As expected, a lot of people will dismiss the term "hardcore" as a contrived label. Yet, not all gamers are equally vested in the pastime, and we need to recognize this difference in dedication.
Look at it this way. Would you say that the person who makes the occiassional outing with his friends to the basketball court is the same as someone who gets up at 5am 5 times a week and rigorously practices his skills? Is the average car owner the same as an enthusiast who methodically maintains his vehicle (from doing his own oil changes, to regular tire rotations, washing twice a week, and even upgrading components with aftermarket parts, etc...) and reads up on all the automotive magaiznes? How about the average movie goer compared to that afficionado who can recite (without going to IMDB) every oscar winner by year, and has a mental catalog of most actors filmography as well as directors works?
Lets face reality here. being involved in any given activity, not just video games but any you can think of, is not the same measure of involvement among all participants. And it certainly isn't just about how much time one spends on the given pastime, but I would say more about the emotional and to some degree financial investment.
There are the people who buy a $500 TV, and it's perfectly fine for their leisurely viewing experience, and would never consider spending more necessary, even undesirable in light of other priorities. Then you got the enthusiast for who the ultimate home theatre experience is top priority, and to that effect no amount of money matters to achieve said goal.
But key in the distinction is that afformentioned emotional investment. It's the difference of someone who plays for a momentary diversion, and the kind of gamer who immerses themselves with unwavering commitment, for a fulfillment they can only get from this dynamic and interactive media. To that kind of gamer, the game is an essential part of their life, not just a side interest.
Maybe it's just the terminology which skews how we see the distinction and the projected attitude between these groups. I don't know, but maybe "recreational" and "enthusiast" would be more accurate adjectives. Hell if you consider there are more variable degrees of interest in between (that it's not just two extremes), you can add "journeyman" and "initiate" into the mix.
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