oakamp Posted February 17, 2012 Share Posted February 17, 2012 Casuals play when they have time after RL-issues. Hardcore plan RL according to there gaming schedule. agree. Hardcore players usually dont have a job or school,etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DieAlteHexe Posted February 17, 2012 Share Posted February 17, 2012 I would say the casual player is one who plays 20 minutes or less a day. The actual average casual player only plays 20 minutes a WEEK. (This is going by another game where the developers specifically said what the average time played was for the playerbase. I know that's from another game, but it gives you an idea of the casual player play time.) Interesting. I'd say "casual" was more a mindset than a timing thing. Not every one is hide bound to achieve whatever "greatness" is defined as in a game, some have other goals. I'm very curious as to what game a "actual casual player" only plays 20 minutes a week? Hell, that's how long it takes me to get sorted when I log in. Anyway, I put in a pretty fair amount of hours per week (retirement is grand!) but I am absolutely casual by my way of thinking because I see it as a difference in approach. Going after all the possible things to achieve for, essentially, bragging rights and/or efficiency in PvP or raiding vs. "ooooh, what's over there?" Then again, I might be marching to the tune of that different drummer. Been known to happen. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DieAlteHexe Posted February 17, 2012 Share Posted February 17, 2012 Isn't fun for them. And that's fine. But it is VERY fun for other people, myself included. Those are the hardcore. And there is the subset of the hardcore players, often mistaken for the whole group, who claim that only the hardcore play style is correct. those are the elitists. A good differentiation. Kind of like the differentiation between "noobs" and "casual". So many slots to fit folks in and that are often misused! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amp_ Posted February 17, 2012 Share Posted February 17, 2012 Casual? Hardcore? It doesn't matter. Those are stupid labels that got picked up somewhere along the way. They're nonsense. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
harpuax Posted February 17, 2012 Share Posted February 17, 2012 (edited) Dividing players into 2 categories like this is ridiculous, especially when neither category has any measurable means to define its group. ALL players have different habits. These can be broken down into playtime and/or play style. But regardless of either, their ability to play the game well is completely unrelated. So I doesn't matter what term you call yourself, at the end of the day all that matters is if you know not to stand in the fire. Edited February 17, 2012 by harpuax Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TonyACT Posted February 17, 2012 Share Posted February 17, 2012 Usually people associate a certain degree of accomplishment with the term "hardcore" so someone can't be both a bad player and a hardcore player. No - SOME hardcore players equate accomplishment with the term, play long enough and most anyone could get many of those accomplishments. The ones that require extensive raiding generally only require a lot of time without interruption and not necessarily skill. So - disagree completely - seen lots of bad hardcore players - who have wiped raids etc etc through poor play. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stealthy_Monkey Posted February 17, 2012 Share Posted February 17, 2012 No - SOME hardcore players equate accomplishment with the term, play long enough and most anyone could get many of those accomplishments. The ones that require extensive raiding generally only require a lot of time without interruption and not necessarily skill. So - disagree completely - seen lots of bad hardcore players - who have wiped raids etc etc through poor play. Yes and no to a point. Anyone who raids 3 nights a week is going to skill up faster than someone who plays 3 hours a week. Also, in wow at least there's very little room for dead weight in raiding. You find someone who's killed heroic madness of deathwing and you know they're good. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
revial Posted February 17, 2012 Share Posted February 17, 2012 (edited) How would you define the "casual" player? It's simple. A casual player is a player who plays an MMO like it's a single player game. Which is the vast majority of players. And, no, joining a guild doesn't mean you don't fit this category. I don't care if you're playing it 20 hours a day while never interacting with another soul in game. You're still a casual in my eyes. You're the blight that game developers are obsessed with catering to, while sacrificing the entire original premise behind 'MMO', which was once this bright promise of a virtual online world, and was in the early years. But, we've learned the dark side of the human psyche as "MMOs" stopped intrinsically forcing players to function as members of their given online society, by introducing more and more "solo" content. There is nothing more vile and vicious than an MMO community, and what's even more enlightening is what it says about humanity as a whole: that as soon as we think there are no repercussions for acting in a vile manner, we're going to go ahead and do so. If there was ever a better argument for a police state than MMOs-and the internet in general-I can't think of it. I can only hope real life societies never advance enough that people start to think they don't need anyone else, because the 'community' we see in MMOs is a dark vision of what real life society will become as our technology continues to progress to make us ever increasingly self-sufficient-yet isolated. Edited February 17, 2012 by revial Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Claudistine Posted February 17, 2012 Share Posted February 17, 2012 It's simple. A casual player is a player who plays an MMO like it's a single player game. Which is the vast majority of players. And, no, joining a guild doesn't mean you don't fit this category. in my opinion, thats not true. Even utterly BS if you ask me. I play as a casual these days, i went from raiding 5 nights a week (yes, in wow) to playing a few nights a week, without raiding simply because i play when i have the time now. That does not mean i do not enjoy a raid anymore, i just cant, and wont plan my life around a game anymore. I just have different piority's now. Ive gained 10 years of age and alot has changed, got 2 kids in the mean time, got married bought a house to name a few. SO these days i call myself a casual gamer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DieAlteHexe Posted February 17, 2012 Share Posted February 17, 2012 It's simple. A casual player is a player who plays an MMO like it's a single player game. Which is the vast majority of players. And, no, joining a guild doesn't mean you don't fit this category. I don't care if you're playing it 20 hours a day while never interacting with another soul in game. You're still a casual in my eyes. You're the blight that game developers are obsessed with catering