Five Types of Gamers and Their Characteristics

Gamers from all over the world have different backgrounds, demographics, and preferences, which help segment the gamers, hence making the gamer types. While identifying different types of gamers, there has been much research going on, and one of the most well-known research is Bartle's Taxonomy. 

 

Now you must be wondering about Bartle's taxonomy - after in-depth study and research, the taxonomy identifies four categories of gamers, i.e., Killers, Achievers, Socializers, and Explorers. 

 

But, apart from these 4 main categories, we have five different types of games on individual levels, and those are: 

1. Casual Gamers 
2. Hardcore Gamers
3. Educational Gamers 
4. Competitive Gamers
5. Social Gamers

 

What is Bartle's Taxonomy?

It is the classification of the players found in multiplayer online games, and the taxonomy classifies those players into four types, i.e., Killers, Achievers, Socializers, and Explorers. Let's take a brief overview of each one of them. 

 

Achievers 

Such games have goals and accomplishments within the gameplay. Achievers always play games to achieve something, such as rewards, overcoming challenges, completing objectives, and earning high levels of success within a game. 

 

Explorers

As the name suggests, these gamers are always on the lookout for discovering new games as they are always curious to get to know more games. That being said, they enjoy uncovering hidden elements, exploring game worlds, and understanding the mechanics beyond surface-level gameplay.

 

Socializers 

This classification of games and their personalities is for those who love to play games while their main purpose is to interact and socialize with other gamers. They are more accustomed to engaging in communities, forming game collaborations, and participating in various social activities. 

 

Killers 

They are highly competitive, rigorous, and dominant types of players whilst they play with others. Their roots are attached to competition, winning, and strategic interactions that showcase their power and skills to win over other gamers. 

 

Exploring Different Types of Gamers 

Now you have understood Bartle's taxonomy, let's discuss different types of gamers and their characteristics. It will help you analyze from different points of view, such as content creators, game streamers, and investors. So let's get started.  

 

 

Casual gamers 

Casual gamers are the type of gamers who play games for entertainment and relaxation rather than having it as a serious hobby or a pursuit. Such types of gamers are not too invested or competitive when playing games as they like easy storylines and game mechanics and are easy to understand. 

 

The best way to understand casual gamers is the way they put it - casually. Casual gamers only play for a short time as they cannot commit for a long time. You will also observe such gamers picking games that are easy to play and do not require a high skill level. 

When talking about popular games among casual gamers, the most played games are Mario Kart, Just Dance, and Animal Crossing. 

 

Characteristics of Casual Gamers 

 

1. They are the occasional explorers as they rely more on the game suggestions given by friends or the ones listed in the social trends. 
2. They are mobile enthusiasts as they like to quickly access the game without spending any amount of time on the gaming hardware and setup.
3. They give importance to socialization as they play games that provide interaction with other individuals that can be good for some chit-chat. 

 

Educational Gamers 

As the name suggests, educational gamers play games not only for recreational purposes but also to learn a skill or gain information about a game element they want knowledge on. That being said, such gamers are limited in their game genre as they like to play games that have educational value and elements in the game. 

 

If we talk about the popular educational games among educational players that stimulate critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity, then the most popular games are Minecraft, Kerbal Space Program, and Civilization VI. 

 

Characteristics of Educational Gamers 

 

1. Educational gamers are curious and inquisitive as they are always seeking knowledge and new aspects to learn in the game. 
2. They prioritize skill game development through recreational learning experiences by engaging in games that can polish problem-solving or strategic planning skills. 
3. A game element that attracts such gamers is competitiveness. Educational gamers like to work on challenges that not only spark competition among other players but also give them the opportunity to overcome challenges using their skills. 

Hardcore Gamers 

Harcore gamers have a strong passion for games, and they spend a lot of their time playing games. One thing about hardcore gamers is that they are highly competitive in their gameplay and overcoming challenges. They like to face challenges, complete difficult levels, and win in multiplayer modes. As they are highly competitive, the sense of achievement is the biggest factor in uplifting their self-esteem and reputation. 

 

You will see hardcore gamers investing a huge amount in gaming equipment such as controllers, monitors and keyboards. It gives them empowerment while they can enhance their gaming skills and overall experience. 

 

The favorite genres of hardcore gamers are sports games, role-playing games, first-person shooters, and fighting games. Based on research and surveys, some of the favorite gamers of hardcore gamers include Valorant, CSGO, World of Warcraft, Final Fantasy 14, Street Fighter, Mortal Kombat, FIFA, and Madden NFL.

 

Characteristics of Harcore Gamers 

 

1. They have a stronger knowledge of game mechanics, advanced gaming strategies, and other gaming techniques than usual gamers. 
2. You will find them exceeding the gameplay time as they are more inclined to invest a huge amount of time. 

Competitive Gamers 

As the name suggests, these gamers participate in different competitive gaming events and tournaments with the purpose of winning the game. Speaking of achieving the winner of the game, they are concerned about MRR. MRR stands for matchmaking ranking, in which a number is assigned to a gamer depending on the skill level. It is then further used to pair players with opponents with a similar skill. 

 

Another important element for competitive gamers is the recognition that keeps them motivated to play games. Not only that, but it also acts as a driving force to improve their gameplay and take their ranking higher. 

 

The most played games by competitive games include Fortnite, Dota 2, Overwatch, Super Smash Bros, and League of Legends. 

 

Characteristics of Competitive Gamers 

 

1. One of the main prominent characteristics of competitive gamers is that they have exceptional reaction times that come with quick decision-making. 
2. Moreover, competitive gamers are very sharp in game mechanics and strategies, hence their sharp gaming skills. 
3. Competitive gamers are mostly found in practice training to reach the level of mastery they want to achieve.  

 

Social Gamers 

Last but not least, we have social gamers who focus on interaction and engagement with other gamers. Such gamers are more inclined to play games with family, friends, and gaming communities where they can engage instead of focusing on creating game strategy and understanding game mechanics. The main motivational force behind playing games for social purposes is to escape stress, build and maintain social games, and discover new games through social networks.

 

Social gamers are open to playing a wide range of game genres. However, their preference is to play games that offer a socializing experience, have multiplayer modes, and are easy to pick and play. 

 

Social games love to play games such as Candy Crush, Among Us, Minecraft, and Animal Crossing.

 

Characteristics of Social Gamers 

 

1. They prefer games that require teamwork, collaboration, and interaction. 
2. They avoid intense competition and like to play games that can be played in a relaxed way. 
3. They always seek chances for interaction and socialization.

 

Which Gamer Are You?

Before you start playing games and find them boring, exploring different games and categories would help you in determining it. Are you a goal-driven Achiever? The Explorer, inquisitive and daring? Maybe the Socializer, who thrives on connections? Or is it the Killer who is looking for a fight? Identify your gaming identity and enjoy the variety of gaming experiences. Have fun gaming!