As long as gamers are playing a game atleast 2-3 hours 2 times a week, you can call them core gamers. You dont need a 5 hours session in your PC/console everyday just to say you're a core gamer.
Many people plays games because of what it meant to be, to play, to enjoy the games, not to be frustrated in a game because you cant find a way or an item and spend your time atleast an hour just to figure out what will you do.
Thats why Im not ashamed if Im using gamefaqs or youtube to find walkthroughs to beat a certain game if Im stuck, theres a reason why walkthroughs are made, use it.
end of core gaming days prediction:
E3 2006-The beginning of the end. Wii introduced
E3 2008- Armageddon. Wii motion plus introduced. Wii Music. Reggie says Animal crossing was a core game. Massive disappointment. many Wii core gamers selling their Wii.
E3 2010- Tape runs out
http://www.fivedoves.com/letters/march2009/ICG_Tape_runs_out.jpg
