What is a hardcore gamer?

[mouie]

As a Nintendo fan im faced with this question all the time.With people saying Nintendo is not hardcore and just for kids and ladys that want to get fit.The thing is i can accept that from this new generation of gamers.You know the playtion generation.That is them who got started with the PS1 and never had a NES or a SNES or Sega Spoiled on FMV's and CD's.They are to young to know about walking for miles to get a game borrowed from a guy you dont even know or blowing a cartridge till you passout to get the dust out or being amazed with 16 bit graphix.You know,the Nintendo/Sega generation.But i have a problem with them who should know better.People like me who was there as a child when Mario & Sonic revived the gaming industry and paved the way for kratos,Master Chief and others to star.Thay should know better and not fall in with the HD crowd that dont know the TRUE meaning of HARDCORE!To me a hard core gamer is one that is full of passion for gaming.Its not just a passtime its what they do!When they play a game they go all out and totaly complet it.Every mission every secret.Its has nothing to do graphix or blood or sex or how angrey the main character looks!
I have no proplem with HD to be honest i cant wait for the WiiU.But HD has nothing to do with the gamer.Set them stright when you here them say hardcore make shure they know what it means!

http://johanistan.files.wordpress.com/2010/07/fat_gamer_kid.jpg
http://www.veterangamers.co.uk/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/hardcore-gamer-smoking-pizza-slob.jpg

[W1nTry]

I tip my hat to you sir, we could go even futher back to the days of 2600 Atari for truly some of us started in that era, Tron's deadly disc, snakes... indeed there is a new 'stereotype' that differentiates what is considered 'hardcore' and what is 'for the kids', however one must also consider that labels and separation of the industy also evolves in the same way gaming itself has. In the days of NES other than an Arcade of a PC (Thing 5" floppy) there was No other way to video game. Now thanks to the marvels of modern tech we can 'video game' practically everywhere, anything and anyhow.

The industry has moved to yet again use the word 'hardcore' to mean catering for the demograph that you rightfully put it grew up in the days of NES and Genesis etc. As we have gotten older our tastes have evolved to almost 'need' a certain type of play, a certain type of style, a certain level of gore. Sure many of us still bathe ourselves in zelda or 'smash' each other senseless, but we've grown HOOKED on putting a slug between each other's eyes and a chainsaw in our chests. In a sense the very community that grew up with the systems of old are more than likely if not undoubtedly responsible for creating the fasade of the 'hardcore' gamer.

[ViCe]

To me a hard core gamer is one that is full of passion for gaming.Its not just a passtime its what they do!When they play a game they go all out and totaly complet it.Every mission every secret.Its has nothing to do graphix or blood or sex or how angrey the main character looks!

THIS.

[Arcmanov]

Well then f@#k hardcore.  Seriously, because I ain't got that kinda time.

[TriniXaeno]

I think what arc meant to say was.......when you've settled down with wifey and kids, hard core gaming is no longer feasible.

lol

I hear you on that definition mouie but I think you described a completionist. Someone who is borderline obsessed.

Yes, that is hard core. no doubt.

There is room for another kind of hard core gamer though.

The one who is competitive.

Its a slightly different road they walk. He won't complete every single nook and cranny achievement of every game but he will hone is craft all the same and be a contender in tournaments and leagues. Sinking countless hours behind the screen.

A typical example.

The completionist will play through the storyline of Starcraft/ Battlefield and seek all the achievements he can find.

The competitor will often skip the story mode altogether and get right into the Multiplayer action. We have quite a few of them around in GATT.

I tip my hat to this type of "hard core" gamer in addition to the one you described.

[Spazosaurus]

Hardcore gaming discussion in the console thread? OXYMORON of the year!

Is a hardcore gamer one who plays many games and knows and loves all genres or one that sticks to one and becomes an expert in it? Is a hardcore gamer one who plays only certain genres? Can a man who plays snakes and ladders all day be called a hardcore gamer?

The definition of 'hardcore gamer' is a very loose one which changes depending on who you ask to define it.

[mouie]

Well then f@#k hardcore.  Seriously, because I ain't got that kinda time.

Point LOL!

[Doomtack]

Hardcore gaming discussion in the console thread? OXYMORON of the year!

Is a hardcore gamer one who plays many games and knows and loves all genres or one that sticks to one and becomes an expert in it? Is a hardcore gamer one who plays only certain genres? Can a man who plays snakes and ladders all day be called a hardcore gamer?

