Gaming MBTI

Hey, I'm Talia and I mostly use this blog to explore links between video games and typology. I'm an INTJ 3w4

[mbtigaming]

Board Game Play-styles of The MBTI Types

Ni Dominant (INTJ/INFJ): The Manipulator

While playing board games, Ni dominant types will be thinking of the long term strategy from the get go. The word “manipulator” may have negative connotations, but in this instance I believe it to be a positive thing. INxJs will attempt to remove the luck aspects from the game as much as they can, making it as much about strategy as possible, and the way to do this is often to manipulate other factors in the game - so whichever way the dice goes they can still get benefit from it. INFJs may veer more towards emotional manipulation to help them (Fe) whereas INTJs may lean more in favour of making the other players make illogical decisions (Te), however with tertiary Ti and Fi respectively, this can go either way. Combine this with inferior Se which means they are likely to be more sneaky than aggressive in the playstyle - hence why characters of these types tend to be more “behind the scenes”.

Si Dominant (ISTJ/ISFJ): The Observer

I have given the Si dominant types the title of observer due to their attention to detail. As opposed to the Ni dominant future plans, the Si dominant will typically analyse the little details of the present state of the game and decide what the best decision for them is in that moment. In the case of particularly the ISTJ, there is often a knack for trivia games that require general knowledge recall to win. Also, due to their desire for comfort, Si doms may take a more relaxed approach to games which can work in their favour. Their inferior Ne means that sometimes rather than try to remove luck as an aspect they can be more the type to hope their opponent gets “unlucky”, in general though they prefer as much stability and predictability to their games as possible - another reason trivia games may appeal to them.

Se Dominant (ESTP/ESFP): The Aggressor

The Se Dominants are the aggressors, they may attempt to brute force their way to victory. The type to buy hotels on the dark blue properties in Monopoly, they are often risk takers in this sense. Se doms typically play quickly, they want to keep things moving. Because of this, rather than strategize, an Se dom will typically have a more adaptable playstyle, making bold in the moment decisions that are best for them at that time. This benefits them in that if things start to go wrong, they are easily able to adapt to turn things around. Their decisions often involve high-risk/high-reward “all-in” tactics. They can sometimes take this approach in manipulating the other players similarly to the Ni dominant types as they also have Fi/Te and Te/Fi as their middle functions - however with the Se being dominant instead their approach is much less subtle but can have similar results.

Ne Dominant (ENTP/ENFP): The Experimenter

Ne Dominant types will use their ability to see the game from multiple perspectives to their advantage. This can sometimes leave them indecisive as they can see multiple ways their opponents could outplay them, but it also means they can make plays to stop these possibilities. The Ne dom is also willing to take risks, and make mistakes - which is why I’ve named their game style “The Experimenter”. They can utilise their middle stack Fi/Ti and Fe/Te in similar ways to the other types that have this - however, it typically has a more scattered approach than the types listed above. Their inferior Si means they sometimes don’t pay too much attention to the smaller intricate details, which benefits them as they will be more willing to take risks that have a chance to play out well for them in the long game. 

Fe Dominant (ESFJ/ENFJ): The Team Player

Fe dominant types will typically be the type to form alliances with other players, and the way they do this will be influenced by the Ni or Si depending on the type. For this reason, these types are most likely to enjoy co-operative games. The ENFJ typically takes a strategic view to a slightly smaller extent than the INxJ types when forming alliances, whereas the ESFJ is more in the moment - forming alliances that benefit them in the current state of the game. The tertiary Se in ENFJs makes the somewhat more aggressive in the way they play than their INFJ counterpart, and the Ne in the ESFJ means they don’t play things as safely as the ISFJ. These types have inferior Ti, meaning that they can become reliant on strategies that have worked for other people.

