Exploring the Highs and Lows: Gamers' Mental States in Fortnite

In the ever-evolving landscape of gaming, researchers and enthusiasts alike seek to understand the intricate relationship between a player's mental state and their in-game performance. In a recent data analysis project, I delved into the captivating world of popular video game Fortnite to explore how gamers' experiences are influenced by their mental state, particularly when comparing playing sober versus playing high. The findings uncovered a fascinating interplay between performance metrics and the subjective enjoyment of the gaming experience.

The Highs and Sober Showdown

One of the primary questions that guided this investigation was whether gamers performed better when sober compared to when they were under the influence. The data revealed a clear trend—on average, sober players demonstrated higher in-game performance. Metrics such as accuracy, eliminations, and placement favored those in a sober state. Using a self-created metric called 'Performance Score', I compared the performance between players in both mental states.

Performance Score = (100 - Placement) + (Eliminations 5) + (Assists 2) + (Revives 2) + (Accuracy 100) + (Hits 2) + (Headshots * 10) + Damage to Players - Damage Taken

However, the story took an intriguing turn when examining the best and worst performances of players, irrespective of their mental state. Surprisingly, the disparities were negligible. The top-performing players, whether high or sober, showcased comparable skills, with only moderate variations in accuracy setting them apart. Similarly, the worst performers demonstrated minimal differences in their stats, challenging the assumption that mental state significantly influences extreme gaming outcomes.

Fun Factor: High vs. Sober

Beyond the cold, hard statistics, the project also explored the subjective element of gaming—fun. Players who engaged in Fortnite while high reported a significantly more enjoyable experience compared to their sober counterparts. This revelation prompts a thought-provoking question: Is the essence of gaming solely defined by statistics and performance metrics, or is the subjective enjoyment equally crucial?

The Joy of Gaming: A Subjective Perspective

While the data unequivocally pointed towards sober players having a performance edge, the significance of the overall gaming experience cannot be understated. Players who chose to indulge while high reported a higher level of enjoyment, highlighting the multifaceted nature of the gaming experience. For many, the joy derived from gaming extends beyond mere statistics, encompassing the overall feeling of engagement and satisfaction.

Conclusion

In the realm of Fortnite, where victory royales and kill counts reign supreme, the relationship between a player's mental state and their performance is undeniably complex. While the data suggests a performance advantage for sober players on average, the essence of gaming transcends statistics. The subjective enjoyment reported by high players challenges traditional notions of success, emphasizing that the joy derived from gaming is a subjective and personal experience.

This analysis serves as a testament to the diverse ways in which gamers navigate their virtual worlds, with the choice of mental state acting as a unique lens through which they perceive and engage with their favorite games. Ultimately, the conversation surrounding gaming experiences should embrace both the quantitative and qualitative aspects, recognizing that the thrill of victory is not solely defined by performance metrics but is also influenced by the joy experienced along the way.

See for yourself!