As the dictionary defintion of hardcore has more than one specific defintion (and I don't think graphic depiction would fit in this context), I propose hardocre gamers be split into the two forms, to eliminate confusion.

To those loyal to a cause (in this case, playing games a lot), I propose the term "enthusiast gamers", but am open to suggestions.

To those resistant to change (those accusing casual gaming and/or Nintendo of destroying gaming*), those most hating of the casual market, I propose "spoiled gamers" (as that's as clear as it can get without being outright insulting), as they are little different than spoiled people at a country club where the "wrong people" are now being allowed in.

* Or accuse Sony or Microsoft of being traitors if they try in any way to reach out to the mainstream market.

-looks around for Profcrab-

I give this thread an A+.

I don't think "enthusiast gamers" covers it.

There is a genre preference implied by the term hardcore -- which enthusiast does not cover. Similarly, the term implies a certain perception about games and gaming -- what is good and what is not good.

In other words, I can like games -- a lot of general games -- be a collector and an enthusiast, but not be considered "hardcore" because I play Tamaguichi Party On on the Wii.

Mike from Morgantown

Please note that I play the above-mentioned game with my 6 year old son. But on a more serious example -- Game Party on the Wii.

Good idea. I actually was thinking the same.
I would prefer "elitist pricks" instead.
Then we would have 3 groups:
Elitist pricks
Core gamers
Blue ocean gamers.

Banning words is hard. Let's just ban people instead.

Posting to agree with both bdbdbd and WoW.

I meant enthusiast in that someone just likes to play a lot of games. No genre preference was meant, so my term still stands.

 This.

I would change some of LordTheNightKnight's terms, though:

Instead of 'enthusiast gamer', I'd just say 'core' gamer (like Nintendo does)

And instead of 'spoiled gamer', I'd say 'elitist prick'.

Then we would have to ban the word casual. This would get out of control pretty quick

lets bury it and spit on the grave