With 3.4 billion active gamers globally, gaming is a global phenomenon. With players from various places and backgrounds, the question is whether they are all the same or whether there are distinct types of gamers.We’ve identified nine different sorts of gamers, and in this post, we’ll explain what your gamer type is and what you need to know about it.

As video games’ popularity has grown, so has the number of people who have gaming habits. 

The four different types of player behavior

Video gaming is an activity that ranges from beneficial to destructive. On this continuum, there are four forms of gaming: recreational, at-risk, problematic, and disordered.

1. Recreational gaming

Recreational gaming refers to the activity of playing games for enjoyment, relaxation, or socialization, rather than for competition or professional purposes. Recreational gaming can be done on a variety of platforms, including computers, consoles, mobile devices, and tabletop systems.

Recreational gaming can be a fun and enjoyable way to spend one’s free time and can offer a wide range of benefits, such as:

• Stress relief: Gaming can be a good way to relax and unwind after a long day or week.
• Socialization: Many games are designed to be played with friends or online communities, which can be a good way to connect with others and build relationships.
• Problem-solving skills: Many games require players to think critically and solve puzzles or challenges, which can help improve problem-solving skills.
• Hand-eye coordination: Some games require precise movements or quick reflexes, which can help improve hand-eye coordination.

 Recreational gaming can be enjoyed by people of all ages and can be a fun and healthy activity as part of a balanced lifestyle. It is important, however, to be mindful of the amount of time spent gaming and to take breaks to ensure that gaming does not negatively impact other aspects of one’s life.

2. At-risk gaming

At-risk gaming refers to a pattern of gaming behavior that may be harmful to an individual or those around them. At-risk gaming can lead to negative consequences such as social isolation, financial problems, and mental health issues.

Some signs that a person may be engaging in at-risk gaming include:

• Spending excessive amounts of time gaming
• Neglecting responsibilities or obligations in favor of gaming
• Losing track of time while gaming
• Lying about the amount of time spent gaming
• Getting agitated when unable to play
• Using gaming as a way to escape from problems or negative emotions
• Using gaming to cope with stress or anxiety

It is important for individuals to be mindful of their gaming habits and to ensure that gaming does not interfere with other aspects of their life. If a person is concerned that their gaming habits may be harmful, it may be helpful to seek support from a mental health professional or a support group.

3. Problematic gaming

Problematic gaming refers to a pattern of gaming behavior that may be harmful to an individual or those around them. Problematic gaming can lead to negative consequences such as social isolation, financial problems, and mental health issues.

Some signs that a person may be engaging in problematic gaming include:

• Spending excessive amounts of time gaming
• Neglecting responsibilities or obligations in favor of gaming
• Losing track of time while gaming
• Lying about the amount of time spent gaming
• Getting upset when unable to play
• Using gaming as a way to escape from problems or negative emotions
• Using gaming to cope with stress or anxiety

It is important for individuals to be mindful of their gaming habits and to ensure that gaming does not interfere with other aspects of their life. If a person is concerned that their gaming habits may be problematic, it may be helpful to seek support from a mental health professional or a support group.

4. Disordered gaming

Disordered gaming, also known as gaming disorder or pathological gaming, is a pattern of gaming behavior that is characterized by an inability to control one’s gaming habits and a continued engagement in gaming despite negative consequences. Disordered gaming is classified as a mental health disorder by the World Health Organization (WHO) and can lead to negative consequences such as social isolation, financial problems, and mental health issues.

Symptoms of disordered gaming may include:

• Spending excessive amounts of time gaming
• Neglecting responsibilities or obligations in favor of gaming
• Losing track of time while gaming
• Lying about the amount of time spent gaming
• Getting upset when unable to play
• Using gaming as a way to escape from problems or negative emotions
• Using gaming to cope with stress or anxiety

If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of disordered gaming, it is important to seek support from a mental health professional. Treatment for disordered gaming may include therapy, medication, and support from friends and family.

What are the different types of gamers?

1. Casual gamer

A casual gamer is someone who plays games in their spare time for enjoyment, but may not be as dedicated or competitive as other types of gamers. Casual gamers may play a variety of different games and may not have a particular focus or specialization.

Casual gaming can be a fun and enjoyable way to spend one’s free time and can offer a wide range of benefits, such as stress relief, socialization, and problem-solving skills.

Casual gaming is typically not viewed as a problem or a disorder, as long as it does not interfere with other aspects of an individual’s life. However, it is important for all gamers, including casual gamers, to be mindful of the amount of time they spend gaming and to take breaks to ensure that gaming does not negatively impact other aspects of their life.

2. Social gamer

A social gamer is someone who plays games as a way to socialize and connect with others. Social gaming can take place online or in person and can involve playing games with friends or in online communities.

Social gaming can be a fun and enjoyable way to spend time with others and can offer a wide range of benefits, such as:

• Building relationships: Social gaming can be a good way to build relationships and strengthen existing friendships.
• Improving communication skills: Social gaming can help people improve their communication skills, as it requires players to work together and communicate effectively.
• Reducing stress and anxiety: Social gaming can be a good way to relax and unwind with friends, which can help reduce stress and anxiety.

It is important for social gamers to be mindful of the amount of time they spend gaming and to ensure that gaming does not interfere with other aspects of their life. It is also important to be aware of online safety and to take steps to protect personal information when gaming online.

