What is a Hardcore Gamer?

[ace_of_something]

Pretty sure a hardcore gamer is someone who plays while nude.

 

[Phoenixlight]

You are hardcore if you meet these requirements:
-Logged over 2 months on WoW.
-Turned down sex for more gaming.
-Play videogames at least 25 (being generous) hours a week.
-Built your own computer.
-Have played at least 1 game over 13 times
-Had to decide whether to get food or a new game.
-Have named, and refer to your console as a person
have spent over a week with more gaming time than sleeping.
-Virgin.

 

[Caliostro]

Hardcore Gamers - Sad and desperate people who take themselves way too seriously and attempt to compensate for their lack of social interaction by living vicariously through the games they play looking for a feeling of accomplishment or self-worth.


Taking games seriously is a paradox. Games are something designed to amuse, to have fun with, by definition to be taken lightly. "Hardcore gamers" are the people that need a reality check.

 

[Reaperman Wompa]

No you meet the hardcore requirements. You have to at least have 2 to be deemed "Hardcore".

 

[CCountZero]

Hardcore Gamers - Sad and desperate people who take themselves way too seriously and attempt to compensate for their lack of social interaction by living vicariously through the games they play looking for a feeling of accomplishment or self-worth.

Taking games seriously is a paradox. Games are something designed to amuse, to have fun with, by definition to be taken lightly. "Hardcore gamers" are the people that need a reality check.

It should be easy to see where you're coming from, exept for what you're saying.
If being really good at playing a game makes you feel good about yourself, then yes, a lot of people would cite the usual phrase: "Get a life", but at the same time, a large community would welcome you with open arms.
The real question then becomes: "Is it worth having people you don't give a damn about give you the hand, in order to gain respect from a community you do give a damn about?"

 

[CCountZero]

So is someone who listens to music regularly a "hardcore listener"? And is someone who prunes their roses regularly a "hardcore gardener"?

To be perfectly honest I find the idea of a "hardcore" hobbyist completely laughable. Why it's become a widely-used phrase in video game circles I'll never understand.

...

(I guess this post means I'm not a hardcore gamer.)

Well.
Being highly logical, I can see why you might get that idea, it really does make sense.
It's not a valid comparison though, as "Hardcore Gamer" is a term specifically used for Gaming, and is not designed as a label for anything other than the gaming community.
Also, being Hardcore is really just a way of saying: "I like what I do, but I like it so much that I want to be really good at it (in comparison to the remainder of the fanbase), usually because it makes me feel good."

 

[CCountZero]

You are hardcore if you meet these requirements:
-Logged over 2 months on WoW.
-Turned down sex for more gaming.
-Play videogames at least 25 (being generous) hours a week.
-Built your own computer.
-Have played at least 1 game over 13 times
-Had to decide whether to get food or a new game.
-Have named, and refer to your console as a person
have spent over a week with more gaming time than sleeping.
-Virgin.

You also have to be good at the games you play.

Concerning WoW, I personally concider that as either:
A) Having at least reached MH/BT
B) Having at least reached 1900 Arena
C) Being a MVP

Other than that, yes, 25 hours per week is somewhat generous.

 

[shatnershaman]

How about a simple written quiz:

1.Are you 1337?

 

[CCountZero]

I say they can be admired, it depends on the type. There's the stuck up, and the 'cool' ones, mostly they're stuck up. I also say it just depends on the ammount of time you devote to gaming. Like, I use to be a hardcore gamer as I would ignore everything to play games, woke up early so before school I could squeeze some gaming in, and such. Now, I call my self a casual gamer because now I just play for the fun of gaming. Like, I'll spend, each week, more then likely a total of 11-26 hours of gaming.

I feel you on the stuck up vs. cool gamers idea.

Having played multiple games for a very, very long time, I've experienced what I believe is exactly what you're talking about on multiple occasions.

My SWAT 4 and Counter-Strike skills I learned from engaging in a teamwork-orientated clan.
My WoW skills I learned from starting out as a stupid noob who knew jack shit about raiding and PvPing and joining a serious guild with serious people who were serious about their desire to teach others.

