Generated on 10 Jul 2024
Based on 377 answers
When discussing player types in Magic: The Gathering, Mark Rosewater often references the psychographic profiles he created: Timmy/Tammy, Johnny/Jenny, and Spike. These terms were developed as tools to understand the different motivations and play styles of Magic players. Over the years, Mark has shed light on various aspects of these player types, providing a wealth of details and anecdotes that offer insights into the game's design philosophy.
Origins of Timmy/Tammy
Timmy/Tammy, alongside Johnny/Jenny and Spike, is one of the three core psychographic profiles Mark Rosewater devised to describe the different ways players enjoy Magic. The names for these profiles were chosen somewhat arbitrarily, though Mark aimed for familiarity and relatability. While the brand team at Wizards of the Coast named Spike, Timmy and Johnny were chosen by Mark himself.
Timmy/Tammy represents players who play for the visceral thrill of the game. The joy they derive from Magic comes from casting big spells, summoning massive creatures, and experiencing dramatic moments. The term "Timmy" came about when Mark was defending the design of the card Verdant Force during the Tempest design period. Over time, this category expanded to include "Tammy" to acknowledge female players and promote inclusivity.
Categories within Timmy/Tammy
Within the Timmy/Tammy psychographic, Mark has identified several sub-categories that capture different motivations:
- Power Gamers: These Timmies love to play big creatures and powerful spells for the sheer spectacle.
- Social Gamers: Enjoy the camaraderie and social aspects of the game, often favoring multiplayer formats like Commander.
- Adrenaline Gamers: Seek out unpredictable and chaotic elements, such as coin flips or random effects, for the rush they provide.
- Explorers: Enjoy the experience of discovering new cards, mechanics, and interactions.
Timmy/Tammy in Design
Designing for Timmy/Tammy means creating cards that deliver impactful and memorable moments. This often involves designing big creatures, splashy spells, and effects that evoke strong emotional reactions. An example of a quintessential Timmy card is B.F.M. (Big Furry Monster) from the "Unglued" set, showcasing a massive creature that embodies the outrageous and fun aspects that Timmies love.
Mark emphasizes that Timmy/Tammy cards are not just about raw power but about creating experiences that players find exhilarating. Contraptions from "Unstable" and Attractions from "Unfinity" are designed to appeal to the Timmy/Tammy psychographic by offering unique gameplay experiences with a high degree of variability and fun.
The Social Aspect
Many Timmies/Tammies play Magic for the joy of social interaction. This psychographic often favors multiplayer formats where they can engage with multiple players at once. Mark acknowledges that social experiences are a significant draw for Timmy/Tammy, and he ensures that there are always cards and mechanics in each set that cater to this group.
Griefers and Timmy/Tammy
An interesting subset of Timmy/Tammy is the "Griefer," players who derive enjoyment from disrupting their opponents' game plans. While griefing is often seen as a negative behavior, it is all about the experience and emotional reaction it provokes, which aligns with the Timmy/Tammy focus on experiencing strong emotions. Mark has noted that griefers can exist in all three psychographics; however, they are most commonly found within the Timmy/Tammy group.
Ken Nagle, a designer at Wizards, is known for his love of creating griefer cards, ensuring that even this controversial play style is represented in the game.
Changes and Evolution
Over the years, Mark has observed that psychographics can shift. A player might start as a Timmy and evolve into a Spike or a Johnny as their tastes and motivations change. This fluidity is part of what makes the player psychographics so interesting and useful for game design.
For example, a Timmy might initially enjoy the simple thrill of big creatures but later develop an interest in the strategic complexities of competitive play, becoming more Spikey over time. Alternatively, they might start exploring the creative aspects of deck building, transitioning into a Johnny.
PsychoGraphics and Other Games
While Timmy, Johnny, and Spike were created specifically for Magic: The Gathering, their principles have been adopted and utilized in other games as well. Mark has received feedback from designers of other games who have found these psychographics useful in understanding their player bases. However, the application might differ due to the unique nature of Magic compared to other games.
Controversies and Misunderstandings
One common misunderstanding about Timmy/Tammy is equating their enjoyment solely with casting big creatures. Mark clarifies that it's the excitement and emotional rush that defines a Timmy/Tammy, not just the size or power of the cards they play. Experiences can be varied and unique to each player.
Another controversy involves the balance of representation in cards and sets. Some players feel that certain psychographics are favored over others, but Mark ensures that all three—Timmy, Johnny, and Spike—are catered to in every set, even if the balance might shift slightly depending on the specific theme or mechanics of the set.
Conclusion
Timmy/Tammy, as defined by Mark Rosewater, represents an essential aspect of Magic: The Gathering's player base. By designing cards and mechanics that appeal to the emotional and experiential motivations of Timmies/Tammies, Wizards of the Coast ensures that the game remains accessible, exciting, and diverse. The evolution and nuances within this psychographic highlight the complex tapestry of Magic players, each finding their unique joy within the game.
As Magic continues to evolve, the foundational understanding of player psychographics, including Timmy/Tammy, will remain a crucial element in crafting a game that resonates with millions worldwide.
