What Is a Hardcore Gamer?

TGH writes: Hardcore gaming is a term that has been thrown around a lot in recent years. But what is a ‘Hardcore Gamer’, what separates the hardcore gamers from the casual gamers?

[DeeZee]

In my opinion, a hardcore gamer is someone that's passionate about video games. They don't have to own every system, and play for 8 hours a day. You can own one and play for an hour a week and still be "hardcore", as long as you're passionate about it.

[Scyrus]

eeeehh i dunno, your definition is ok but at the same time being passionate about games means you should own every system.

if your passionate about games you want to play anygame that is good regardless of console.

A hardcore gamer knows about upcoming releases, knows about most games, They don't have to be good at them but they must play alot of types of games.

No they dont need to play 8 hours a day, like you said, loving games is all you really need. But again you cant really call yourself a hardcore gamer if youu pass on playing halo, gears, god of war, uncharted, killzone etc.

just what i think anyway.

A good game isn't determined by what console its on but by the quality of the game itself

[RedDragan]

You are both wrong... if you listen to half the kids on this site.

("YOU ARE NOT A HARDCORE GAMERZZZZZZ!!!!!!")

It appears that unless you marry your console, commit adultery with another two consoles, and then pay a PC for funtime, then you are not a hardcore GAMERZZZZZZZ!!!!!!!

/sarc

[Kurt Russell]

There is no such thing as a hardcore gamer. Just a hardcore nerd.

[Zydake]

And apparently use z's when s's should be used. Lol

But seriously now a days gaming is bs. Cause of the kids yesterday I was playing zombies and all this kid was yelling about on the mix was to go on the slide 0.0... These Kidd ruin my gaming experience

[soren]

wow look at all the disagrees lol BUY XBOX EVERY WOOT

[TreMillz]

A hardcore gamer is non existent. Why? Because nothing defines what makes you a hard core gamer. If i dont own all systems im not hardcore? if i dont play online im not hardcore? if i only play E rated games im not hardcore? if i dont own a headset, use mouse/keyboard, if i use convex triggers rather than concave im not hardcore? Why not? Why am i not hardcore? Guess what, you wouldnt be able to answer because what makes you "hardcore" doesnt make the person next to you any less harcore and vise versa.

[kneon]

My definition of a hardcore gamer doesn't involve anything about the type of game they play, how many they own, how often they play or what system they play on.

For me you are a hardcore gamer if you have the determination to beat a game/level/boss no matter what. You will die countless times trying by you will keep trying until you succeed.

Even if you suck and find the easiest mode challenging you're still hardcore to me if you fit the above description.

[DeeZee]

Yeah, the whole "hardcore/casual" thing probably needs to go away. No more labels, let's just play games :)

[Aarix]

I dont want to be roped in on the same label as someone playing angry birds on a iphone cause gears of war 2 is too intimidating to play.

[CtrlAltDel]

Someone who will play games of almost all game types (RPGs, FPSs, scrollers, etc.), all types of games (casual, arcade, sims, etc), have a preference (mine is FPS sims), will play on any device (mobile, console & PC) and will not blindly be devouted to any particular device or company.

EDIT:

Chnances are, you aren't hardcore if:

1. You follow console sales.

2. You pretend company negligence is non-existent or you placate it (RRoD, YLoD & PSN network outage, etc.)

3. You're only interested in one devices' exclusives, yet another console's exclusives is the same types of games you play.

4. You blatantly spew OPINION as facts ("PSN is lag-free", etc.)

5. You hate on journalists, articles and sites thatcover any negative story or your gaming device.

And lastly, (on this site); you are a Phantom Disagreer and will pile on the disagrees on anyone you deem is NOT a Playstation fanboy like yourself, regardless if that person owns the PS3 or not.

[VenGencE999]

"Someone who will play games of almost all game types (RPGs, FPSs, scrollers, etc.), all types of games (casual, arcade, sims, etc), have a preference (mine is FPS sims), will play on any device (mobile, console & PC) and will not blindly be devouted to any particular device or company. "

This I agree with, everything else comes off as bias and you taking a shot, which is sad because the first part is spot on but is completely smeared by the rest of your statement.
If your not going to list tit for tat don't list any examples.

not here to debate you, just thought I'd share why I disagreed...

[ShadyDevil]

I consider myself a hardcore gamer because I have all systems...and purchase new ones upon release and have a buttload of games lol. I enjoy all types from easy to hard to PSN to handheld.

[impulse135]

your only a hardcore gamer if you own a ps3
Got it

[B1663r]

if you don't know the difference between your and you're you might be a hardcore gamer.

No seriously, a hardcore gamer is someone who likes games that show full frontal violence and weapon penetration...

While a softcore gamer is someone who only likes the games that they play late night on the weekend on Showtime and Cinemax.

[soren]

PPL AGREED WITH U LOL!

[tenmohican]

Hardcore gamers are the players who turn the game on, pick the hardest difficulty and beat the game more than once.

