So, all this talk about next gen, 3rd party support, hardcore gamers vs casual gamers and all, it got me thinking - and wondering: what, exactly IS a hardcore game?? Someone suggested in another thread that it's either a FPS, a violent game, or a game put on the PS360. Now, I think that comment was kind of joking, and at the same time were quite telling. Is this the definition of a core game? It's either a shooter or a violent game? Or is a core game dependent on how long the learning curve is?? Pick up and play: casual. Spending hours to master a game: core?

Me, I don't really think in those terms. I'm thinking in terms of genres and how much I enjoy a certain game. I've spent hours upon hours trying to best a song in Rock Band, and I've sunk literally DAYS in forming an empire in Civilization and Europa Univeralis. But that doesn't mean I think of them as "casual games" and "hardcore game" - and I certainly don't brand myself that way. I enjoy games. End of story. Am I a casual or a hardcore gamer? Or, maybe I'm a middlecore gamer? Well, I don't give a fuck frankly.

How do YOU define hardcore games? Sound off guys!! I'm actually quite curious to see the responses =)

It seems like it is a game not made by Nintendo or primarily made for Nintendo-consoles that is violent, has swearing and the browner it is the more hardcore it is.

There actually is no such games that are called hardcore

The best way I see it is a type of game that is enjoyed by those who are actively considered a gamer or part of the gaming culture. As appose to a casual game that may be mainstream, played by people who honestly aren't really into games but just happen to be swept up by a certain title.

Dark souls

But isn't there A LOT of gamers around on these very forums that play iOS games, or party games? Or Nintendo games for that matter ^^ How do you define Mario Kart and 2D Mario then?

So hard as fuck?! ^^ Guess Ghost 'n' Goblins is as hardcore as it gets then :p

there is no definition silly.

but when i think hardcore gamers i think of what nintendo fans prefer to use "enthusiasts" or "hobbyist". when i think hardcore game i think about the game that attract the hardcore gamers but not necessarily anyone else.

demon/dark souls.
xenoblade
bayonetta
god of war
heavy rain
portal
dead space
valkaria chronicals
fat princess
playstation all stars

...it's not any one genre or a tendency for violence imo. it's the audience that loves it.

games like uncharted, gears, halo, CoD, mario galaxy, zelda certainly attract hardcore gamers but they also attract a lot of casuals as well. i think i refer to those at "bridge" games.

I wouldn't lump "hardcore gaming" in with most console gamers.
There is a reason "hardcore gamers" are often attributed to those who are willing to spend thousands on the ultimate gaming set-up to get a competitive edge over others.

"Bridge" Games' actually a pretty good description and name for those kind of games that's a little bit more difficult/immersive that lure "casuals" in to playing them ^^

Seems about right.