When discussing player types in Magic: The Gathering, Mark Rosewater often references the psychographic profiles he created: Timmy/Tammy, Johnny/Jenny, and Spike. These terms were developed as tools to understand the different motivations and play styles of Magic players. Over the years, Mark has shed light on various aspects of these player types, providing a wealth of details and anecdotes that offer insights into the game's design philosophy.
Origins of Timmy/Tammy
Timmy/Tammy, alongside Johnny/Jenny and Spike, is one of the three core psychographic profiles Mark Rosewater devised to describe the different ways players enjoy Magic. The names for these profiles were chosen somewhat arbitrarily, though Mark aimed for familiarity and relatability. While the brand team at Wizards of the Coast named Spike, Timmy and Johnny were chosen by Mark himself.
Timmy/Tammy represents players who play for the visceral thrill of the game. The joy they derive from Magic comes from casting big spells, summoning massive creatures, and experiencing dramatic moments. The term "Timmy" came about when Mark was defending the design of the card Verdant Force during the Tempest design period. Over time, this category expanded to include "Tammy" to acknowledge female players and promote inclusivity.
Categories within Timmy/Tammy
Within the Timmy/Tammy psychographic, Mark has identified several sub-categories that capture different motivations:
- Power Gamers: These Timmies love to play big creatures and powerful spells for the sheer spectacle.
- Social Gamers: Enjoy the camaraderie and social aspects of the game, often favoring multiplayer formats like Commander.
- Adrenaline Gamers: Seek out unpredictable and chaotic elements, such as coin flips or random effects, for the rush they provide.
- Explorers: Enjoy the experience of discovering new cards, mechanics, and interactions.
Timmy/Tammy in Design
Designing for Timmy/Tammy means creating cards that deliver impactful and memorable moments. This often involves designing big creatures, splashy spells, and effects that evoke strong emotional reactions. An example of a quintessential Timmy card is B.F.M. (Big Furry Monster) from the "Unglued" set, showcasing a massive creature that embodies the outrageous and fun aspects that Timmies love.
Mark emphasizes that Timmy/Tammy cards are not just about raw power but about creating experiences that players find exhilarating. Contraptions from "Unstable" and Attractions from "Unfinity" are designed to appeal to the Timmy/Tammy psychographic by offering unique gameplay experiences with a high degree of variability and fun.
The Social Aspect
Many Timmies/Tammies play Magic for the joy of social interaction. This psychographic often favors multiplayer formats where they can engage with multiple players at once. Mark acknowledges that social experiences are a significant draw for Timmy/Tammy, and he ensures that there are always cards and mechanics in each set that cater to this group.
Griefers and Timmy/Tammy
An interesting subset of Timmy/Tammy is the "Griefer," players who derive enjoyment from disrupting their opponents' game plans. While griefing is often seen as a negative behavior, it is all about the experience and emotional reaction it provokes, which aligns with the Timmy/Tammy focus on experiencing strong emotions. Mark has noted that griefers can exist in all three psychographics; however, they are most commonly found within the Timmy/Tammy group.
Ken Nagle, a designer at Wizards, is known for his love of creating griefer cards, ensuring that even this controversial play style is represented in the game.
Changes and Evolution
Over the years, Mark has observed that psychographics can shift. A player might start as a Timmy and evolve into a Spike or a Johnny as their tastes and motivations change. This fluidity is part of what makes the player psychographics so interesting and useful for game design.
For example, a Timmy might initially enjoy the simple thrill of big creatures but later develop an interest in the strategic complexities of competitive play, becoming more Spikey over time. Alternatively, they might start exploring the creative aspects of deck building, transitioning into a Johnny.
PsychoGraphics and Other Games
While Timmy, Johnny, and Spike were created specifically for Magic: The Gathering, their principles have been adopted and utilized in other games as well. Mark has received feedback from designers of other games who have found these psychographics useful in understanding their player bases. However, the application might differ due to the unique nature of Magic compared to other games.
Controversies and Misunderstandings
One common misunderstanding about Timmy/Tammy is equating their enjoyment solely with casting big creatures. Mark clarifies that it's the excitement and emotional rush that defines a Timmy/Tammy, not just the size or power of the cards they play. Experiences can be varied and unique to each player.
Another controversy involves the balance of representation in cards and sets. Some players feel that certain psychographics are favored over others, but Mark ensures that all three—Timmy, Johnny, and Spike—are catered to in every set, even if the balance might shift slightly depending on the specific theme or mechanics of the set.
Conclusion
Timmy/Tammy, as defined by Mark Rosewater, represents an essential aspect of Magic: The Gathering's player base. By designing cards and mechanics that appeal to the emotional and experiential motivations of Timmies/Tammies, Wizards of the Coast ensures that the game remains accessible, exciting, and diverse. The evolution and nuances within this psychographic highlight the complex tapestry of Magic players, each finding their unique joy within the game.
As Magic continues to evolve, the foundational understanding of player psychographics, including Timmy/Tammy, will remain a crucial element in crafting a game that resonates with millions worldwide.