Video games can be a fun way to spend time with friends, challenge yourself, and get a healthy dose of competition. However, if someone you know spends more time than they should on gaming and neglects other parts of their life, it might be an addiction problem. It’s important to be kind and empathetic when discussing this issue, not to judge the person or criticize their hobbies. Instead, seek to understand their perspective and help them make healthier choices in their gaming habits.

Gaming is a hobby enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds. In fact, it’s one of the most popular activities for teens and young adults in the US, even beating watching TV and social media platforms like Facebook. While some people may have preconceived notions about gamers being lonely, anti-social, and toxic young men spending their lives in someone’s basement, the truth is that a large part of gamers are just like you and me—average, everyday people who have a passion for video games.

Gamers can be divided into several different personas based on the genres of games they play, their preferences for different hardware and platforms, and how often they engage with gaming content. Bartle’s gamer taxonomy categorizes gamers into four personas: Ultimate Gamer, Enthusiast, Casual, and Backseat Gamer.

The Ultimate Gamer represents 4% of gamers and is the most devoted gamer in the group. These are the people who play a variety of systems, purchase Day 1 releases, and invest heavily in the best gaming tech. They prefer action-packed games that require fast decision making and the adrenaline rush that comes with it. They also enjoy storytelling and tactical/strategy games.

Next, the Enthusiast persona represents 5% of gamers and enjoys the same games as the Ultimate Gamer, but they place a higher value on exploration of detailed game worlds, story, and a feeling of immersion and accomplishment. They are also more interested in the gaming community and keep up with the latest news in esports. They are more likely to be full-time workers, so their gaming is less of a priority in their daily lives but still plays a significant role in their lifestyle.

Casual Gamers represent 7% of the gaming population and enjoy a mix of games on a variety of platforms and consoles. They play when they have free time, which could be during a break at work or while waiting for an appointment. They are more likely to be women than men and are more interested in quickie games on mobile devices.

The Backseat Gamers are a smaller percentage of the gaming population but are just as invested in their hobby as the other three personas. They tend to be former gamers who have left the hobby for other reasons but are still a bit connected, watching content and keeping up with the industry as a form of nostalgia.