Recently, I found that many people don’t understand what video games are, or who play them. Not only are there many different types of games, but there are many different personality types playing the games. Several people have asked me what to do about their children playing video games. It is important to understand that playing video games is not bad. Gaming has been linked to many benefits (improved cognition, test scores, problem solving); however, heavily playing (More than 21 hours a week) can be very problematic for development, and I think it comes from the motivations they have about interacting with video games. This post is to list the “Gaming Personalities” I have seen, although these personalities are not mutually exclusive. I’m hoping this will provide a context to gaming that is difficult to see from the outside.

This gamer really doesn’t pay attention to the current trends in gaming; however, they usually like one specific type of game. They find a series of video games compelling, interested in the game play and story progression; however, this gamer will only play when it is convenient for them and does not take too much energy or planning. They will usually just play on their phone or computer, and usually games that are easy to play (e.g. Angry Birds, Candy Crush, etc.). Story progression and character development are not of the highest importance. Games to them are merely entertainment they can spend extra time on. Their life does not revolve around the controller, and not playing would be nearly unnoticeable in their life.

When internet cafes were popular, these kind of gamers could be found there. They get their enjoyment by teaming up and playing competitively against others. You will probably find them online in forums, part of game guilds/clans trying to participate and contribute to gaming groups they find important. An example of this would be SOME Classic World of Warcraft(WoW) players. WoW players are seen as being hardcore playing for days at a time; however, the less serious players found just as much enjoyment talking to each other in the main cities of the game as they did fighting their way through dangerous dungeons. The Social Gamers find growing relationships as the most important part of their gaming experience, while the competitive gamers find contributing to the overall skill level of the gaming community is fulfilling.

Achievement is this gamer’s focus. Story progression and character development means nothing if they do not gain progression toward the goals the game presents. They are obsessed with efficiency, and will spend lots of time planning how to reach their goal the fastest and best way. I used the term “achievement” initially because games have achievements (complete actions in game to get these) that these gamers are usually trying to… well, achieve. For example, Fallout 4 has 84 achievements. Some of these can be attained by naturally playing the game (E.g. Character reaching level 5). Others require in-depth understanding of the game, and executing specific actions that require tons of planning and personal skill development. Some achievements just require tedious actions, but, regardless of how insignificant the achievement may seem, The Completionist finds enjoyment in completing everything in the game gaining mastery over everything in it. These gamers are on the brink of becoming a gaming addict.

These gamers are isolated, have poor hygiene and diets, and rarely make attempts to engage socially. They can be identified by the bags under their eyes due to lack of sleep, and their social awkwardness. Surprisingly, addicts will have high test scores, but missing homework assignments. When they are away from gaming, their mind still thinks about their next gaming experience. Although, most people would think they are high level players, they usually are wayward in the way they play. After a while there is no direction to what they are doing. They play just to play as that is where they feel normalcy is. There may be a spark of energy when there is something novel in their playing (e.g. new game, new feature), but the interest runs into a feeling responsibility. If you ask, “Why do you play?” many of them would not know what to say as they really don’t find gaming fun anymore, but they play hoping to get that spark of excitement again. If you know someone like this, please get them help. Gaming addiction is a cycle that needs intervention by an outside force. No matter what their reaction, create distance between the addict and the games, and get them help. After awhile you’ll see a different person.

This type of gamer is different because of how the behavior displays in their day-to-day life. Mobile gamers take qualities from the other personalities.  Mobile games have been created in a way that urges users to continue playing. The beginning levels are so easy to get that the user can play for an hour and feel like they have made good progress; however, the time investment required to attain the next level slowly increases. Eventually, hours of investment turn into days, and no one wants that. These games can reduce the time investment by paying real money, and smart phones make it so easy to pay. What makes mobile gamers so different from the rest is they have access to the game so long as they have the phone in their pocket. The rest of the personalities would have to be near the system, but the mobile gamer can play at work, in the car, at the dentist’s office, while eating, or anywhere they have their phones.

Knowing the motivation behind playing video games is important. Not all game playing is just twiddling thumbs. People are creating and maintaining relationships while others may just be unwinding like someone watching TV. Or, they could be down a dangerous rabbit hole unable to get their life back on track. Know the differences as it may change how you should will with these people.