"Hardcore" gamer psychology

[waxwingslain]

So I thought I would share this interesting article [http://www.pixelpoppers.com/2010/01/status-and-signals-why-hardcore-gamers.html] about the psychology of the hardcore gamer. The argument goes that the "hardcore" are threatened by "casual" games and gamers because of the (perceived) threat to their own sense of achievement.

I'm not a professional psychologist, but the argument rings true to me; anything that becomes common becomes less valuable and no one wants their accomplishments cheapened. At the same time, the difficulty of some games seems like an essential part of the experience, and thus stripping it out is an artistic offense that has nothing to do with hardcore vs. casual.

But then I don't really consider myself hardcore, if only because I'm not that good at most games. I'm curious what other people from other parts of the spectrum think.

 

[HTID Raver]

the ability to pick your difficulty kind of negates this whole argument dosent it?

 

[delet]

Hardcore vs Casual is a stupid argument. I simply consider myself a 'Gamer', as I play any game that I think I'll enjoy and I play it a hell of a lot. I'll play just about any game as long as it isn't sports related or racing (racing games are only good when played with other people around you IMO.) I wish people would get out of the mentality of Hardcore and Casual and just all be Gamers.

 

[oppp7]

It seems like a good theory. But my opinion is that people don't want more Browncoats and such, they want to be the ones to tell people about the fandom. It's some weird urge to tell people interesting or shocking news. And being part of a group is much more interesting when it's secret and exclusive. For example: being a furry is a lot funner while just about no one in my family knows.

So basically, ya, people don't want gamers to be an open group that everyone knows everything about.

 

[Julianking93]

I'd say that's a pretty accurate article.

Although, when something I cherish is a bit underground and most people don't know about it, I want to keep it at a small audience no matter what it is.

I don't want it to get popular because I know that means all the dumbass kids are gonna think they're cool for liking whatever is popular at the time