How much do core gamers differ in thinking from casual gamers?

[Gamerace]

I look at it this way:

To 'hardcore' games are a lifestyle.

To 'casuals' games are a diversion.

Core gamers are willing to spend hours and days playing one particular game.

Casuals generally want to play for shorter periods (sometimes minutes but could stretch into hours if they're 'hooked' by the game). Casuals do not intend to play a game continuously day after day (but may if 'hooked'). Hence casuals look for games that are simple to play - quick learning curve, but it's elitest think it has to be easy to play. Mastering the game can be very difficult and very addictive but getting into the game must be easy to do.

It's also elitest to think 'casuals' buy any crap. Simply not true. Look at Wii game sales. Poorly made games sell like crap even on Wii. Well produced, fun, simple to play games may sell millions though (Just Dance).

Same on iOS.

Angry Birds, Temple Run, etc are all great examples of 'casuals' picking the high quality (if simple design) games out of the mass of crap games on iOS. True, word of mouth counts, but that's how the 'casual' market works, as they don't tend to look at review scores on websites like this (on their phone app market - yes)

'Core' in comparison will read all the previews, reviews, etc. and pre-order games. Etc., etc.

Then you have the 'mid-core' gamers. All those CoD and Madden players who play little else.