3. Mobile gamer

A mobile gamer is someone who plays games on their smartphone or tablet. Mobile gaming has become increasingly popular in recent years, with the proliferation of smartphones and the development of mobile gaming apps.

Mobile gaming can be a convenient and enjoyable way to pass the time and can offer a wide range of benefits, such as:

• Accessibility: Mobile games can be played anywhere, as long as the player has a smartphone or tablet with an internet connection.
• Variety: There are a wide variety of mobile games available, ranging from simple casual games to more complex and immersive experiences.
• Convenience: Mobile games can be downloaded and played easily, without the need for a dedicated gaming console or computer.

It is important for mobile gamers to be mindful of the amount of time they spend gaming and to ensure that gaming does not interfere with other aspects of their life. It is also important to be aware of in-app purchases and to set limits on spending if necessary.

4. The achiever

An “achiever” is a type of gamer who is focused on achieving goals and accomplishments within a game. Achievers may be motivated by a desire to unlock new content, achieve high scores or rankings, or collect rare or valuable items within the game.

Achievers may spend a significant amount of time playing a game to complete tasks, challenges, or missions and may be highly competitive in their approach to gaming.

While there is nothing inherently wrong with being an achiever and enjoying the process of achieving goals within a game, it is important for gamers to be mindful of the amount of time they spend gaming and to ensure that gaming does not interfere with other aspects of their life. It is also important to remember that games are meant to be enjoyed and that the ultimate goal should be to have fun, rather than to constantly seek out new achievements.

5. The escaper

An “escaper” is a type of gamer who uses gaming as a way to escape from problems or negative emotions. Escapers may use gaming as a coping mechanism to deal with stress, anxiety, or other challenges in their life.

While gaming can be a healthy and enjoyable way to relax and unwind, using it as a primary means of coping with problems or negative emotions can lead to negative consequences. Excessive gaming can interfere with other aspects of an individual’s life, such as work, school, or relationships, and can contribute to feelings of isolation and disconnection from others.

If you or someone you know is using gaming as a way to escape from problems or negative emotions, it may be helpful to seek support from a mental health professional or a support group. Other coping strategies, such as talking to friends or family, exercising, or engaging in hobbies, may be more effective in addressing the underlying issues and helping to improve overall well-being.

6. The hardcore gamer

A hardcore gamer is someone very dedicated to gaming and may spend a significant amount of time playing games. Hardcore gamers may be highly competitive and skilled at certain games and may be focused on improving their abilities and rankings.

While there is nothing inherently wrong with being a hardcore gamer and enjoying the process of playing and improving at games, it is important for gamers to be mindful of the amount of time they spend gaming and to ensure that gaming does not interfere with other aspects of their life. It is also important to remember that games are meant to be enjoyed and that the ultimate goal should be to have fun, rather than to constantly seek out new challenges or achievements.

If you or someone you know is experiencing negative consequences as a result of excessive gaming, it may be helpful to seek support from a mental health professional or a support group. Other coping strategies, such as talking to friends or family, exercising, or engaging in hobbies, may be more effective in addressing the underlying issues and helping to improve overall well-being.

7. Heavy gamer (at-risk gamer)

A heavy gamer, also known as an at-risk gamer, is someone who spends a significant amount of time playing games and may be at risk for negative consequences as a result. At-risk gaming can lead to negative consequences such as social isolation, financial problems, and mental health issues.

Some signs that a person may be engaging in at-risk gaming include:

• Spending excessive amounts of time gaming
• Neglecting responsibilities or obligations in favor of gaming
• Losing track of time while gaming
• Lying about the amount of time spent gaming
• Getting upset when unable to play
• Using gaming as a way to escape from problems or negative emotions
• Using gaming to cope with stress or anxiety

It is important for individuals to be mindful of their gaming habits and to ensure that gaming does not interfere with other aspects of their life. If a person is concerned that their gaming habits may be harmful, it may be helpful to seek support from a mental health professional or a support group.

8. Problematic gamer

A problematic gamer is someone who engages in a pattern of gaming behavior that may be harmful to them or those around them. Problematic gaming can lead to negative consequences such as social isolation, financial problems, and mental health issues.

Some signs that a person may be engaging in problematic gaming include:

• Spending excessive amounts of time gaming
• Neglecting responsibilities or obligations in favor of gaming
• Losing track of time while gaming
• Lying about the amount of time spent gaming
• Getting upset when unable to play
• Using gaming as a way to escape from problems or negative emotions
• Using gaming to cope with stress or anxiety

It is important for individuals to be mindful of their gaming habits and to ensure that gaming does not interfere with other aspects of their life. If a person is concerned that their gaming habits may be problematic, it may be helpful to seek support from a mental health professional or a support group.

9. Disordered gamer

A disordered gamer, also known as a gaming disorder or pathological gamer, is someone who cannot control their gaming habits and continues to engage in gaming despite negative consequences. Disordered gaming is classified as a mental health disorder by the World Health Organization (WHO) and can lead to negative consequences such as social isolation, financial problems, and mental health issues.

Symptoms of disordered gaming may include:

• Spending excessive amounts of time gaming
• Neglecting responsibilities or obligations in favor of gaming
• Losing track of time while gaming
• Lying about the amount of time spent gaming
• Getting upset when unable to play
• Using gaming as a way to escape from problems or negative emotions
• Using gaming to cope with stress or anxiety

If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of disordered gaming, it is important to seek support from a mental health professional. Treatment for disordered gaming may include therapy, medication, and support from friends and family.