What Does it Mean to Be a Gamer?
Video games are a massive part of our culture. Over a billion people worldwide play video games, and the number is growing. It’s a fun pastime that can be shared with friends, or played alone. Many people use games to unwind, and it’s a great way to relax and forget about real life for a bit. But, what exactly does it mean to be a gamer?
The term “gamer” has a complex history. It was originally a term for someone who played war games, and it wasn’t used in the same way as modern gaming. Later, it became a derogatory term for people who were obsessed with games and would spend a lot of time in front of the computer or console. By the early ’90s, though, it had begun to be used in a more positive light. The etymology of the term is still a mystery, but it’s possible that the word was derived from the phrase “gamesmanship” or “gamesman,” which refer to the skill and enthusiasm required to play a game.
Whether you consider yourself a gamer or not is really down to what you do with the hobby, and not how much time you spend on it. There is no definitive definition of a gamer, but most people who play video games for a consistent amount of time can be placed into one of the four categories of gamers according to Bartle Player Taxonomy. These are: Achievers, Explorers, Socializers and Killers.
Achievers tend to be very impulsive and have high self-esteem, which makes them motivated by the immediate gratification of winning in a game. They are less interested in role-playing or escaping from their real-life problems, but want to excel at the game and gain rewards for their efforts. This category is also more competitive and enjoys playing multiplayer games with other players.
Explorers like to explore every aspect of the game, finding all the secrets and hidden areas. They are interested in exploring all the mechanics of the game, and can be very curious about how a game was created. They are more interested in discovery than beating the game, and tend to enjoy socializing with other gamers online.
Killers are a highly competitive group, who prefer to play games with other people. They love to battle and win, and are driven by the thrill of competition. These are the types of gamers that you’d expect to see at a professional gaming tournament.
Overall, these categories are a good indication of the different types of gamers that exist. Nevertheless, it’s important to note that there are also gamers that fall into other categories and can even drift between them at times. This is why it’s not always easy to categorize gamers, as there are often contradictions in how they behave in different circumstances and the types of games they play. However, if you are a gamer then the most important thing is that you enjoy and appreciate the experience of playing.
