Gamers – What Are They?

Gamers play video games for fun and challenge. They immerse themselves in virtual worlds, assume roles from powerful warriors to strategic leaders and collaborate or compete with other players online. Gaming is a popular pastime for both young and old, and it has become increasingly social as people have come to realize that playing with friends is just as much a part of the gamer experience as playing alone. The popularity of video games has also given rise to eSports, high-stakes competitive tournaments that attract massive audiences and substantial financial rewards.

The term “gamer” can be used to describe anyone who plays a video game, regardless of the type of game or the platform played on. While the broader definition of gamer is widely used, it is still a somewhat subjective term. It is often used to refer to young men who consume video game media, but modern gamers are more diverse than the stereotypical image presented by video games ads of the past.

While there is no clear way to classify all gamers, it is common for games media and industry analysts to divide gamers into broad categories. These are usually separated by level of dedication to gaming, primary type of game played, and a combination of factors.

Traditionally, the most common gaming categories are Achievers, Explorers, and Socializers. Achievers are goal-oriented and enjoy gaining rewards, earning high levels of success, and completing the objectives set by the game’s designers. Explorers are curious and inquisitive, seeking out hidden elements and understanding the mechanics of gameplay. Socializers are outgoing and friendly, enjoying interactions with other players.

There is some overlap among the gaming types, and a player may demonstrate characteristics of multiple categories depending on the type of game they are playing. Additionally, gamers may drift between categories if they switch from an Achiever to an Explorer and back again. These movements are a result of the fact that different types of games have different requirements from gamers in terms of the skills they require.

Although the traditional gaming categories are useful for identifying trends in the demographics of gamers, they are a bit skewed toward gaming culture as it is currently perceived. For example, a retired woman who plays Sudoku or farm games on her iPad for many hours each day would be considered by most people to be a casual gamer.

Furthermore, a few of the gaming categories have health concerns associated with them, such as eye strain and sedentary behavior. However, these are not exclusive to any one gaming type and may be influenced by the individual’s health, lifestyle, and general gaming habits. It is important for gamers to understand the risks and benefits of their hobby in order to make smart decisions about the ways they choose to spend their time.