DISC and Esports

I went to the FNCS Global Championship Tournament last weekend. While watching, I started thinking about how DISC personality traits could affect these players. 

What is FNCS?

FNCS stands for Fortnite Championship. Fortnite is a popular game made by Epic Games. It known for its fast-paced Battle Royale format. The game mixes fighting, strategy, and creative building skills into a high-stakes environment. In each match, 100 players are dropped onto an island. The tournament lasted 2 days, with 12 matches. There were 50 teams from all over the world and each team had 2 players.

If you're new to esports you might be surprised to know it's a fast-paced and intense sport. Winning takes a blend of skill, strategy, and teamwork. The pressure was huge. Players who usually play from home are now on stage with the best players in the world, in front of a large crowd, with announcers, lights, and fireworks. As a spectator, it was stimulation overload. 

What is DISC?

So, what is DISC? The Extended DISC model is a tool that helps people understand behavioral and communication styles. The model divides people into four main styles: 

• D-Style (Dominance): Decisive, strong-willed, and competitive individuals who thrive on challenges and seek to take control of situations.
• I-Style (Influencer): Impulsive, energetic, and persuasive individuals who enjoy networking, talking, and positivity.
• S-Style (Steadiness): Patient, calm, and laid back individuals who value stability, collaboration, and support.
• C-Style (Correctness): Logical, detail-oriented, and exact individuals who focus on precision, accuracy, and systematic decision-making.

What I learned is that you can apply DISC wherever people are involved. As esports grow, understanding these personality types can help managers, coaches, and players create stronger teams by recognizing each other's strengths and weaknesses. 

How DISC Styles Might Show Up in Fortnite

D-style players might be thought of as the shot-callers and strategy makers. They thrive in high-pressure, fast-paced situations. These players oftentimes lead aggressively, pushing for early eliminations and taking control during critical moments. D-style players might also like to dictate the pace of the game.

Example: A D-style player might lead their team to an intense one-on-one battle earlier in the game, confident that their skill will secure an advantage. 

Strengths:

• Decisive; even under pressure
• Confident in skill
• Take risks 

Potential Weaknesses:

• Impulsive; can lead to costly mistakes
• Overlook input 
• Overconfident in skill

I-style players might be considered the motivators on the team. They are excellent communicators and enjoy engaging with teammates and opponents. They keep the morale high during long and difficult games, and even during losses. Their enthusiasm and positive outlook can rally the team.

Example: An I-style player might keep their partner focused and energized with motivating comments during a tense game situation.

Strengths:

• Strong communication skills
• High energy 
• Able to build relationships quickly, useful in last minute team changes

Potential Weaknesses:

• Can lose focus on technical aspects of the game
• Overly optimistic, risk plays without calculating every factor
• Easily distracted

S-style players might be seen as the reliable teammate. They excel in maintaining a calm and a level-headed approach. These players can be important when patience and positioning is needed. S-style players may focus on resource management and making sure their partner is well-prepared. They can stay quiet until the perfect moment to strike.

Example: A S-style player might consistently farm materials and help the team rotate safely into the next zone while avoiding unnecessary conflicts.

Strengths:

• Highly dependable in managing resources and positioning
• Patient and strategic
• Focus on team success over individual glory

Potential Weaknesses:

• May be too passive, missing opportunities to engage
• Less comfortable with fast changes or chaotic situations
• Risk averse

C-style players might be seen as the analyst and perfectionist on the team. They are driven by precision, analysis and structure. They plan each rotation and build. They review match footage to improve strategies for winning. They may excel in positions such as snipers and strategists ensuring that every action is methodical and precise. 

Example: A C-style player might track storm patterns, enemy tendencies, and loot paths to create a detailed strategy that gives a competitive edge.

Strengths:

• Precision in strategy and decisions
• Attention to detail
• Analytical approach

Potential Weaknesses:

• Overanalyze; miss opportunities for quick plays
• Risk-averse, may play too cautiously at times
• Need to think before speak

DISC and Team Dynamics 

Each DISC style brings important strengths to Fortnite, whether it’s for early-game attacks, mid-game movements, or the chaotic final seconds. The game is fast-paced and unpredictable. Knowing DISC styles can help improve communication and strategy, which can help players win. Even milliseconds can decide who wins or loses, and understanding people is just as important as knowing the game. The Extended DISC model helps explain the different types of players and how they work together in esports.  

No one style is better or worse. There is no "best" style for winning championships. The best teams are self-aware and know how to adjust their style based on the situation and their opponents. By recognizing and understanding these different styles, teams can build stronger bonds, create better strategies, and ultimately, be the difference between a good team and a championship-winning one.

While I don't know a lot about esports, I know a lot about DISC. Contact Extended DISC today to learn more!