Gamers are the people who spend the most time playing video games. They are a key demographic for developers and marketers, and their spending is increasing rapidly. However, gamers face a number of challenges in their daily lives, and the hobby can have negative real-world implications. For example, gaming can cause problems in relationships and academic performance. Some gamers have even lost their jobs due to excessive gaming. In addition, gaming can be addictive and make it difficult to concentrate on school or work.

The gaming industry has made great strides in understanding gamers and their demographics. Companies like NewZoo provide market research and analysis to help publishers, manufacturers, and others better understand the gaming population. NewZoo defines gamer personas based on various characteristics and preferences. The four main personas include Achievers, Explorers, Socialisers and Killers. Each type of gamer has different motivations and play styles that influence the kinds of games they enjoy.

Achievers are motivated by winning in-game achievements and rewards. They tend to be highly competitive and prefer multiplayer games. They are more likely to invest in the newest technology and participate in esports. Achievers are also more likely to believe that games help develop problem-solving and strategic thinking skills. They are less likely to believe that games portray minorities and women poorly or that the genre makes people more violent.

Explorers are motivated by exploration and discovering the many stories that games present. They are the most likely to engage in role-playing, and they value the ability to explore detailed game worlds. The next two most important factors for them are tactics and strategy, followed by storytelling. They are the most likely to purchase premium consoles, but they may not have the highest graphics quality or latest tech.

Socializers, or Hearts, are gamers that value the social aspects of their games. They want to socialize with other players online, whether in a party chat or an MMORPG. They also prefer multiplayer games, and they may choose to stick with the same group of people throughout a campaign. They are the most likely to be female gamers.

Killers are motivated by killing in-game enemies and completing quests. They are also the most likely to participate in esports. The next most important factor for them is tactics and strategy, followed by the desire to feel adrenaline when playing. They are more likely to enjoy action and shooter games than RPGs.

23% of gamers fall into the Mainstream category. They are primarily motivated by the need to fill time, and they prefer free-to-play games and subscription services. This persona also places a lower importance on the community aspect of gaming than the other personas. In addition, they are the most likely to be older gamers. They are less likely to have children and be employed full-time. In addition, they are more likely to own a traditional TV than younger and older groups.