Casual, Midcore, and Hardcore Gamers: What Are the Best Target Groups

SEO Manager at RetroStyle Games | Jan 16, 2025

The gaming world has changed a lot since it started. Games were simple and found in arcades and on early video game consoles. Now, they’re everywhere — from smartphones to powerful gaming PCs that involve millions of players worldwide.

As gaming has grown, so have the types of people who play games. We now see a wide range of gamers, from occasionally playing on their phones to spending hours on high-end gaming setups. This change has made the gaming industry big and varied.

Understanding the different types of gamers is crucial for those making games and for marketing professionals. According to the research article “The End of Casual: Long Live Casual” those types of games introduce new dynamics in the market and game design, challenging traditional distinctions and adding fresh types of player engagement.

Each type of gamer likes different kinds of games and uses them in different ways. By knowing what each type of gamer likes, game makers and advertisers can create experiences that speak to them, which is better for everyone involved. This targeted approach is smarter and more effective, helping to make games that players will love and keep coming back to.

Casual Gamers

Casual gamers enjoy playing games that are easy to start and don’t require a lot of time or skill to enjoy. These players might not call themselves gamers traditionally, but they often play games to relax or pass the time during breaks or at home. They prefer games with simple rules and straightforward controls that can be played on phones, tablets, or computers.

According to Dave Eng on Linkedin, casual gamers are often drawn to mobile games like Candy Crush or Subway Surfers which can be played for a few minutes at a time. These types of gamers also like puzzle games that challenge the mind but in short, quick rounds. Casual players like card and board games that have digital versions and match-3 games, where you line up three or more items of the same type to clear them from the game board.

Marketing to Casual Gamers

Marketing strategies that work well with casual gamers often include:

In-game advertisements that are short and relevant to the gamer’s interests.
Rewards for watching ads or completing surveys within the game, like extra lives or bonus points.
Social sharing features that let players share their achievements or invite friends to play which helps spread the game through word of mouth.

Some successful marketing approaches for casual games have included:

Collaborations with popular brands that align with the game’s theme or target audience.
Seasonal updates and events that re-engage players by offering limited-time content.
Featuring easy entry points for gameplay, such as tutorials or demo levels that don’t require prior gaming experience.

Casual games appeal to a broad audience and fit easily into many people’s lifestyles. They are a key entry point for the expanding world of digital games.

Based on Google statistics, about 63% of casual gamers play games just to pass the time. Most casual gamers aren't looking to compete or become experts. They want something fun and easy to do when they have a few minutes to spare.

59% of mobile gamers download a game the same day they find out about it. Casual gamers often make quick decisions to try new games, especially when they are easy to access and start playing.

The main reason players come back to a game is for new things to do, like extra levels.

64% of people who play free games are okay with watching ads if they get game rewards like points or extra lives. This means that a lot of players are fine with ads as long as they get something useful for their game in return.

About half of the players in strategy and fantasy games play just to kill time. Even games that can be complex are often played casually.

Hardcore Gamers

According to Urban Dictionary, hardcore gamers are players who take gaming seriously. They often spend a lot of time playing and focus on getting really good at their games. These gamers enjoy challenging themselves and usually play games that need a lot of skill and effort.

Those players prefer games that are competitive and challenging such as massively multiplayer online (MMO) games and high-intensity strategy games. They enjoy environments where their skills can be tested against others. Such players often participate in games that offer leaderboards and ranking systems.

Veteran gamers often spend several hours per week gaming. This group includes several gamers interested in using advanced gaming technologies like VR. They are more likely than casual gamers to invest in gaming hardware upgrades. Such as high-definition TVs and specialized audio equipment to enhance their gaming experience.

As Medium article says, motivations for playing and engaging with games can differ between genders. For example, male pro gamers often focus on competition, challenge, and excitement. Female hardcore gamers focus on game design, completion, and customization aspects. It suggests a broader interest in different aspects of gaming.

According to Statista, the popular hardcore gaming genres are:

1
MMORPG (Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games)
These games are the most popular, with 52% of U.S. adults who play video games. They frequently engage in MMORPGs. They provide an open world filled with endless quests and activities, keeping players engaged for countless hours.
2
MOBA (Multiplayer Online Battle Arenas)
Close behind in popularity, MOBAs engage 50% of frequent gamers. These games focus on strategic and team-based combat and are known for their fast-paced matches.
3
MMO (Massively Multiplayer Online games)
With 46% engagement among frequent gamers, MMOs offer large-scale multiplayer that aren’t limited to role-playing.
4
Role-playing games
These games attract 42% of hardcore gamers. They involve deep narratives where players can explore and influence the story through their choices.
5
Shooters
Played by 40% of hardcore gamers, shooter games test reflexes and tactical skills in fast-paced environments.