Te Dominant (ESTJ/ENTJ): The Organizer

The Te dominant types can often be confused for Se doms, and that is no different in terms of their playstyle here. Te doms can also be aggressive in the way they play their games, the difference being Te doms are more focused on managing their resources and playing as efficiently as possible - hence the title of Organizer. In the ESTJs, they can have a very “black-and-white” view of the game and see much more value in making decisions that benefit them in the short term, whereas the ENTJs are more future oriented and make decisions that are for the long term in a similar way to the INTJ but much more direct and honest. With inferior Fi, the Te dominant types typically prefer to play very honestly disliking sneaky tactics (this can separate them from their IxTJ counterparts). They typically honour deals they’ve made, however will find a way to make it more beneficial for them than their opponent.

Fi Dominant (ISFP/INFP): The Soloist

Fi dominant types typically play honestly as well, however they may show reluctance to make bold moves - especially in the case of the INFP. That being said, the tertiary Si in the INFP can give them quite the eye for detail and the auxiliary Ne can open them up to making risky decisions. In the case of the ISFP, the auxiliary Se can mean they make in the moment decisions that benefit them in the short term future (tertiary Ni). The inferior Te in both of these types means they sometimes may struggle in the department of resource management, so they will likely gravitate to games where that isn’t an important aspect. Fi doms can also be very self-reliant, relying on their own skills and abilities to pull them ahead which puts them in a good situation where they don’t have to rely on other players to put them ahead (hence the name Soloist). For this same reason, they can also get a lot of enjoyment in single player games.

Ti Dominant (ISTP/INTP): The Snipers

I have given the Ti Dominant the title of “Snipers” due to their precise, methodical style of play. These are the types that very much enjoy learning the inner workings of a game. With auxiliary Se, ISTPs will use this knowledge to benefit them in the moment and their tertiary Ni means they take a more “big picture” approach to learning how the game works. The tertiary Si of the INTPs on the other hand can give them knowledge of the intricate details of the game which paired with auxiliary Ne can allow them to see multiple methods to exploit those details. Inferior Fe may mean they struggle with striking up deals and alliances - which can result in them preferring games where their own knowledge of the game can be relied on.

[mbtigaming]

Best Town Of Salem Role for Each MBTI Type

INTJ - Witch

The witch is an interesting role in ToS - they can control one person each night and get them to target another person and that person will perform their action against the target. This keeps the witch secretive, for the most part. They are mostly behind the scenes, controlling killing roles to do their bidding. This is perfect for Ni doms like INTJs. The witch is also unique in that they win with anyone besides town, playing on the Te desire for efficiency as they can ally with whoever can provide them the most effective path to victory.

ENTJ - Godfather

The godfather is the leader of the mafia, they call the shots and tell the mafioso who to kill. This is perfect for an ENTJ, with them being known for their take charge attitude. The godfather is unique in that they come up innocent in sheriff results and have basic defense, typically allowing them more survivability than their mafia underlings. However, this means they also have more responsibility in making sure their team doesn’t get found out, which will be easy to handle for an ENTJ who due to them being Te dominant are more team oriented.

ENTP - Jester

The jester is a role that is very unpredictable, with their way to win being getting themselves lynched. This involves tactically adapting to make yourself seem suspicious enough to get lynched but not suspicious enough that you seem like a jester. As the ENTP leads with an extraverted perceiving function (Ne), this would be right up their street. These types are typically not as team focused as the ExxJ types, meaning a neutral role like the jester is a perfect fit.

ISTJ - Jailor

The jailor is a man of the law, executing those who are deemed to be evil. To be the most effective jailor, you need a keen eye for the little details in what people say (Si) and the ruthless efficiency to make potentially game changing decisions (Te). This makes ISTJs the perfect fit for this role, so it is unsurprising that this is also one of the more reliable and to-the point roles in the game. Being Si doms, they may also want to support their team which the jailor can do as well, as the person jailed isn’t able to be killed that night. This means the jailor can jail important town members to make sure they survive an extra night.

ESTJ - Mayor

The mayor runs the town, when they have revealed themselves their votes count for 3 votes and the more supportive town roles typically do everything in their power to protect the Mayor. However, the Mayor is left vulnerable after revealing as the doctor can’t heal them and no one can whisper to them. This reflects the ESTJs “balls-to-the-wall” strategy, they prefer not to hold anything back which can be very effective when it pays off. They are able to call the shots and make sure everything goes smoothly by effectively using their 3 votes (Te), and like the Jailor it is preferable they have an eye for the smaller details in what people say (Si).

