I noticed that there's a lot of misleading debate here about this, and most threads are biased opinions against one of the groups, which they probably don't sympathize. But could there be a general view of all that? Let's see.
A good definition of each is I collected over wikipedia and some thoughts, where Hardcore are:
''a type of video game player whose leisure time is largely devoted to playing or reading about video games. This type of gamer prefers to take significant time and practice on games, in contrast to a casual gamer. Many hardcore gamers pride themselves on mastering the rules or use of a game, although this is not a strict requirement''
Something I'd add there is that usually have more knowledge about games therefore they play more and have a broader taste. But I notice they prefer certain games that appeal to casuals over others, for example most hardcore prefer to play Halo, GTA and others rather than the bad movie based games and such. They tend to jump into blind fanaticism as well and some times obsetion.
Some of their trend are:
The Web has allowed gamers to congregate on forums to discuss their gaming interests. This has gone some way to producing common attitudes, opinions, and memes amongst the more involved gamers. As gaming magazines moved, conceptually at least, online to provide gamers with news, reviews, and information they have inspired the involvement of the hardcore in forums and in the production of content such as walkthroughs and FAQs.
Familiar isn't it? Funny how many ppl here call themselves casuals, but look around you and what's being discussed here, you are here so that means you have more interest in gaming than a casual group.
And casuals:
Type of video game player whose time or interest in playing games is limited compared with a hardcore gamer. They can be found playing games across all genres and of varying levels of complexity and difficulty. However, they do not devote the amount of time or practice to video games spent by hardcore gamers.
I'd like to add that many don't have much knowledge of games either. Again no one has to fill every single one of these characteristics.
These definitions do not apply to everyone either since ppl have different tastes, but that's how it goes for most definitions and the fact that a big amount fill these, it makes possible to assume a definition. Also the companies themselves address these terms in their conferences when talking about the gamers.
Now, neither of those should be taken as bad by default, since both have negatives. That being when there's animosity between these two, hardcore gamers might feel ''better'' than casuals ad you know how that turns out. Fanaticism is another negative.
On the other hand I've seen ppl claiming to be casuals here bashing the others by telling them the usual, that they have no life, etc...so if you take either one too serious it can turn ugly.
Now into the games. Many ppl might say that there's no such thing as casual/hardcore games, only the person that plays them, and even though I agree with that to some extent, it's kinda weird to assume games such as, SOTC, Baldur's gate, DMC, Ninja Gaiden etc.. cater to the same audience that Nintendogs, cooking mama, the movie/tv based games do. You also hear ''You can be a hardcore (insert casual game here) Yea, you are a fanatic of that game but that doesn't mean you have an overall interest it gaming.
These casual games could be
''A category of electronic or computer games targeted at a mass audience typically with very simple rules or play techniques, a very low degree of strategy, making them easy to learn and play as a pastime. They require no long-term time commitment or special skills to play''
I'd also say that some these games base their appeal into certain popular element.
These games can be and are fun. It's not like these qualities make them bad.
So the hardcore game would be. Games with dept, length, usually have a considerable deep plot, take skill to beat etc...
Many games also have appeal for both, those that have the qualities of a hardcore game but have a certain elemt(s) that makes them appealing to casual. So yeah it's something relative or subjective but I could see myself judging a majority with that.
As for me. I personally don't care for being labeled as either group, I just play games. But if I had to I'd pick hardcore gamer. I just find more time to dedicate to games, and enjoy trying to find info about games and talk about it. Also games with depth, hold my interest longer than the others, but that's not always the case since I really enjoy games such Guitar hero and GTA, and play them for long periods of time. But I have nothing against casuals, why should I? most my friends and I know some of yours are casuals as well.
So you see being hardcore doesn't mean you are someone who is an elitist, it's just that you prefer that approach to gaming, some might feel elitism for having more knowledge, skill etc...but that's the lame part, you should insult others over this.
Also as casual, it doesn't mean you don't play good games or the games that appeal to you are bad, unless you buy into hype just because a game has something popular despite it being sucky.
Well that said. Thoughts? Disagree? I'm sure you do, so feel free to Bawww over it. Or just skip past all that and go into the usual SW bashing.
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