Question – What is a Hardcore Gamer?

Well, I've been questioning that very question with my gaming personally. I think it's a label we use to describe the upper level of gamer out there. These are the ladies and gentlemen that get a kick out of games that require tons of patience and attention. The "hardcore" take games way too seriously and for good reason. They don't want to only play games, they want to conquer them and play all the angles they can based on their own merit. I think that's what makes someone a hardcore gamer instead of just a gamer.

The way I see it, there seems to be two types of "hardcore" gamer. One is the type of hardcore gamer that the mass media seems to portray. The gamer who plays Madden, Halo, and Guitar Hero all day. To me, however, these kind of "hardcore" gamers are more casual than anything. Tell me, how many of these so-called "hardcore" gamers would even take a second glance at Guilty Gear, Ikaruga, Rez, or any of the other truly "hardcore" games out there? To me, a hardcore gamer is a gamer with an extremely wide range of tastes in games. Someone who can play Guitar Hero or Halo, but also be able to hold their own in a heated Guilty Gear match, or be able to complete Sin & Punishment, or...well, you get the point. Simply put, what the mainstream calls a "hardcore gamer", in my eyes, is nothing more than a sub-class of the "casual gamer" set.

A Hardcore or Core gamer spends lots of time perfecting his or her game experience.

If the game to easy there is not much to perfect, hard games like Kid Icarus leaves a lot to be perfected. For example, you might spend a lot of time doing 80 laps on GT 5 Prologue to get 4% better at turning on one curve. Core and Hardcore can used interchangeably as a marketing buzz word.

In my opinion, a person becomes a hardcore gamer when they question and learn how a game works.

Examples of this are understanding things like "aggro" and the radius of awareness a mob has in an MMO.

It could be knowing how long it takes a weapon to respawn in a first person shooter, or how large a hit box is.

When a player seeks out this kind of information, they are taking control of the
experience.

That's what separates a gamer from a hardcore gamer.

Another thing I see the hardcore gamer doing a casual gamer would never is insisting on getting their gaming goods on day. The kind of gamer that pre orders months in advance, calls up stores relentlessly, and even camp out for a game/console that they'll actually keep, not hawk on eBay.They are also aware and on the hunt for obscure games with limited initial print numbers, like Marvel vs Capcom 2, Gitaroo Man, Rez, the Shin Megami Tensei rpgs, etc.

Other determining factors for how hardcore a gamer really is is by looking at how much he knows about the industry. When you hear guys championing the cause of Reggie or having heated diss sessions about Jack Thompson, you know you've fond the hardcore. Then there are the guys that proudly flout sales numbers for their favorite consoles on internet forums, but I won't go there...

Someone that plays videogames more than they read or post about them on message boards. Seriously. These days it's kind of odd to see how many people buy loads of games, usually the newest on release day, yet never finish most of them.

Someone who has an unnatural obsession with video games. It may start effecting their personal lives, like taking a sick day or skipping class to play a game, or spending time daydreaming about how you would have done the plot in part of a game, or how you are finally going to outscore that jerk online while you are in the middle of taking a test

It isn't necessarily an unhealthy obsession though, but it may "weird others out" or cause concern

Wait, maybe I am thinking of another term I can't think of...
Or basing this off my own experiences >_>
(meh, I suck at defining things)

You opened up a can of worms Spence :)

I don't think one needs to be versatile in all genres to be considered as a hardcore gamer. I mean I grew up playing the NES like many others and played a wild range of games. But I am horrible at FPS and have no desire to sacrifice my life for MMOs whatsover. If I'm in high school or college I can afford the time, but certainly not now..

As for how much emotion one invests into a game, or actually "finishing" it. I suppose there are more games now than back in the days? I used to finish any 2D side scroller or RPGs in days, or level up characters like crazy when I was in grade school or middle school.

Still, for the games I like, essentially JRPGs, I don't hesitate to import them on day 1, so I don't know if I'm considered hardcore or not. I suppose I "used" to be hardcore? I can't imagine being 40 yrs old and still be playing as many games as young gamers.

Without writing a long, boring essay on the topic, I'd like to say that a hardcore gamer, in my opinion, is a gamer that can view a game analytically and has developed an appreciation for the techniques developers have used, both old and new. A hardcore gamer would play a notoriously bad game just to experience it first hand. In fact, in some cases, a hardcore gamer would even argue that a notoriously bad game is actually good (an example being the CD-I Zelda article over at Hardcore Gaming 101).