ISFJ - Doctor

The doctor is the caregiver of the town, they can choose one person to heal each night and if that person is attacked they will be protected. When in the right hands, the doctor can be one of the most useful roles in a game, as they can keep their fellow townies alive. This plays on the ISFJs typically caring nature. Due to being Si-Fe as opposed to Si-Te, they will likely be more inclined to prefer to help out in a much more passive way and this is what the doctor does, as they don’t actually do any of the killing themselves. If the Si is used in the same way as the other SJ roles - reading the chat carefully and seeing every detail, the doctor can pick up on who the right person to heal is in that moment.

ISTP - Arsonist

The arsonist selects one person to “douse” each night, and then when they have enough people doused, they can ignite - killing all doused players. This secretive, risk-reward strategy will be right up the ISTPs alley. Using their Ti to deduce who to douse and when to ignite in tandem with the Se to smoothly fit into the game undetected - the arsonist can easily take everyone by surprise and flip the game on its head, like a silent assassin going in for the kill.

ESTP - Executioner

The executioner has one goal, get their target lynched by any means necessary. This involves manipulating the town against an individual - and if any type is meant for this it’s the ESTP. Using their Se-Fe to go with the flow, adapt to changes and play to the crowd, and their Ti to construct the perfect will to make their target look guilty, a skilled ESTP in this role will be highly successful.

ISFP - Serial Killer

The serial killer, like the arsonist, is a silent but deadly role. However, they can make themselves more known by killing every night. The Fi-Se combination can make for someone more impatient than their Ti-Se counterpart, meaning the serial killer role is more suited for this as it kills faster. They can also effectively use their Fi to better manage their relation with the town, especially in combination with their tertiary Ni to know who to kill to have better effects in the long game.

ENFP - Transporter

The transporter is a more complex role, they can switch the targets of two people, meaning in theory they can make evil roles target each other. Being Ne doms, they are able to see the many possibilities of switching different players, which the Te is then used to find the most effective decision. Their Fi-Te can also make them confident in the decision they decide on, biting the high risk-high reward bullet. It could backfire, but it could also get rid of a dangerous evil role. This level of risk stimulates the dominant Ne in the ENFP, making this role perfect for them.

INFJ - Blackmailer

When the blackmailer blackmails a target, the target cannot speak in chat for the next day. Also unique to the blackmailer, they can see whispers. This secretive information gathering is very fitted to their dominant Ni, which they have in common with the INTJ. However, unlike the INTJ, they have auxillary Fe. This makes them more suited to working co-operatively on a team, hence why I’ve given them a mafia role. The blackmailer doesn’t kill, however with good strategy they can easily get people lynched. It requires good timing to pull off, however I think a skilled INFJ would be very suited for this.

ESFP - Consort

The consort is effectively, a succubus. They visit someone at night and roleblock them - meaning the person visited can’t perform their night action. To be most effective at this role, you need to be able to adapt to the flow of the game, knowing who to roleblock in the current situation (Se). Their tertiary Te helps in making the most effective decision. The reason I gave them consort over escort was due to the consort being mafia, as long as they don’t roleblock mafia members they can roleblock anyone else and have some success. This essentially gives the player a lot more freedom (Fi).

ENFJ - Framer

The framer chooses a target at night, and if their target is investigated they will show up with suspicious results. If a skilled ENFJ is able to use their Fe to make everyone think someone is suspicious and then frame them, they can be very effectively in getting people lynched. Their Ni-Se can potentially keep the flow going and get the person who investigated the target lynched as well. That tertiary Se comes in very useful in giving them the smoothness to pull of a strategy like this, meaning the ENFJ can be a very effective framer.

