What is a Hardcore Gamer?

I just finished reading an interview with Sam Houser, co-founder of Rockstar.  In the interview, he was asked about casual gamers, and if the “rise” of casual gamers had an impact on the design of GTA IV.

The article brought to mind an argument I’ve had quite a few times.  What is a hardcore gamer?  Publishers often refer to the difference between hardcore  and casual players.  Often times, they draw the line between franchise fans and others.  According to this approach, a “hardcore” player is one has been a player of the franchise for years, and will likely buy the next version, play the hell out of it, and then complain about it on a forum.  The “casual” player in this context is someone who may rent or try the franchise title.

Another definition is based on time played.  Many demographics break up players this way; say 10 hours or more a week played is “Hardcore.”  The player who plays less is deemed “Casual.”  This is a shaky definition, as comparing the player who spends 12 hours a week on Pogo.com to the player who plays an hour a night playing original Everquest on his PC is a risky proposition.

Lastly, industry folks may look at the type of game they play.  People who are rocking Guitar Hero might be considered “Casual,” while those who delve into Armed Assault would be considered Hardcore.  And while I’m sure those who regularly enjoy Armed Assault would agree with this proposition, is it in fact the case?

First off, I don’t have an answer.  I can’t say if the player who spends two hours of her Saturday night playing Counterstrike is more hardcore than the player who spends three hours every day after work ramping up his Sims character.  Maybe the answer is that it doesn’t matter.  Sure, publishers want to target demographics, and the same demographics that play IL2: Sturmovik aren’t the same ones who play Brain Age (maybe).  But as designers can we really split our games up into demographics?  I don’t think so. 

We were all in a category that would have been listed as “non-gamers” at one point.  I kind of laugh when people bring up to me that first time gamers need simple games.  The very first computer games I played on my dad’s Apple IIc (yes, I got an Apple before an Atari, because that was a business machine!) were F-15 Strike Eagle and Dreadnoughts, a WWII battleship simulator.  I think I was about 7 when I started down that road.  By today’s standards, they are totally NOT entry level games.

Today, there seems to be this idea that “casual” games mean shallow.  Or that “hardcore” means difficult.  I disagree.  I think that games need an introduction that both experienced and new gamers can pick up and enjoy.  I think that games should be fun if you play them an hour a week or four hours a day.  And I think there can be equal depth and challenge to a first person flight sim and a top down social emulator.  It’s all in how you design it.  Give your audience credit, and also give them depth, tactics, and thought.  Finally, give ‘em a little bit of help if they need it.