 | FEATURE, HARDCORE GAMING, WII, PS3, XBOX 360 Attributes of a true hardcore gamer |
What makes a gamer "hardcore"? So many people argue about hardcore versus casual gaming without defining their terms, but it's obvious that many people equate casual gaming with games that are stupid, boring, or for children under the age of seven. That's not the kind of definition I can get behind, but I'll cover that particular issue at a later date. For now, let's talk about the hardcore.
So, what makes a true hardcore gamer? Read on for some of their defining characteristics.
... a true hardcore gamer is passionate about video games.
A hardcore gamer doesn't need to own more than one console, but his passion drives him to stave off ignorance by educating himself about consoles he doesn't own. He can have an intelligent discussion about the Xbox or the Wii even if he only has a Playstation.
His passion often includes games that aren't readily available in his home region. This might lead him to import overseas releases, even when no one else in his country knows or cares that the game exists. He most likely keeps on eye on the homebrew scene, too.
... a true hardcore gamer appreciates many different gaming experiences.
A hardcore gamer won't judge a game by its target console, nor will he judge it by genre or by the fact that his little sister or his grandmother enjoys playing it. He is open to trying new games, and he knows that a game can be high in quality even if he doesn't enjoy playing it himself.
He will not claim that a console has "no games." He knows that such statements only expose a prejudice toward a console that no true hardcore gamer would have.
He will not consider a game "hardcore" or "casual" based on its ESRB rating. He doesn't consider GTA IV or Gears of War 2 hardcore games, even if he likes them. He knows they are mainstream games because everyone and their dog bought a copy.
... a true hardcore gamer is confident.
A hardcore gamer knows he is hardcore without being told. He doesn't need to validate his hardcoreness by bragging about his skill in the latest FPS, because he doesn't confuse skill with hardcore gaming.
He is probably good at playing games due to the time he's invested in them, but he won't necessarily be a master of all genres (or even a master of one, if he spreads his time among many different experiences).
He will be a hardcore gamer in any game he plays, whether that game is Dead Space or Wario Land: Shake It!. He is too chill to care about what haters or fanboys think of a game; He will make judgments for himself.
... a true hardcore gamer knows his roots.
He knows where gaming has been, not just where it is now. He's probably played Pong or one of its many clones, and he won't meet you with a blank stare when you mention Adventure, King's Quest, Rogue, or Donkey Kong (the game, not the character).
A hardcore gamer cares about those roots, because they shaped the face of gaming today. He knows that history is the best indicator of where gaming is headed in the future, but accepts that gaming will never stay the same forever; change is the way of all things.
... a true hardcore gamer cares more about fun than about the latest graphics.
A hardcore gamer understands that content is what makes a game, and the most powerful hardware in the world can never take the place of it. He appreciates quality games such as Cave Story, and doesn't dismiss the merits of Mega Man 9 just because he might have preferred modern (or even 16-bit styled) graphics.
He has his own graphical preferences. Maybe 8-bit graphics are his favorite, or maybe he likes cel-shaded games the most. He might even prefer realistic graphics over all else, but if he does, it won't be because everyone else says realism is the best.
... a true hardcore gamer is honorable.
He knows that great games are the result of the blood, sweat, and tears that developers pour into them. A hardcore gamer won't disrespect that effort by pirating a game, even if he can't afford it any other way.
The hardcore gamer values true skill that is honed over time, and understands that sometimes, you just lose. He won't use cheats or trainers to win online matches, because winning isn't as important as being hardcore.
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