Because a hardcore gamer is a gamer who is will to keep playing for hours even though they aren't getting rewarded by the game constantly. The reward is playing and trying again, and finally beating it or not.
Just like someone who is "hardcore" anything:
If it is a fan of a sports team, they can go seasons watching and following with out going to the playoffs.
If it is a fan of a TV show, it is having two seasons that suck but watching any way because you liked the first season or an actor.
A hardcore fan of anything
Likes it more...
Knows more about the subject (or is better at the activity, if it applies...
Doesn't need coddling...
is involved in the activity (watching the games, shows, playing vgs) and in activities related to the activity...
... than a normal person.
I would cite regulation, but I know you will simply ignore it.