Marketing to Hardcore Gamers

Marketing requires an in-depth understanding of their specific interests and gaming habits. They are drawn to games that challenge their skills and offer significant depth and complexity. According to Adikteev, hardcore gamers are likely to make repeated purchases within the games they are committed to which is a target for repeat transactions that can be particularly effective. Strategies that have proven successful include:

Offer pro gamers early access to new levels, characters, or gear which can incentivize them to continue engaging with the game and make further purchases.
Adding reward systems that recognize their dedication to the game can encourage continued play and spending. Rewards could range from in-game currency to unique cosmetic items. They don’t impact gameplay but are visually distinctive.
Veteran gamers often value the community aspect of gaming. Creating exclusive forums, guilds, or competitions can help maintain their engagement. Organizing tournaments or online events where these gamers can show their skills can also be effective.
Regular updates with substantial content such as DLCs, complex missions, or challenging environments.
Using data-driven insights to personalize marketing messages can improve engagement rates. Emails or notifications that alert players to new challenges appropriate to their level or achievements can motivate interaction.

For serious gamers, the typical conversion strategies involve more than just surface-level engagement. It’s crucial to provide them with continuous challenges and progression opportunities. Techniques include:

Using data to segment hardcore gamers based on their behavior and preferences. Then tailoring marketing messages specifically for them.
Regularly testing different aspects of the game and marketing messages. Devs do this to optimize engagement and conversion rates specifically for this group.
Use systems that allow for direct feedback from hardcore gamers. This will help to adjust and improve the gaming experience continuously.

Midcore Gamers

Midcore gamers represent a significant segment of the gaming market. They occupy the space between casual and hardcore gaming. These gamers look for experiences that provide more depth than casual games. Medium-difficulty games are perfect for players who enjoy engaging in strategic gameplay and moderate challenges but without extensive commitment.

Midcore games can engage players through more complex mechanics than casual games but remain accessible and don’t demand long hours, typically associated with hardcore gaming. These games often include elements from various genres. They can blend strategy, role-playing, and action in shorter gaming sessions.

Newzoo report says this segment attracts players from both the casual and hardcore pools. This appeals particularly to those in the 30-50 age range who have disposable income and are willing to spend on gaming. In the US alone, mid-range difficulty gamers contribute approximately $1.2 billion annually.

Those games benefit from technological advancements that enhance gameplay on various devices such as smartphones and tablets with high-quality displays and processing power. These improvements make games more appealing and accessible.

To effectively target mid-core gamers, companies use advanced marketing techniques. For instance, free-to-play models with optional in-game purchases are prevalent. They allow gamers to engage at their own pace and budget. Additionally, mid-range difficulty games often see a high rate of installations from ads. This demonstrates the effectiveness of digital marketing campaigns in this segment.

According to Udonis, the cost per install (CPI) for mid-core games tends to be higher than for casual games. However, the return on advertising spend (ROAS) can justify the higher investment if the games successfully retain their players through engaging content and regular updates. Overall, mid-core gaming stands out as a key area for growth in the gaming industry combining the best elements of casual and hardcore gaming to appeal to a wide and diverse audience.

The Role of Player Taxonomy in Marketing

Understanding player motivations and behaviors is crucial for developers and community managers. The Bartle Taxonomy categorizes players into four main types based on their preferences and interactions within game worlds: Killers, Achievers, Explorers, and Socializers. Each type represents unique challenges and opportunities for game design and community engagement.

Killers thrive on competition and conflict within the game environment. They are driven by a desire to dominate other players through confrontation or by disrupting the game world. This player type enjoys games where power, status, and direct competition are prominent features. Developers can engage these players by creating challenging PvP (Player vs. Player) scenarios and providing robust ranking systems that reflect their prowess and victories.

Achievers are motivated by in-game success and the pursuit of game-defined goals. They often focus on accumulating points, levels, equipment, or completing all possible achievements. Games that reward thorough exploration and mastery with visible status indicators or exclusive rewards tend to appeal to Achievers. Offering clear progression paths and challenging achievements can keep these players engaged and motivated.

Explorers are drawn to the secrets and mechanics of the game world. They prefer discovering hidden areas, intricate game mechanics, and unique story elements. Lore-heavy elements and complex environments for creative discovery and interaction will satisfy Explorers.

Socializers value interaction over all other aspects of gaming. They are drawn to the community and social aspects of gaming environments. They use games as a medium for social interaction and collaborating on in-game projects. Communication such as guilds, chat systems, and joint quests, are essential for Socializers. Ensuring a friendly and inclusive community atmosphere will help keep these players.

For marketers, knowing these categories means they can better design games and marketing strategies. It allows for more targeted advertising and promotional campaigns. This strategic approach is not only more efficient but can also lead to higher sales and a stronger, more loyal player base.

Were The Older Games Harder

Old video games are tough. The challenge of these games was not accidental but stemmed from several factors. They’re linked to the era’s technology, market demands, and design philosophies:

Early games: limited space, increased difficulty, and extended lifespan

Early games had limited space and computing power. Developers, aiming for lasting gameplay without consuming too much memory, often increase difficulty levels. This made games more challenging because players would need more time and many attempts to progress. Thereby extending the lifespan of the game.