I'm not saying that a hardcore gamer would play a game, appreciate it for what it is, and then turn a blind-eye to its flaws. But to a hardcore gamer, games are something more than a toy to have fun with during your free time. If a game has historical relevance, then it's worth playing, no matter how bad it may be. While I don't believe that you have to mainly play retro games in order to be hardcore, I'd like to think that a hardcore gamer is a sort of historian among gamers.

I don't know if my point has really come out as clearly as I wanted it to, but I hope this at least helps.

i dont think its about beating games.
i think its about playing huge amounts of games, esecially ones not many people have heard of.
but mostly, i think its about paying retro games the respect they deserve. i see this as an increasing problem in gamers, especially especially gamers that fail to recognize any merit of the dreamcast.
which often causes me physical pain.

Does it have to apply to certain genres or particular games?

I've always figured it was just nerds trying to sound cool, but then I realized there are basic ways to play a game and then the more technical side that requires a little more strategy.
Super Smash Bros. didn't strike me as a game that could be played on a serious level, but then I see nationwide tournaments happening throughout the year with many competitors. That has to have some merit to it.

Otherwise, I still consider "hardcore gamers" as über-nerds.

The real hardcore gamer play any available game, from childish themes like katamary damacy to more adult or complex themes like shin megami tensei series.

The real hardcore gamer finish the game first to have a opinion about it.

The real hardcore gamer analyze the game as a whole: Soundtrack, story, gameplay, graphics, character development, story development and even the time its takes to load.

The real gamer understand and respect other gamers opinions about games, they dont have to defend a game, they play for their own game experience!

Simply put, a hardcore gamer goes on all on his game. He reads the articles on sites like Siliconera, checking out news daily about games he wants and even those he's curious about, digging right into the culture of the game. When the game is announced and finally about to come out he reads the previews leading up to it, any news on the final stages of development before it goes gold, purchases it (usually a Collector's/Limited Edition if that thing has anything of value in it.) The best parts of the game he'll take with him when he's done, from the soundtrack (or maybe just a couple mp3s) to moments that he'll tell his friends or write in his review. All this will of course be repeated with the game's sequels later on but for the time being he'll just move on to the next game.

I think it's wrong to claim a hardcore gamer should be home in all genres...
but I think most are at least interested in all the diffrent games, not necessiraly having played them all

it is true he's a gaming critic and the genre/games he likes to play, usually excels at, or at least is very enthousiastic about them

if someone is into clangaming and does a lot of practices and clanwars

if someone owns multiple consoles

A regular gamer plays lots of games, when he or she has time to play games, and spends a lot of his or her excess dollars on gaming.

A hardcore gamer schedules his or her life around playing games, and works his budget around being able to spend lots and lots of money on games.

It's all a matter of whether you're playing in your spare time with your spare bucks, or you're fixing your schedule and budget around playing games.

A hardcore gamer is a gamer who feels the game, who doesnt care about graphics or character number, someone who really cares about games,that plays for fun and doesnt care of clearing the game, someone that doesnt need to have a lot of games,someone who simply doesnt buys all artifacts and game thing,a hardcore gamer maybe only has like 5 games.

In conclusion a hardcore gamer is a real, happy, joyful and positive gamer.

Hope you can put this in the film, if you dont well at least thanks for reading it bye : )

being "hardcore" is not in owning multiple systems, or playing in clans, or how much you appreciate "retro" games.

It's in appreciating video games as the synthesis of art and puzzlemaking. I think that, as one begins to appreciate the passion and devotion that turns an idea into a full-fledged program, one begins to exhibit, to take away, some of that passion themselves. This can be seen in message-board addictions, online obsessions, an exploration of the game-making process, or just a devotional enjoyment of the game. I don't think that hardcore gamerism (for lack of a better term) requires one to be the best, or even one of the best.

Its symptom is an understanding of this devotion. When you hear about someone camping out in front of a video game store, do you scoff and judge? Do you think this "nerdy?" Or do you think back and remember a time when you cared enough about a game to do so? Do you remember counting down the days to a new release?

Do you remember getting so engrossed in a game that you forget to eat breakfast? lunch? dinner?

Being "hardcore" is to have an understanding that games are the pinnacles of technical achievement, as (in a way) the yardstick of technological advancement, and to see the hypocrisy in judging our escapism in a culture of escapism. It is to appreciate Mass Effect like a Van Gogh. To lose yourself in Mario 64 like one does in a Picasso.

But enough rambling. It's time to get back to the games.

I think a hardcore gamer is simply someone who takes gaming seriously.
Most people think of gaming as just that, games. Nothing of relevance. Nothing essential. People have told me, "If you go into game design, basically you're being paid to waste people's time."

