What defines a gamer?

[Weaver]

How do you define the term, "Gamer"

Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1) - Cite This Source - Share This
gam·er Audio Help /ˈgeɪmər/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[gey-mer] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation
?noun
a person who plays games.
[Origin: 1610?20; game1 + -er1]
Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1)
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2006.

 

[Lombardi]

Well, a gamer is one who games. However, "gamer" is a very broad, general term on its own and really does have to be broken down into other terms, the most common of which are usually "hardcore" and "casual". A hardcore gamer would be one who puts a considerable amount of time into gaming as a hobby and deeply cares about this form of entertainment. A casual gamer would be one who plays games minimally and doesn't necessarily sink their teeth into video games quite so deeply, but still enjoys playing.

 

[Cousin_IT]

videoGaiden [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GiC-JcqMrPM] sums up what a gamer is for me, & why thats not something I advertise publically

 

[Sexual Harassment Panda]

It is pretentious and elitist to think that you could deny others the title "gamer". I play games far too often but I wouldn't brand myself a gamer. There are many other things in life I am good at and passionate about. Just so happens I am in a bit of a lazy slump so games are generally what I do when I get home from work these days.

 

[Sexual Harassment Panda]

It is pretentious and elitist to think that you could deny others the title "gamer". I play games far too often but I wouldn't brand myself a gamer. There are many other things in life I am good at and passionate about. Just so happens I am in a bit of a lazy slump so games are generally what I do when I get home from work these days.

 

[Crusnik]

"Gamer" is an outdated term that needs to be put down if the games industry is going to garner any respect from the global community. I used to consider myself a gamer, but here in college, I've met guys on whole other levels of skill, obsession. We can't label ourselves because it only further separates us from those who would see all games buried in the desert. And by separate, I don't mean being on the other side of the issue. I mean we need to drop the idea of a gaming culture, at least somewhat, and allow gaming to be absorbed into the greater culture, just like paintings, photographs, radio, movies, and tv all had to do before games came along. Forget about what defines a gamer. Everyone, an no one, is a gamer. Stop dividing people.

 

[Nordstrom]

I don't see much of that in my definition. In fact, I formulated it with the idea that people who play games in a radically different way than me (Tetris/Peggle/'casual games') wouldn't be denied the label I want to fit myself.

I'm not saying what you wrote isn't true in many cases--just that my definition was a reaction against those same tendencies.

I got analytical back there but, yes, I believe we're talking about the same thing. I'm all for inclusive definitions.

Edit: That is, inclusive definitions of gamer or no definition at all.

 

[T1meofd34th]

"Gamer" isn't an out of date term. My parents were "gamers" in the sense that as a family we would sit around and play dungeons and dragons then nes. I usually don't put anyone under the gamer title unless they know and play a wide variety of video games, board games, table top rpgs, and the like. Even then I know people who only use the term "gamer" when they are referring to those who only play table top rpgs, video games excluded.

 

[FranicalFrazical]

Well I hope the definition of a gamer is not the greasy ass spotty fast food munching fat blokes we see hanging around GAME and Gamestation 24/7 because then I am hurt... I like to think myself as a gamer I love my video games but hopefully I dont want to have to fall in the stereotype gamer section of the natural selection... trying not to sound vain but I go out and exercise and I have a social life but I have a passion for video games so I hope what defines a video gamer is not his life and looks but the games he plays... A gamer cant just play one style of game he must have a varied choice and not discriminate other games due to age ratings, reviews and box art.... I would consider myself a gamer with a limited wallet.... I play games like Viva Pinata then jump onto COD4 then play a bit of Assassins Creed and wash it down with a bottle of Oblvion

 

[Strafe Mcgee]

A gamer is someone that follows gaming and dedicates a reasonable amount of time to more than one title. It is one who engages in the hobby of gaming deeper than merely following one game series, thus if you only play Pokemon, Guitar Hero, Final Fantasy etc then you are not a gamer to me. Even if you don't own a console or PC, if you aspire to buy one you can be a gamer.

This can get a bit muddled for MMOs since it's hard to say that someone who's only played WoW but has played it for years isn't a gamer. However, it all depends on the personal labels that you yourself apply to people. It's not so much about people defining themselves, it's about how you define others.

There's more than one definition of a gamer, based on your perspective. There's never going to be ONE TRUE DEFINITION WRIT IN STONE that we're all going to agree on now, is there?

 

[ElArabDeMagnifico]

Your kill count and rank on the server...duh!