Generally, gamers are people who play video games. However, the term can be used for a range of other uses. Gaming can be done individually or with other players on a video game console, computer or portable device. Gaming can be a hobby or a professional career. In addition, there are many gamer communities around the world, which can include social clubs in colleges, virtual communities, and message boards.

The gamer is a proactive hobbyist who spends many hours playing interactive games. They play video games, skill-based card games, or tabletop role-playing games. They are not as impulsive as casual gamers, who don’t feel the need to escape from real life problems. They may also have high self-esteem and a strong desire to excel in their games. They may not be as interested in role-playing, and may be more focused on collecting all the game badges and rewards.

The term “gamer” originated in the fanzine fandom of the 1980s. It was first used to identify wargame players, but has since expanded to include all types of gamers. It is also associated with regressive social attitudes. The term was picked up by Merriam-Webster in the 1990s.

There are four major types of gamers. These are Achiever, Explorer, Escaper, and Hardcore. Achievers are people who play to master the game and achieve a specific goal. They often play competitive ranking games or competitive multiplayer games. Achievers are also impulsive and have difficulty resisting the immediate gratification of game rewards. They enjoy the competition that goes with playing competitive games. Explorers are players who enjoy the social aspect of gaming. They may enjoy playing games with other people, or they may prefer to play alone. They may also enjoy downloadable content such as manga chapters or light novel chapters. They may make money by advertising on videos of themselves playing games, ad revenue, or by making donations to sponsors.

Escapers play to escape from their problems in life. They may engage in immersive gameplay to help them forget traumatic experiences. They may also engage in intense gaming to relieve their negative moods. They may also be in a game league or clan. They may be interested in competitive tournaments, and may play in broadcasted events. They may earn money from tournament prize pools, sponsorships, or ad revenue.

The gamer taxonomy is one of the most widely used gamer taxonomies. It uses a personality inventory matrix to identify four major types of gamers. Achievers are individuals who play to increase their self-worth. They often play competitive ranking games or competitive online multiplayer games. Explorers are players who enjoy the interactive aspects of games. They may prefer to play games with other people, or they may be interested in competitive tournaments. They may earn money by advertising on videos of themselves playing games, sponsorships, or by making donations to sponsors.

Heavy gamers are individuals who play games for hours at a time. They are irritable when they are not playing, and may feel they are not reaching their full potential. However, they may still be able to manage their other responsibilities.