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Keywords:

Categorization, parameters, casual, hardcore, gamers, gender, 0806 Information Systems, 1099 Other Technology, 1303 Specialist Studies in Education

Abstract:

This article examines the parameters for categorizing gamers as hardcore or casual players and the relation between these parameters with special attention to gender differences. To investigate this, a qualitative persona-based focus group approach was employed, using a sample of 21 participants aged 18 to 37 years. Dependent on their average time spent on gaming, these gamers participated in a discussion on hardcore or casual gamers’ behaviour and attitudes. More particularly, the following topics were dealt with: time investment versus available time for gaming and game related activities, budget spent on gaming, game genre preferences, opinion and self-identification with the typical image of a hardcore/casual gamer. Attitude towards challenge, competition, sociality, story and violent content in gaming was also taken into account. The main findings reveal remarkable gender differences both between and within the casual and hardcore gamers. It is therefore concluded that the categorization of gamers as hardcore or casual is not as straightforward as often assumed in large-scale quantitative studies. More research is needed to arrive at a categorization of gamers based on a combination of relevant parameters, accounting for the existing gender differences and the time spent on gaming relative to the gamer’s available time.