On the Cons-side, especially concerning WoW, there are multiple types of asshats, and sadly, a lot of asshats
But I doubt anyone wants to make a list?

 

[Dommyboy]

How about a simple written quiz:

1.Are you 1337?

I am teh uber leet.

 

[CCountZero]

Ok ok, try this on for size.

I played the Sims 2 for 35 hrs one week. I got less than 27 hrs sleep time. I have made over 10 families, lived as many careers as I could. I bought the Apartment Life expansion one day and didn't eat breakfast for four as a result. My computer is named Frank, after Frank Sinatra.


I still have doubts as to whether or not playing the Sims 2 can ever result in becoming *hardcore* unless you count downloading the incendiary bomb and blowing up your family in fiery glee.

Even that is a stretch.

Personally, I think your conclusion is spot on.

There isn't really any way to "be the best of the best" in The Sims.
A game like Guitar Hero is also a bit on the outside, as it's not really a competitive type of game. Yes, there is a ranking process, and you can be the top dog, but it doesn't involve the same elements. It's not about knowing how the bullet spread of a gun goes, or how to get a large base and solid economy in Supreme Commander as fast as possible, but simply about knowing how to move your fingers fast. It's a different kind of thing, personal opinion.

 

[Caliostro]

It should be easy to see where you're coming from, exept for what you're saying.
If being really good at playing a game makes you feel good about yourself, then yes, a lot of people would cite the usual phrase: "Get a life", but at the same time, a large community would welcome you with open arms.
The real question then becomes: "Is it worth having people you don't give a damn about give you the hand, in order to gain respect from a community you do give a damn about?"

There's nothing wrong with feeling good playing a game, that's the point of games... It's when you start measuring your worth as a person by how many headshots, combos and whatever the hell you can pull that it gets ridiculous and sad.
As for your question, if you're so desperately looking for "respect" from a community of any kind you most likely lack self-respect.

 

[CCountZero]

It should be easy to see where you're coming from, exept for what you're saying.
If being really good at playing a game makes you feel good about yourself, then yes, a lot of people would cite the usual phrase: "Get a life", but at the same time, a large community would welcome you with open arms.
The real question then becomes: "Is it worth having people you don't give a damn about give you the hand, in order to gain respect from a community you do give a damn about?"

There's nothing wrong with feeling good playing a game, that's the point of games... It's when you start measuring your worth as a person by how many headshots, combos and whatever the hell you can pull that it gets ridiculous and sad.
As for your question, if you're so desperately looking for "respect" from a community of any kind you most likely lack self-respect.

I'm not saying you're not completely 100% right.
However, anything you can legally do and that isn't completely insane is a good thing right?
To make an example out of myself, I have Aspergers Syndrome and I am generally feeling good about myself, but at the same time, I also recognize that I do like to be respected for the things I am good at, be it mathematics or popping caps in people's behinds in First Person Shooters.
For me, being respected for the things I am good at, them being large or small, makes me feel better about myself and ultimately boosts my self-respect?

 

[exocel]

people who think the term "videogame enthusiast" doesnt sound "ard" enough for them.

 

[pha kin su pah]

im suprised nobody has mentioned playing games for sheer profitability, ie a professional/hobby that provides an income.

you know like Guild Wars GvG community, there used be yearly/monthly competitions, theres also MLG pro circuit with Halo, CoD, Gears, etc.

 

[PersianLlama]

Hardcore. Meet all or some of these requirements and you are one:
Logged over 2 months on WoW
Turned down sex for more gaming
Play videogames at least 25 (being generous) hours a week
Built your own computer
Have played at least 1 game over 13 times
Had to decide whether to get food or a new game
Have named, and refer to your console as a person
have spent over a week with more gaming time than sleeping

If you meet any of those you are hardcore. Other than that You might be dedicated but not hardcore.

I'd fit hardcore if it wasn't for the second one.