Communication Patterns Predict Team Skill in Multiplayer Online Games

The present research on team collaboration is typically performed through qualitative interview based studies or social network measurements of connectedness through co-play. In this study, we take the unique approach to build networks from direct messages between players in the massive online game World of Tanks within and between games. Players self-organize into clans with specific roles assigned from military rankings (from private to commander). We explore the relationship between team communication volume and skill level, the impact of communication features on clan rating, and the differences in communication hierarchy within high versus low-rated clans. Our findings reveal that higher-rated clans engage in more pre-battle planning, suggesting that effective communication and strategic planning are key to team performance. Evidence shows teams who use voice chat during battle are significantly higher ranked. Finally, we reveal that the highest rated clans have more connected lower-ranked members emphasizing that these teams are "only as strong as their weakest link." This research is guided by the Transactive Memory Systems and Collective Intelligence theories which serve to expand the contribution of this research outside of games to other forms of virtual collaboration.