Categorizing gamers into casual and hardcore is not as simple as it seems. It is important to consider a number of factors when defining the category.
Does a guy who plays mm2 qualify, for example? Or the girl who spends hundreds of hours in Animal Crossing?
Social Gamers
Social gamers are a growing group of gamers who seek out games that provide opportunities for interaction with other players. They prefer mobile games because they are easier to play and require less hardware. They also tend to play for short periods of time and are more likely to be casual gamers, opting for easy storylines and game mechanics.
These players want to interact with others through synchronous and asynchronous gameplay. They also want to form gaming communities in the world of their video game. They may want to socialize, interact with others and feel accomplished in the gaming world.
Gamers who play games for fun or socialization tend to be younger and have a higher household income than the national average. They are more likely than other gamers to own a smartphone, and they play games for entertainment and a respite from everyday life.
The need of a social gamer to be accepted and competent in the gaming community often outweighs their need for autonomy and mastery. This is particularly true for female players. Social gamers are also more interested in the ability to earn in-game currency and to share their gaming achievements on social media platforms. The free-to-play mobile Pokemon Go, for example, combines social interaction and a virtual economy. It rewards players in-game currency for completing specific tasks, such inviting friends or training monsters.
Hardcore gamers are avid video game players who spend a lot time playing them. They also have a deep understanding of the game mechanics and strategy. They also have more interest in advanced gaming techniques and strategies. They are often motivated to compete with others and to challenge themselves within the gaming world. They may also feel the need to feel a feeling of accomplishment, like winning a tough battle or achieving a high-level. These gamers are good matches for esports.
Casual Gamers
This type of gamer is more likely to play casual games, and they are not as involved in the gaming experience. They usually only play a few hours a week and view gaming as a fun, social activity. They may have other responsibilities and a full time job, so gaming is not a major part of their life. These gamers prefer to play on mobile devices such as smartphones and tablet computers.
They are attracted by simple, intuitive mechanisms that require little investment of time to learn and to play. Casual gamers enjoy a wide range of genres, including puzzle, match-3, hidden object, and casual simulation/tycoon/building games. They also like multiplayer games with a social element, such as Fortnite and PUBG.
Casual gamers can be a valuable target audience for game developers. They are more likely to buy your game because they have a lower barrier to entry. However, they are not as enthusiastic about microtransactions as hardcore gamers and may be less likely to spend a large amount of money on your game.
The motivation of these gamers is a combination of factors such as the challenge, excitement, and social interaction of the game, and the possibility of earning rewards. They also value the option to customize their gaming experiences and tailor them to their own tastes. They are not interested in achieving achievements or earning milestones. They prefer to keep their gaming experience low-pressure and stress free.
They are often devoted to a single game, and spend a lot of time on it. They are very knowledgeable about their favorite games and interact with other players frequently online. They are likely to watch streamers or participate in tournaments. They may even spend large amounts of money on purchases related to games.
There are a variety of different types and experiences of gamers. Understanding these motives will help game developers to create engaging games that will appeal to all types of gamers. It can also assist them in creating safe gaming environments that do not impact gamers’ health and wellness.
Serious Gamers
Serious gamers are those who play games with a purpose. This could be to train, learn, conduct research, or change behaviour. This is not the same as commercial gaming which is purely for entertainment. Serious games are America’s Army (used as a recruitment tool), Re-Mission (which promotes good government), and Orwell Keeping an eye on You.
These gamers are skilled and dedicated. They spend hours practicing to improve their MMR (matchmaking score) and competitive edge. They may also enjoy the social aspect of gaming by engaging in game communities and collaborations with other players online.
Casual gamers are those who only play games on a casual basis, playing for short periods of time. They prefer to play on mobile devices, and they like short gameplay sessions. They enjoy games that are easy to learn and do not require a lot of time investment or skill level. They prefer games with simple graphics and storylines.
Competitive gamers are those who participate in organized, televised gaming tournaments and events with the goal of winning. They may also be concerned with their MMR, or matchmaking rating, which determines their placement in a particular game. This type of gamer is usually more interested in winning than the enjoyment of competing against others.
Although it is not true all gamers fall under one of these categories there are stereotypes that are associated with gaming. For example, casual players are stereotyped as being newbies who don’t take gaming seriously. Hardcore gamers can be viewed as being antisocial or obsessive. It is unfortunate that both types of gamers can contribute to the gaming industry.
Hardcore Gamers
Hardcore gamers are serious about gaming. They play the game for a long time and often spend significant money on the video games they enjoy playing. They also tend to have more knowledge and experience with the gaming industry as a whole. In addition, they typically invest in high-quality gaming equipment and follow specific routines when playing their favorite video games.
Competition is a major motivator for hardcore gamers. They want see how they measure up to other players or computer-controlled adversaries. For example, they might play a racing game to beat their personal best times or practice fighting game combos to improve their skills. They may also be motivated by the thrill of beating a difficult game or achieving a good score.
Another characteristic of hardcore gamers is their willingness to make modifications and extensions to commercial video games. This can range from changing the appearance of characters to adding new gameplay features such as aim-bots. Hardcore gamers will be more aware of gaming news than casual players and may follow a gaming blog or forum.
In addition to modifying and extending the video games they enjoy, hardcore gamers also frequently engage in online gaming and form their own gaming communities. They may also participate in forums and chat rooms where they can exchange tips and strategies with fellow gamers. In addition, they might also be involved in competitive online multiplayer games.
While some people may have difficulty separating casual gamers from hardcore ones, a person’s attitude towards a specific game is usually a good indication as to their dedication to it. It’s important to keep in mind that the distinction is not a dichotomy, but a continuum. Most of us fall in between these two categories. For example, some people play gigantic RPG’s like Skyrim for hours at a time while others only venture as far as Farmville into PC gaming. Only you can tell if your gaming habits and preferences are those of a casual gamer or a hardcore gamer.