Gaming is one of the world’s most popular pastimes, with 1.7 billion people globally playing video games. While many people consider gaming to be just a waste of time, it has actually been shown to improve brain function, increase hand-to-eye coordination, and boost cognitive skills.

There are several different types of gamers, each with their own unique interests and preferences. Some are more social, others are competitive, and some even make their hobby a lifestyle. Understanding who these gamers are and why they play is important for anyone interested in video games or marketing to them.

Gamer Achievers

This persona is more focused on mastering their favorite games and often competes in esports competitions. They may also be found consuming content and discussing gaming-related topics online via forums or Discord servers. Achievers are typically younger and have more disposable income than other gamers. Their desire to compete and achieve in-game accolades often leads them to work with professional game producers as freelancers, which helps them make a living from their gaming interests.

Gamers with a Passion

This group tends to have more varied interests than the other gaming personas, but they still spend a significant amount of their time playing video games. These gamers enjoy social interaction in a virtual environment and prefer games that can be played with friends. They tend to prefer more complex, challenging games that require strategic thinking and use of logic over those that are more streamlined for popularity.

For this group, the most rewarding experience is overcoming challenges and strategies within games, which was cited by 89% of gamers surveyed. They also find value in exploring detailed game worlds and experiencing a deep storyline. This group is the largest persona in the gaming industry, and they are largely responsible for the rise of Esports competitions and streaming media.

Dedicated Players

Dedicated players are more serious about the hobby than any other gaming persona. These gamers are likely full-time workers with a good deal of disposable income and have the ability to purchase Day 1 games and hardware. They also place a high value on online gaming community activities and watching content, so they are the most likely to be active on Twitch or YouTube.

These gamers have a strong passion for the hobby and are willing to talk about their favorite games for hours on end. Their passion for gaming can sometimes cause them to act like gatekeepers in a group, as they tend to only accept other gamers who share the same views on the gaming culture and industry. This is especially true for Retro Gamers who love to play classic video games and consoles. These gamers are very proud of their collection and can often be found showing it off to their peers. These gamers are often more vocal about their views on the gaming industry, and they are more willing to share these opinions publicly than the other personas. This group is primarily located in North America and Europe.