INFP - Medium

The medium, put simply, can talk to the dead at night. This allows dead town members to relay information to those that are still alive. The medium is very much a passive role which suits their combination of Fi and Si. However, even with such a passive role there is still a lot of room for experimentation in regards to who to give information to, and when to reveal said information. This openness appeals to the INFPs auxillary Ne. Being the role of the medium allows for a more chilled out game which may be something the INFP enjoys, allowing them to see potential in this underestimated role.

ESFJ - Survivor

The survivor is a role that just needs to survive to the end of the game. The survivor can align with anyone at anytime, as long as they are still alive by the end of the game. As one of the most social types, this allows the ESFJ to communicate with plenty of different players in the game. The ESFJ typically has a much more in the moment and go with the flow attitude than the other ExxJ types, which is why this role that allows them to switch alliances whenever beneficial would be best suited to this type.

INTP - Amnesiac

The amnesiac is a very versatile role, as it chooses the role of a dead player to remember. It can remember any non-unique role giving the player a lot of options for how to play the game (Ne). To get the most out of this role, the player can analyse the state of the game and select the role that gives them the best chance of victory (Ti). The fact that Amnesiac starts off as a neutral role means they aren’t obliged to side with a single side over the other until they select a role, which fits the INTPs desire to stay independent, as like INTJs, INTPs also aren’t always team players.

[mbtigaming]

My Little Pony: Discord (ENTP)

- Typing by Talia

Dominant Ne: Discord lives for chaos. He is very much a troll and loves to play mind games with the mane 6. This love for chaos continues into his reformation, playfully making jokes at the mane 6’s expense. He is the epitome of a trickster. When reformed, we see his innovative nature become useful in stopping certain villains and solving problems. He isn’t afraid to try new ideas, which makes him unpredictable. If anyone is going to come up with a wacky plan it’s him, and he isn’t afraid to fail either - his plan in the season 9 finale did backfire, but then he was more than willing to help come up with a solution. 

Auxillary Ti: Discord has a knack for puzzles and riddles. In fact, in his first appearance one of the first things he does is mess with the mane 6 by laying out a riddle, which paired with his dominant Ne had multiple meanings. He isn’t afraid to tell people exactly what his opinion is of them. His opinions are often subjective and this occasionally backfires on him - such as when he wrongly assumed Fluttershy had abandoned him because she invited someone else to an event. He is often misunderstood after being reformed, as his efforts to help his friends often backfire even though they make logical sense to him.

Tertiary Fe: Discord has a natural charisma about him, with his dominant Ne he was able to eventually trick the mane 6 into becoming the opposites of themselves in his first appearance. When reformed, we see him occasionally act immorally even though he means well. He tries to help, even if it ends up doing more harm than good. He also develops a deep care for the mane 6 even though he tries to hide it. We see this play out in season 8 when he tried to ruin the school after he felt left out, being uninvited to the opening. While independent, he also likes the approval of his friends and wants to feel valued by them

Inferior Si: Discord is not one for routine and comfort, frequently going from one extreme to the other. We see him literally start to vanish after he makes a “normal” tea party for Fluttershy, failing to see that she liked his chaos. He recognized how different they were, and in trying to please her became boring. However, he does like Fluttershy the most because she gave him support when the others didn’t.

Enneagram: 7w8

Discord is a very clear enneagram 7. In the episode “Dungeons and Discord” he initially rejects the board game because he views just sitting down and playing a board game to be boring. He is a natural jokester, as a villain he didn’t want to take over Ponyville for power, he simply enjoyed the fun chaos provided. He acts based on his personal enjoyment for the most part.

[mbtigaming]

The Good Place: Eleanor Shellstrop (ESTP)

- Typing by Talia

Dominant Se: Eleanor is a person who lives purely in the moment. She frequently lands in trouble because she doesn’t think things through before she does them. She is also very perceptive, she was the one who figured out that they were in the Bad Place the whole time. Eleanor never hesitates to take action, shown when she tells everyone she isn’t supposed to be in the Good Place. She is a “tells it like it is” person, sometimes offending those around her with her bluntness. She can be opportunistic, which leads people to see her as selfish. She also has a natural curiosity when it comes to actually doing things. Just learning it isn’t enough for her, she needs to experience it for herself and apply it to real situations.

