A gamer is a person who plays video games. They can be any age, gender or ethnicity and may have a variety of disabilities. They need access to the gaming technology, a strong WI-FI connection and the ability to devote time to the hobby. They are not required to be good at the games they play or socialize with other gamers, but they do usually enjoy it. The gaming industry is a multi-billion dollar business with the most popular games being shooters, role-playing, puzzle and action titles.

Gamers often feel a sense of achievement when they complete an entire game or reach a high score in a competitive multiplayer game. In addition, many of them enjoy the escapism and fantasy that is possible through games such as role-playing and immersive simulations. Video games also provide a safe place to fail and learn from your mistakes, which is often much more difficult in the real world.

Video games have been linked to addiction because of the addictive nature of microtransactions and loot boxes. Those who become too addicted to gaming can begin to neglect other key aspects of their life, including relationships with family and friends. They can also neglect their education and careers, resulting in poor performance in both areas.

Some people who have a high level of impulsivity and low self-esteem find comfort in gaming as a way to escape from their reality. This is often the case for people who have experienced abusive or controlling relationships in their childhood, and they may be seeking a way to gain power and control over their lives.

Recreational gamers are a large segment of the gaming population, with 45% fitting into this persona. This group has low impulsivity, and they find enjoyment in gaming as a hobby alongside other hobbies and activities. They do not consider gaming to be an integral part of their identity, and they are not compelled to play compulsively.

Achievers are another large gamer demographic, comprising 23% of the gaming population. These gamers are driven primarily by the desire to excel at their games, and they often focus on competitive ranking and team-based games. They tend to have lower impulsivity than the escapers, but they are still prone to impulse-control problems.

Loners make up 6% of the gaming population and are focused primarily on the community aspect of gaming. This includes watching gaming content and participating in discussions on various forums and Discord servers. They do not put as much emphasis on the gaming itself, and they spend less money on hardware than the other personas.