I, personally, think games to be an incredibly important and essential part of modern society, with there being value in engaging in and experiencing many different kinds of games and mastering any number you please. It doesn't mean obsession is healthy, mind--too much of any good thing is a bad thing.

But under that definition, yes, I consider myself a hardcore gamer.

I think the term "hardcore gamer" can be used in many, many ways. I don't think one who plays a wide range of games is a hardcore gamer. They can play all the games like, if there is no appreciation for them then that person is far from a hardcore gamer.

One type of hardcore gamer are the obvious tournament ready gamers (especially the Evolution bunch). These gamers will dedicate their time with some game finding out all there is to know. For example, Street Fighter III. Some gamers dedicate so much time into knowing all there is to know about the game mechanics. How many frames is that jab? What's the recovery rate? Can it be cancelled etc. These people will do their research, play on their own and play with others to find out more or gain inspiration of new play styles and tactics.

The other type of hardcore gamer are those who also take whatever game they like seriously. Now, by this, I do not mean blind fanboys. They're a whole different story. But I mean those who will acknowledge a games good points and bad. Someone who appreciates the game for what it is and how it came about and the effort developers have put into. This can then lead onto those who go the extra step to collect related merchandise or meet the developers.

I personally believe that some things hardcore gamers must have is strong appreciation, passion and dedication (maybe not so much dedication since we all have other things to do, such as studying) for the game or series. I also believe being an obvious fanboy who disregards any negativity (ie. pointing out blatant flaws) towards their favoured game/series is not a hardcore gamer but just a blind fanboy.

The various folks explaining how there is more than one type of hardcore gamer are right.

1. Gamer A plays games competitively, someone like FaT4Lity. They practice as hard as an athlete would practice for an upcoming event. Before pro-gaming leagues, players of Street Fighter 2 would make the arcade their home and beat down any new challengers. This is a hardcore gamer who wants to be the best at their game.

2. Gamer B buys the game. But, not just the game. He gets the the Collector's Edition, only at GameStop. He keeps the action figure he was given for reserving in its original box. He imports the various related items and material that are only found in Japan. Gamer B is like a StarWars fan, hardcore only because of how dedicated he is to the whole experience and marketing effort of his favorite game. He might even cosplay.

There's more... Overall though, the one thing all hardcore gamers share is a strong passion for what they love, and it all is in the world of videogames.

P.S. I believe I am a hardcore gamer for keeping up with the growth and changes of the industry on a daily basis, reading news sites, interviews, and things that affect gaming. I'm an adequate player, but my focus is not really on my skills.

Every statement made so far does have a valid impact in some way or another on what defines a "hardcore gamer", Since there really isn't a official term on what that is, it must then be defined by the gamer.
A hardcore gamer is educated, well educated as far as in what games they are at least interested in and know about, defining great detail about said game. They could have a wide range of genres they play or a narrow amount of genres they focus on. They could have exceptional skill at games, being a challenge to both computer and fellow players. they could buy imports, or wait in lines for pre-orders. they collect strategy guides or game swag. they spend vast amounts on games like rare copies or limited editions. there are many things that make you a hardcore gamer, but since there is as many diverse hardcores as there are people, where lies a common factor?
Passion. Passion is what makes a hardcore gamer his own brand of epic player status. ranging from the helpful hardcore, who seeks the gaming community and strives to share all forms of knowledge. Like developers point of view, how to get massive combo's/ damage/ gear, describing what they would do with said moveset/story line or plot/ artistic direction and just over depth of his/her commitment to the game and a sense of others who share that passion. And then there's the ruthless hardcore, who demands gaming perfection. shows no mercy to any, everyone is a "n00b" and can be "pwned" by there "l33t 5killz". But no mater what they are, its passion than defines them as an individual, one that is serious about this window into a group of peoples interactive imagination (a.k.a video game) and are will to dedicate there time into unraveling the essence of has become the most prominent form of multimedia.

Now THATS hardcore.

Gamers that I know that consider themselves hardcore, have the following setup. Firstly they have a modern PC which they play World of Warcraft on. Secondly they have a Xbox 360 with an expense HD tv and top of the line sound system. On the Xbox they have most of the first and third person shooters available on the system. All the Xbox games they play online.

I believe hardcore gaming is simply this: a person that makes video games a way of life.

Too many times game companys try to make hardcore gamers people that buy every system, only buy limited editions, and get every color of DS (or wahtever) out there. I think this confuses the issue. Companies want you to think this is what makes a hardcore gamer. They want you to be mass game consumers. But does that really make you hardcore?

