Gamers are people who play video games, or at least, who make the activity a regular part of their lives. They may be from anywhere in the world, and they may have a variety of motivations for playing. Aside from being a way to kill time, gaming has become a form of socialization, and a means of rekindling friendships. In fact, a study of gamers found that 55% of them said that they made friends through video games.

Video games are popular in many countries around the world, especially in Asia. The biggest market is China, which has 666 million gamers. Many gaming companies are from Asia. Those gaming companies use games to reach younger consumers. Although gaming is a relatively new trend, it has been a growing business. Its total global revenue is estimated to hit $337 billion in 2027. That makes it the largest video game industry in the world.

Games are played by a wide range of people, and there are numerous sub-categories. These categories are sometimes separated by level of dedication, primary type of game played, or combination of factors. But there is no general consensus on these classifications.

Among the most common gamer taxonomies is Bartle’s. He has created four categories that represent the various behaviors of gamers. This category list is designed to be a useful guide for players to better understand the different types of gamers.

There are a number of other more comprehensive lists. However, this one is probably the most popular. Most players will fit into at least one of these categories.

For example, a mid-core gamer is someone who plays games for a long time and takes the time to develop their skills. Their preference is for games that are medium to hard in difficulty, have a depth of gameplay, and have accessible mechanics. Mid-core gamers are also known for their careful tinkering.

An explorer is a person who enjoys discovering glitches and hidden areas. Explorers are also attracted to open worlds. Unlike a socializer, a completionist is a mix of an explorer and an achiever.

Streamers are another category. These are individuals who upload videos of themselves playing video games. Streamers may specialize in certain types of video games or even participate in professional teams. Streamers can make money from ad revenue, donations, and sponsorships. While they can spend hours playing a single game, they usually focus on a particular genre. Generally, these streamers are able to earn some money by posting videos of themselves playing games.

Despite the popularity of video games, there are still many stereotypes about them. In the past, gamers were viewed as nerdy teenagers. Today, gaming has become a mainstream hobby, and the community of gamers has grown. Not only are gamers from all over the world, but they come from all different social backgrounds as well. Even women consider gaming a hobby.

Some people have a problem with gamers, a phenomenon called the “gamergate” campaign. It targeted prominent women gamers. Thankfully, the imbalance has recently been corrected.