[Sharingan_no_Kakashi]

a person who enjoys a large variety and quantity of games.

[BrutallyBlunt]

I would say it is someone who will defend their preferred console to the end and to call all other systems not worthy. So basically 90% of the N4G community.

[Christopher]

That's not hardcore. Hardcore gamers would rather play games than argue over who's winning with others who won't be changed in their bias.

[dylanv365]

that just describes a fanboy, not a hardcore gamer

[pepsilover_2007]

someone who can play a game on any system without bitching that one or the other system is better and can just enjoy playing a game

[stealth500k]

Someone who appreciates all genres, systems, and gamers

you dont really have to like them.

[Rhythmattic]

What really is the definition of Hard Core ?

In the Porno world, one persons hard core is not anothers .....

Lets just say a porno with "pink bits" or "plates and utensils"

eeewwwwww...

Back on topic.

Actually, I think most people that frequent gaming sites are Hardcore (and HC Fanboyz).. Gaming is a passion we all love.. So people might not understand our love for gaming.... but WE DO !!!

[PhoenixDevil]

I completely agree this (and the porno bit too) it is about the fact we all enjoy it, a primary hobby, a passion

Its a way to escape the world for a few hours to be a badass hero or a badass evil dude, we can be a little knitted character running through a world or a bulky guy with a chainsaw on the end of his gun slicing through who ever is in our way. Or get behind the wheel and defy the laws of physics by going round a corner way to fast and then in other games having to obeying those laws and crashing out. Maybe commanding armys to march into unknown territories or developing our own characters with traits and flaws of our own just to equip them with a big ass sword and slaughter any who stand in the way

That may technically not be a definition but thats why I love gaming

[Rhythmattic]

Nicely Put.

[mshope10]

on n4g a hardcore gamers is anyone whos any sony system even if they only play call of duty or just madden.if you own xbox your immature and if its wii or any nintendo system that makes you casual.

now this is not my opinion it just how things go on this site!!

[ChickeyCantor]

A whiny N4G user.

=)

[Der_Kommandant]

A gamer who listens to Hardcore

[kramun]

I don't care what a hardcore gamer is really, I just like to play games. The term 'hardcore' is used by a lot of fanbois, I know that much.

[Saryk]

In my opinion there are two types of people. Gamers and not gamers......................ha rdcore is a title for people who like titles and want to be important in their own mind.

[claterz]

The picture reminds me of this:
http://www.youtube.com/watc...

[A LIVING LEGEND]

Simple test to determine hardcore or softcore:
Yes or No- Online gaming is a great innovation,however a good sp experience still wins by a longshot.
sleep deprivation is not a legitimate concern when grinding for materials or levels
Have no particular console allegiance,only an allegiance to good games wherever they may be.
A strong but hidden dislike of NASCAR. very important
You frequent N4G and value those bubbles
All yes= certified hardcore
All no= undeniable softcore

[Jdoki]

For me the definition of a hardcore gamer can be applied in many ways and has become very diluted and misused.

There are people who are more passionate about the wider industry, the history of games etc, and specific genres or IP, but that doesn't make them hardcore gamers.

The only definition I might consider is someone that is an expert on a particular game - so someone like Steve Wiebe is a hardcore Donkey Kong player in my opinion.

I think some games can be hardcore - like bullet hell shmup's.

[Armyntt]

While there is no majority here in definition. I have a criteria that might help. 1. Love of gaming. 2. Cant be a console fanboy and be a hardcore gamer at the same time. You leave to many great games and choices behind. You dont have to own all systems but you cant deny them for not being on your console of choice. 3. You play a variety of games to include the casual fare. Just because you decide to play Wii sports or something doesnt take away your "hardcore" title. If these 3 things apply to you then yes i believe you are a hardcore gamer.

[BlitzAK]

I iizzz hardcore gamer cause i play COD. jokes. A hardcore gamer respects value in all games.

[GameOn]

I have this wierd callas on my palm which I can only presume has been made by my game pad. Is that hardcore?

[Roper316]

There are hardcore actors & actresses!

And then there is CORE gamers. Meaning that they play more than just COD. They don't pirate games because that does support our hobby. They also follow the industry and keep up with what is going on in it. That is just a few things to me that make a core gamer.

[aaabbbccc4324]

a hardcore gamer is someone that plays violent games 8 hours a day, all the others are casuals

[Prototype]

Ways to tell your a hardcore gamer:

1. You'd rather get a higher score than more real life friends
2. You can't leave the house without at least something on you that can play a game (like NES emulators on a cell phone)
3. Your wife/gf puts a wig on your console to remind you of what she looks like
4. You can talk to someone online way better than someone in person
5. An Ideal date is trying to co-op a game together
6. You own at least 1 retro console pre PS2/xbob/GC era (Emulators and ROM's don't count)
7. Arcades send you birthday cards
8. You ask for all your money in quarters
9. Your profile pic is a gaming character you look like
10. You go to Wal Mart asking where the Materia Section is