Gamers are a group of people who enjoy playing games on electronic devices. They may play video games, tabletop role-playing games or skill-based card games and usually do so for extended periods of time. There are many benefits to gaming, including improving dexterity and cognitive function. It has even been used as a form of physical therapy for stroke victims to help them regain the use of their hands.

It can be difficult to determine if the person you know is a gamer, but there are some clear indicators. They are likely to spend a significant amount of time playing and will often talk about their favorite games. They will often have the latest gaming hardware and are familiar with the newest games and releases. They are also likely to be very interested in gaming culture, watching online content and participating in community aspects of the hobby.

There are four main types of gamers, based on the Bartle player taxonomy, which divides players into Achievers, Explorers, Socializers and Killers. The Achievers are those who are motivated by gaining rewards and levels in games, the Explorers are those who are drawn to the detailed world of a game, the Socializers like to talk about their favourite games with friends and the Killers love a good challenge that tests their skills.

The largest persona in the gaming population, at 23%, are the Mainstream Gamers. These are the gamers that you see on Twitch, streaming their latest gaming achievements or talking about their favorite titles with others. They will spend a lot of money on their gaming, but only to ensure they have the latest hardware to meet their needs. They will not spend a lot of time on the other aspects of the hobby, instead focusing all their energy on playing.

Next up is the Enthusiast persona, at 6% of the gaming population. They are the most passionate gamers and love to explore the detailed worlds of their favourite games. Exploring these worlds and overcoming challenges with strategic thinking are their primary motivations for playing. They are less focused on the need for the latest technology than either of the first two personas, but still love to watch content and participate in online gaming communities.

Finally, we have the Backseat Gamers at 3% of the population. These are former gamers who have put their gaming hobby on the back burner for various reasons. They will watch a lot of gaming content and are active on the community but don’t actually play a great deal of games themselves.

If you know someone who plays video games, I encourage you to seek to understand them, rather than judge them. There are some serious issues surrounding video game addiction and if you know someone who is struggling, be supportive, empathetic and non-judgemental. If you are worried about a loved one, please seek professional advice.