Gamers are people who enjoy playing video games. They’re a very large demographic, with around 276,000 gamers employed in the U.S. alone, bringing in over $1 billion in revenue.

They’re also a very dynamic group. In recent years, gaming has become a way of life for millions of people worldwide. In fact, it’s been reported that the gaming population is growing faster than ever before.

There are several different types of gamers, each with their own defining traits. These differ from one another in terms of their goals, their motivations, and their playstyle.

1. Escapers

Escapers are a type of gamer who engages in immersive gameplay as a coping strategy to relieve negative moods. They may be dealing with a mental health issue or a traumatic event in their lives. They’re mainly motivated by escapism and achievement, but they often role-play and have high levels of self-esteem, too.

2. Achievers

Achievers are a type of gamer who is highly motivated by achievement and escapism. They have high self-esteem and impulsiveness, too, which affects their decision making. They have a sense of identity through their gaming life and reputation, too, which helps them feel in control and strong about themselves.

3. Recreational gamers

Recognized for their low impulsivity and high self-esteem, recreational gamers are typically playing video games as a hobby alongside other interests. They may have a broader social network than their peers, but they’re not trying to replace their real-life identity in the game.

4. Enthusiasts

A second persona of gamers is the Enthusiast, who plays a variety of genres and systems, ranging from consoles to mobile games. They’re more likely to be employed and have the income to buy Day 1 releases and to keep up with gaming news, as well as the hardware needed to play them.

5. Problem-solvers

Research suggests that playing video games can improve your problem-solving skills. Researchers performed fMRI scans on 27 professional gamers and found that they had more grey matter in certain parts of their brain than non-gamers, which is linked to a higher level of cognitive function.

6. Killers

In the world of gaming, Killers are a cutthroat class of players who will do whatever it takes to win at all costs. They’ll trample all over their competitors to do so, but they’re also willing to flex some creative muscle by thinking outside the box in order to get ahead.

7. Memory & Spatial Intelligence

Regular video game play can help you to develop your spatial memory, which is the ability to see and identify objects in three dimensions. Using this skill in everyday life can be helpful if you have to find your keys, your friend’s house, or even your car at the grocery store.

8. Imaginative Play

Kids’ imaginative play often gets frowned upon by society, but video games offer a chance for kids to explore their creative side and have fun. They’re also a great source of social interaction and can teach children how to collaborate and work together as a team.