The definition of 'hardcore gamer' is a very loose one which changes depending on who you ask to define it.

I actually have to agree with that.

I sometimes consider myself a hardcore gamer. Mainly because i play games of almost any genre. And I try to play as much of the games that i can. Hell i dedicate a substantial amount of my expenditure on game related things (hardware, games etc.).
I think its a state of mind more than anything else.

[Arcmanov]

TW...it seems you know me better than I know myself...

Still debating if that's a good thing.


OT:  Me?  I'm a video-game enthusiast.

[Sesimie]

This is what answers.com says

Hardcore, in general means something solid, unbreakable, unshiftable. Used in relation to sexual intercourse, gaming and sports.

A hardcore gamer is a person who doesn't distract himself with easier paths, makes/accepts challenges and completes them the right way.

There are various levels of hardcore, and it can be taken as skillfull or simply a waste of time doing something one fails at without giving up. Classic arcade games are linked to this term.

My Take:-

For me a Hardcore Peeyong is just someone who spends way too much time with games, it has nothing to do with skill or talent. Dedication to some, Degeneration to others   

[ViCe]

There is room for another kind of hard core gamer though.

The one who is competitive.

Its a slightly different road they walk. He won't complete every single nook and cranny achievement of every game but he will hone is craft all the same and be a contender in tournaments and leagues. Sinking countless hours behind the screen.

A typical example.

The completionist will play through the storyline of Starcraft/ Battlefield and seek all the achievements he can find.

The competitor will often skip the story mode altogether and get right into the Multiplayer action. We have quite a few of them around in GATT.

I tip my hat to this type of "hard core" gamer in addition to the one you described.

THIS as well. +1
I pretty much skip sp and head straight to mp, thats what i like, thats what i mainly play and spend hours in. Playing clan matches and having a challenge is what makes shooters fun for me.

Hardcore gaming discussion in the console thread? OXYMORON of the year!

smfh

[Spazosaurus]

Yeah, can we move this discussion to the PC thread now, where its supposed to be? k thnx 

[Berzerk]

Hardcore gaming discussion in the console thread? OXYMORON of the year!

Is a hardcore gamer one who plays many games and knows and loves all genres or one that sticks to one and becomes an expert in it? Is a hardcore gamer one who plays only certain genres? Can a man who plays snakes and ladders all day be called a hardcore gamer?

The definition of 'hardcore gamer' is a very loose one which changes depending on who you ask to define it.

I actually have to agree with that.

I sometimes consider myself a hardcore gamer. Mainly because i play games of almost any genre. And I try to play as much of the games that i can. Hell i dedicate a substantial amount of my expenditure on game related things (hardware, games etc.).
I think its a state of mind more than anything else.

Agreed..my thoughts more or less.

Pretty much my definition. I love gaming, but its a hobby for me not really a lifestyle. I guess when people consider themselves 'hardcore' it's where gaming is their lifestyle.

Ive occassionally gone into extreme territories in the past, especially when ive delved deep into some epic RPG, (FF7 in teenage years and Dragon Age 1 springs to mind) or really engrossing, campaign, but those are the exceptions really not the rule, time really doesn't allow me that luxury anymore.
I do find myself frequenting gaming sites fairly often, keeping up to date with changes in core technologies for certain games, listing different games coming out, and collecting various gaming titles and upgrading pc periodically, so I could enjoy such titles when I get the opportunity.

And I don't really discriminate, gaming is gaming, console, PC, wherever, there are epic experiences to be had across the line.

I guess I more fit the 'casual mold with occasional sprinkling of hardcore' 

[ViCe]

Yeah, can we move this discussion to the PC thread now, where its supposed to be? k thnx 

lol ignorance to the fullest yes. So console gamers cant be hardcore?
u know the day allya actually do a proper PC vs console match and get properly spanked would be the highlight of this site yes. #cantwait

[Spazosaurus]

If I had my way, i'd destroy every console on the planet and show everyone the right and true way that games should be played. Down with inferior gaming experience, welcome...to

[Berzerk]

Guys seriously?

[TriniXaeno]

hahahahha, that picture never gets old.

Blu_Vice, we actually are planning a PC gamers vs Console gamers event.

You might have your chance to shut awesome up sooner than you think.

[Berzerk]

how we doing that? Interest is piqued....

[Spazosaurus]

Berserk, dont u remember us talking about this in the last meeting?

[Berzerk]

errrrrr....oh yea that...hmmm