Week 5: Actions!

What type of informal and formal behavior are visible in DayZ? How many compare to rituals in everyday life? 

With the random nature of the game relying on each individual player the spectrum of behavior is massive.
*All pictures are from one session of play on the map Namalsk looking for other players, gear, and vehicles.*

Much of the informal behavior I have experienced is in the form of Banditry and hostage taking. Banditry refers to players killing other player with the sole satisfaction of killing another player. A bandit may disguise themselves as a friendly player in the hopes of earning another players trust. Once the bandit has gained that persons trust they will usually kill that player once the opportunity presents itself. Some other players have also turned to

taking other survivors hostage. Those unlucky enough to be taken end up in random situations. Some are put into a battle arena where they must fight another player to survive. Others are geared by their hostage takers and given the best loot in the game. It all depends on the players who perform the actions and if the player has a chance to log off during the time they are engaged with these other players.

For formal behavior, players are usually friendly toward other players. They try to work together with other survivors to find gear, weapons, vehicles, and more to survive and save others. They will thank players who help them with a bandage, blood, or zombie. Most are happy to just travel with others in a helicopter or car that acts as a taxi service. All of these small gestures help build the online community to combat the endless stream of bandits that dare stop their fun.

 

There are many ways such behavior is comparable to everyday life. With most of the informal behavior that occurs there are consequences that the players face. This usually occurs in the form of retaliation. A player labeled a bandit is usually sought out by the friendly players of the map with kill on sight orders. At other times a bandit player may be banned or kicked from some servers due to their excessive killing.  Formal behavior is usually rewarded by the entire server. Helpful and friendly players remember other friendly players and encourage them to continue playing on the same server. Others work together to help survivors with vehicle repair, weapon scavenging, and medical work. These friendly players then form groups that help survivors on the entire server until a bandit ruins their fun. There are many ways to play DayZ. Which way will you play?