My personal belief is that hardcore gamers play for the love of the game. They don't play to finish games. They don't play games to say that they played them. They don't play games to be "in the know." They play games to advance their gaming experience. It's the difference between a pro athlete, and one that plays in a rec league. A pro athlete spends everyday trying to hone his skills. A hardcore gamer, while not necessarily honing everyday, will do the same thing. It is somone that just enjoys playing, and doesn't care about the end result, but just wants to play some more. Every gamer has games they become hardcore about. A few off the top of my head for me was Chrono Trigger (I played it for 2 years or so, trying to figure everything out), Devil May Cry ( Dante must die!), and various final fantasy games. It's the person that completes a game, just to jump in to the next difficulty to see what changes. It's the person that spends more time doing random side stuff for no reason, other than it's there and it means the game won't be over that much sooner. It's the person that takes it slow and relishes in the experience, knowing it will be over all too soon.

To me, it is someone that just has years and years worth of video game knowledge and experience in all categories. Sports, RPGs, platformers, puzzles, actions, adventure, shooters.

Also, I think the ability to appreciate bad games because they are bad, and play all the way through it and make it look easy, and by they end, they have mastered a game that everyone says is bad. By mastering it, they develop strategies to use in other games.

With that experience, they can start to play a game they have never played before, and play though it quicker and better then a non hard core gamer.

I would also like to think that having a game or two in there collection with crazy value on Ebay would be a likely candidate.

Overall, I would have to say the hard core gamers are more of a casual gamer since they play so many games in a month. Not only is it their way of life, but they do there best to make it other peoples way of life, and encourage people to play all sorts of other games.


Here is what I would say makes me a hard core gamer:
1 - Obscure collection of games in addition to the main stream games.
2 - Always recommending games, mostly obscure, to people I think will like them, because they started talking to me about mainstream games in the same genre.
3 - somewhat emotionally attached to quite a few characters from games.
4 - Can watch a game commercial and identify well over 3/4s of the games they show, along with the system is is on, the level they are currently playing, and sometimes even the music.
5 - Non inflated ego... I do play competitively, and when I win, I don't gloat about it, instead I will talk to them about how good of a fight they put up and what they might want to practice on. And when I lose, I congratulate the winner. The last thing I want to do, is beat someone, and then discourage them from ever playing that game again.

In addition to my previous post. I think part of what makes a hard core gamer, is that they do not to part with any games from their collection. They probably do / did as a kid to get new games. If they did, they wish they could go back in time and tell them not to get rid of those games.

The hardcore gamer goes beyond the game itself, analyzing every single shred of data, in order to master it.

Kind of a sliding scale no? I mean to my friends I am a HC gamer simply because I play a lot more than them. But to me the its those people who make it "more than a game" traveling for tourny's and in general getting a sense of personal worth or pride from being good at gaming.

A hardcore gamer is someone who can enjoy any good game for it's content. Weather it be for its story, game mechanic, ect. He'll play it no matter how obscure. Some gamers may find a game like Ikaruga too difficult and thus a bad game. But a Hardcore gamer would realize the proper mechanics to master the game are right in front of him(and thus a good game) and he would spend time to learn and enjoy it.

It's kinda like the difference between someone who is able to enjoy a sophisticated cheese. An open mind is needed for one, and then a love for gaming(or cheese lol).

Pure and simple. The hardcore gamer is that person who believes he is "superior" than those he calls "casuals". Therefore he will dedicate much more time to perfect his "craft" and continually push his "skills" to a point where he can look down with pride upon those amateurs.

"Hardcore gamers are who some of us use to be , and who are the future. You can't explain it, but we all know a hardcore gamer when we see one".


BadFish


I have to say, since reading Siliconera, No OTHER POST HAS BEEN AS POWERFUL AS THIS ONE. Just about everyone here has posted something true to the "HARDCORE GAMER" tag line. We all have our definitions of what is to be "hardcore".

In many ways, we are all right. I can't give you an answer, but I'll tell you this. We all win, because at one point, people laughed, called us nerds, losers, and look at the gaming industry now! We should all proud of ourselves no matter what.

I think, like many others who posted above, that there are many types of hardcore gamer. So perhaps a better question is what qualities do not define a hardcore gamer.

I think a hardcore gamer is someone who does not follow trends. Sure, he/she may play Final Fantasy, Gears of War, Halo, etc., but a hardcore gamer also tries the more obscure games, like Okami, Every Extend, etc.

A hardcore gamer also knows and respects the classics: Zelda, Mario, Metal Gear, Final Fantasy before it appeared on Playstation One, etc.