by Huang as a fast-paced strategy game where players armies fight each other.(Huang 438). Huang also mentions the game is played competitively and there are numerous factors affecting players and their ability to play at their highest level, such as tactics, and reaction time. (Huang 438). A real time strategy game usually consists of a player, being able to both build a strong economy as well as the ability to maintain an army while attacking or harassing the enemy player at the same time. A strong economy or a strong army both have to be maintained as well, even if the player is being attacked. This requires the player to be able to think quickly and react otherwise the damage dealt to their economy or army might prove too damaging to recover from and may cost the game. Huang mentions that StarCraft 2 data have been studied to identify which characteristics explain a player’s skill level (Thompson, Blair, Chen, & Henrey, 2013). The study mentions the "perception-action cycle" and APM (actions per minute). Christine Byrd describes perception-action cycle as "Humans learn through this same basic process throughout life -- not by being told, but by doing. We’re hardwired to learn by interacting with the world around us and then perceiving the results. Neuroscientists call this simple yet powerful system the perception-action cycle."(Mindresearch.org). APM or actions per minute is the key presses or mouse clicks per minute. Professional gamers can be seen pressing up to 200 keys per minute or more (Huang 452). This is very true because real time strategy games are generally very stressful. It is difficult to multitask and even considered impossible. But with constant practice of the perception-action cycle and being able to think under tremendous stress or grief while maintaining a high amount of actions per minute, you are able to wage war while maintaining a strong economy to support your troops. Huang describes expert players being better at remaining composed and sustaining group battles. (Huang 464). I agree with this because the player is under tremendous stress while trying to be successful in both an economic war and a military war. This game is played both casually and competitively by millions while holding the spotlight in the e-leagues of gaming championships where tens of thousands of fans attend to watch. A major attraction for fans are the more known Blizzcon in California which holds the WCS (World Championship Series) for Starcraft 2. It is a global event where players from Korea to Canada to the US all attend to play for a chance to win the prize pool, which can range anywhere from $100,000 to even $700,000. (Esportearnings.com)

Huang, Jeff, et al. "Master Maker: Understanding Gaming Skill through Practice and Habit from Gameplay Behavior." Topics in Cognitive Science, vol. 9, no. 2, Apr. 2017, pp. 437-466. EBSCOhost, doi:10.1111/tops.12251.

Byrd, Christine. "What the Perception-action Cycle Tells Us About How the Brain Learns."MIND Research Institute Blog. N.p., 13 June 2017. Web. 22 Apr. 2018.

"StarCraft II Prize Pools & Top Players - ESports Profile :: E-Sports Earnings." Prize Pools & Top Players - ESports Profile :: E-Sports Earnings. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Apr. 2018.