Auxillary Ti: When Eleanor figured out they were in the Bad Place, she did so by logically connecting the dots of her environment. She exposed it without telling the others about her plan, leading Chidi to believe she’d thrown him under the bus for a second. The moral lessons are almost meaningless to her unless she can approach it logically. She gets frustrated with Chidi’s inability to make a logical decision.

Tertiary Fe: Eleanor is a very socially confident person, and knows how to maneuver herself in social situations relatively well. While she is selfish, she shows a desire to learn to be a good person. She demonstrates charisma that makes Chidi stay with her even when she is slow to learn his moral lessons. Because it is tertiary, she often uses this to fuel her Se opportunism - resorting to in the moment manipulation to get what she wants.

Inferior Ni: In general, Eleanor only shows interest in philosophical topics when she gets real benefit from it. She doesn’t really see the consequences of her actions, preferring to deal with them as they come. However, she is shown to be able to come up with a plan of action when needed and develops her interest in moral philosophy as the series goes on.

Enneagram: 7w8

Eleanor is a clear enneagram 7. She is assertive and confident, and wants to have a good time. In flashbacks she is constantly seen out with friends or at parties, living for the moment. She loves alcohol and constantly found ways to make her friends drive so she could have more to drink - the vice of the 7 is gluttony. She initially views Chidi as boring because he preferred to study. In the flashback to her school she doesn’t get involved in the social groups because she sees them as “lame”.

[mbtigaming]

Dynasty 2017: Fallon Carrington (ENTJ)

- Typing by Talia

Dominant Te: Fallon is very business savvy, shown multiple times when she strategizes against her dad. She manages to become CEO of the family business and succeed when her dad can not. She is also able to think rationally and logically under high pressure situations - she talked Claudia out of shooting Blake when no one else was willing to. This ability to take initiative in situations makes Fallon a very capable businesswoman. She also shows a clear natural ability for leadership when she quickly delegates roles to the family when building a house. Fallon has a bluntness and confidence which makes her intimidating to those around her.

Auxillary Ni: Fallon’s advantage over the other family members (particularly her dad) is her ability to strategize. She is a typical ENTJ in the sense that she develops a plan and sticks to it. The most obvious example of this is when she gets back at Jeff Colby, she schemes to marry another man in secret so she wouldn’t give up any of her business but Jeff still had to give up part of his business. She also makes useful connections with people who she sees long term benefit in getting involved with - as evidenced by her connection to Liam to get back at Jeff Colby and then also strike up a deal to sell Carrington Atlantic to his uncle. 

Tertiary Se: Fallon is very much a doer, very easily putting her plans into action. She is very aware of the power dynamics going on within her family and the business. She has no issue with taking huge gambles such as when she hugely increases the stakes during a game of poker when she was bluffing the whole time. Due to her auxillary Ni, these are often calculated risks with benefits in the long run. She is also shown to be somewhat adaptable, easily switching sides when she finds out Jeff betrayed her. Fallon is also seen occasionally using physical force, as seen in her fights with both Cristal and Alexis - but overall Fallon prefers to scheme against her enemies rather than immediately react with force.

Inferior Fi: Fallon sometimes struggles to know who she should trust and who she shouldn’t, which can backfire on her. She also is somewhat lacking in a moral compass, using underhanded methods to get what she wants. Despite this, she is shown to care deeply about those she is close to. However, she typically views relationships from an angle of how it can benefit her and what she gets out of it rather than creating relationships for the sake of relationships. She struggles to form lasting connections, constantly being indecisive about which man she is in love with which has also landed her in hot water multiple times.

Enneagram: 3w4

Fallon is a clear enneagram 3. She is ambitious and driven, going after what she wants. Typically of this type, when unhealthy Fallon resorts to exploitative and manipulative tactics in order to gain the upper hand. As 3 is in the center of the shame triad, they tend to be reluctant to open up about their true feelings (thus, their vice being deceit) and this is one of Fallon’s core character traits. Her relationships with her boyfriends don’t last because she doesn’t open up to them, instead preferring to keep things business related.