Textbook Bobcat said:
First off, I hate achievments. But that won't stop me from enjoying a game. As long as game companies continue to place us in different demographics, the terms will apply. According to them, at least.
And now...the need for seperation. And it has to do with what you already said: Branding. It applies to every social group, even if you don't think so. This is human nature, and has been for a long time. No, we don't like to be labeled, but it will be done anyway. There is no stopping it, and it appplies.
To me, my definition of Casual and Hardcore will take too long to explain to make you understand. Essentially, it is how a game is presented, and how immersed I get into it. The more real a game is to me, the more immersed I can get. And that tends to fall into the Hardcore category.
Games I play just for fun, casually, are such. Pretty much all popcap and reflexive games fall into this category, aside from Jets 'n' Guns. This is for me, not you, so please do not argue.
This is how Wikipedia explains it, and I agree.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Casual_gamer
Most casual games have similar basic features:
Extremely simple gameplay, like a puzzle game that can be played entirely using a one-button mouse or cellphone keypad
Allowing gameplay in short bursts, during work breaks or, in the case of portable and cell phone games, on public transportation
The ability to quickly reach a final stage,[6] or continuous play with no need to save the game
2D, abstract graphics
Some variant on a "try before you buy" business model or an advertising-based model
Again, this is for me. I really do not want to argue with anybody.
Now, as for what you called "Hardcore gamers". It becomes a way of life for them, it can literally change a person. Myself included. The feelings you get from being totally immersed and involved in a game can not come from a book or movie.
You can fall in love with a game, and the characters. You can cry over a death, and be emotionally moved in a way no other medium can. It has happened to me.
Casual gamers do not feel this way. They do not get as involved.
Forget the "If you don't play everyday you're not a real gamer", "If you can't complete the hardest difficulty you're not a real gamer", "If you don't know the ins and outs of a duck's ass about the neighbourhood the main hero grew up in you're not a real gamer" shout the "Hardcores". This is all Bullshit. They are not real Hardcore gamers.
A real hardcore gamer appreciates every game for what it is, and trys to enjoy every aspect as it is presented. They don't care if it was made for kids, if it's fun. If they find harder difficulty or achievements more satisfying, then great. Others such as myself don't really bother to beat a game past normal difficulty. And don't care one way or the other about trophys.
Now, I do not wish to get into any arguments. If you disagree, please remember that this is my opinion.