Arcade roots: how high difficulty drove profit and shaped home console games

Many of these games originated in arcades, where difficulty meant profitability. Arcade games were designed to be tough so that players would keep inserting coins to continue playing. This design principle carried over to home consoles, perpetuating high difficulty levels.

No save points: how early games pushed players to master every session

Early games typically didn’t have the option to save progress. This meant players had to start over from the beginning each time they played, which amplified the perceived difficulty. Not being able to save progress meant mastering the entire game in a single session, a daunting task that could feel punishing.

From mastery to exploration: how game design evolved beyond raw difficulty

The design mindset back then focused on mastery through repetition. Games were often about overcoming challenges through precision and memorization. Contrasting today’s games that often prioritize narrative and player exploration over raw difficulty.

Clunky controls: how early gaming tech led to frustrating gameplay

Early gaming controllers and systems were not as sophisticated as those today. Clunky controls and limited feedback mechanisms often led to frustrating gameplay. Sometimes the player’s intent didn’t always translate into the desired action on screen.

Fallout: New Vegas – complex RPG mechanics that elevate difficulty

The reason, for example, why is Fallout New Vegas so hard is because of a complex set of RPG mechanics. Skill checks, survival elements, and a branching dialogue system with significant consequences. These complexities require players to think strategically and make choices carefully which can increase the perceived difficulty.

One of the oldest game genres — roguelike, could contain all these difficulties at once. Roguelike challenges, and the game "Ocean Keeper" exemplifies these traits. The game combines traditional hardest roguelike elements with unique themes and mechanics. The game can be quite difficult for both newcomers and seasoned players of the genre.

These elements combined created an inherently unforgiving gaming environment. Games like “Battletoads” or “Contra” are prime examples, notorious for their relentless difficulty and requiring precise control and timing. The term “Nintendo Hard” was coined to describe this era, referring to the intense difficulty found in many games for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), which became a defining aspect of gaming culture in the 1980s.

Different Game Design for Different Player Types

The choice of fonts in video games can influence how players perceive and interact with a game. Font styles can enhance usability aligning with the players’ needs based on their gaming intensity.

For Casual Gamers

Casual gamers benefit from simple and readable fonts. This design choice helps them quickly understand and engage with the game, making the learning process smoother and gameplay more accessible. Casual game fonts like Arial or Verdana should not strain the eyes, allowing for longer play sessions without discomfort.

For Mid-Core Gamers

Mid-core gamers appreciate fonts that are interesting but not overwhelming, enhancing the game’s atmosphere without detracting from the gameplay. The Helvetica and Georgia fonts can be slightly more stylized than those used for casual games but should still ensure readability and functional aesthetics.

For Hardcore Gamers

They engage with highly stylized fonts that complement the game’s theme and enrich the immersive experience. Custom Gothic Fonts like in Dark Souls or Futura Heavy are often custom-created to fit the unique elements of the game world, adding depth and character to the user interface.

Key Considerations in Game Design

Art styles in casual games typically feature bright, welcoming colors and simplistic designs that invite players to jump in and play casually. The artwork should be engaging yet not too detailed to keep the game light and fun.

Different genres require different video game genre design. It is done to fit their thematic elements and gameplay mechanics. For example, RPGs might have more detailed and fantastical designs to build a rich world. Whereas casual game art puzzle games focus on clear and vibrant graphics to highlight gameplay mechanics.

The thoughtful application of specific design elements like font selection across different types of games can significantly impact player reception and enjoyment. This approach not only caters to varying player preferences but also enhances the overall aesthetic coherence of the game.

Market Trends and Future Directions

The gaming industry is changing fast, offering new kinds of games and ways to play. This affects everyone from casual gamers who play on their phones, to pro gamers with high-tech setups, and everyone in between.

Nowadays, there are more types of games available than ever before – from simple puzzle games that you can dip into for a few minutes, to big adventure games that take hours to explore. This variety means there’s something for everyone, no matter how much time you have or what kind of games you like.

Mobile gaming continues to grow, as smartphones become more powerful. This lets people play games anytime and anywhere, which is perfect for quick breaks during a busy day. Also, cloud gaming is becoming more popular.

The way games make money is also changing. Many games are free to start with, but they make money by selling extras like special items or abilities in the game. This can let more people try the game, but those who want to get the most out of it might choose to pay for extras.

Games will likely become even more integrated into everyday life. With advancements in technology and more ways to play, gaming will continue to grow and evolve. This means there will always be new experiences to check out, keeping gaming exciting and fresh for players around the world.

Casual Gamers

Marketing to Casual Gamers

Hardcore Gamers

MMORPG (Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games)

MOBA (Multiplayer Online Battle Arenas)

MMO (Massively Multiplayer Online games)

Role-playing games

Shooters

Marketing to Hardcore Gamers

Midcore Gamers

The Role of Player Taxonomy in Marketing

Were The Older Games Harder

Different Game Design for Different Player Types

For Casual Gamers

For Mid-Core Gamers

For Hardcore Gamers

Key Considerations in Game Design

Market Trends and Future Directions