to, while sacrificing the entire original premise behind 'MMO', which was once this bright promise of a virtual online world, and was in the early years. But, we've learned the dark side of the human psyche as "MMOs" stopped intrinsically forcing players to function as members of their given online society, by introducing more and more "solo" content. There is nothing more vile and vicious than an MMO community, and what's even more enlightening is what it says about humanity as a whole: that as soon as we think there are no repercussions for acting in a vile manner, we're going to go ahead and do so. I can only hope real life societies never advance enough that people start to think they don't need anyone else, because the 'community' we see in MMOs is a dark vision of what real life society will become as our technology continues to progress to make us ever increasingly self-sufficient-yet isolated. I pretty much disagree with your definition of "casual". In fact, I strongly disagree. I find that the type players I would consider to be "casual" actually spend MORE time socialising than those I consider to be "hardcore" (the ones hell bent on achieving...whatever a game's major achievements are at the expense of actually realising there are other people playing with them and not just pixels to be used in persuit of their personal goal.). I do agree in principle with your last paragraph, the bit about "...no repercussions for acting in a vile manner...". The Internet has been a blessing and a curse in that respect. I am, truly (no snark here) sorry you are so bitter about this. I think I'd be directing some of that anger toward the folks that develop games as well although, to be fair, they are in it for the money and will continue to produce that which sells. Is the nature of the beast, unfortunately but that's a whole 'nother discussion. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ShotByBothSides Posted February 17, 2012 Share Posted February 17, 2012 I like this thread and the original post. Casual is often used as a derogatory term by those who think they are hard-core or elitist. That is just being ignorant; the difference between hard-core and casual is pretty much only down to how much time is invested in the game. The average casual player is not likely to get all wound up or obsessive about having the numero uno build, or the latest best gear set. They realise that those few extra numbers are hardly going to make much difference to their enjoyment; and the mind boring grind to get them is just a waste of time that could be spent doing other things. Even in game. Many elitist and hard-core players have some unbelievably arrogant and downright rude attitudes, which make me laugh, or perhaps I feel sorry for them? These games are not really super hard to play, and if you are prepared to put the time, much of what the hard-core player really has is down to them having plenty of time on their hands. Having said that there are definitely a few “super elite players” to be found, they tend not to blow their own trumpets, they don’t need to. I have had the pleasure of raiding with those sort of players and they tend to be calm, cool, often very polite and always helpful. Guess what? They are the true leader types. These will not be the ego centric, casual bashers often seen on these forums, Hard-core also does not equate to good, causal is not bad. Players in either camp can be good or bad and that has little to do with min/maxing or top gear scores, it is the person behind the keyboard that makes a good or bad player. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fungihoujo Posted February 17, 2012 Share Posted February 17, 2012 Really, casual generally just means they don't play quite as much. I'm casual because I work a great deal and thus can't play too much. It doesn't take long though to look up some strats- and I can consistantly get high medals, be effective in winning WZs, and do well in flashpoints. I simply won't have the valour rankings, or all the gear- because some weeks I don't have the time to farm 150 armaments, and some days I don't have time to do multiple WZ, Ilum, dailies and flashpoints. I also think that most casuals have the goal of having fun with the game as top priority. I find a lot of people on the forum who are hardcore tend to say things like 'I have full BM gear, pvp now has no point and isn't fun'. To me, that makes no sense- isn't pvp there specifically to be fun? Sure, I try to get weeklies done- but if I don't feel like it, I don't do them- and sometimes when I have time and am in the mood- I keep doing WZs well after finishing the weekly. I think casuals both play the game to have fun, and, since they can't rush it or choose not to rush it- they don't run out of content, and thus always have fun. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrCute Posted February 17, 2012 Share Posted February 17, 2012 Casual to me is someone who doesnt have the time to indulge themselves with the game. Some casuals are excellent skilled players who used to be hardcore. They just lack time. If they are given time to play, they would become hardcore again. I dont consider a noob player as hardcore player. No matter how much time they wasted in a game, they remain a noob. Unlike a hardcore player, they learn the mechanics so fast. With hardwork and skill, they pioneer in beating raid dungeons or operations. I was a hardcore player before. I remember I was among the ones who pioneered Naxxramas 40 man back in the classics in WoW. Since I dont have time anymore like I used to, I regard myself as ex-hardcore... a casual. But dont ever call me a noob. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
runar_smugler Posted February 17, 2012 Share Posted February 17, 2012 (edited) My definition: Elite: Skilled in game mechanics, test out things in-game to achieve min-max values on everything, often will make guides for all other to leach on. To be an elite in my view derives from 2 ways: Either is a natural talent or spend alot of time to develop elite skills. Hardcore: Plays alot, often at scheduled times. Does not have to an elite, but can be. Casual: most players are prob a grade of casual, but I think one thing is common for casuals, Unable top play at set times cosistently! (this is where i am) Kids: The offspring of parents that play SWTOR (Like my son at 9). Generally extremly bad players, but generally having alot of fun:) Often regarded as ******* by other players that does not know they are kids:) I long for a tag I can put on my son's player to tell other people that: "dont try to interfere/interact with me at all! I'm a kid and cant read english at all" Spouse: Often the main factor to determine wether you can be hardcore or have to settle for casual. (here I am again) Edited February 17, 2012 by runar_smugler Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Goriel Posted February 17, 2012 Share Posted February 17, 2012 I have always thought of myself as a casual player. But after reading all off thise definitions, i think i must be a casual hardcore player I play only when i have time, usually somewhere between 4-12 hours a week. RL always have priority. I dont comit to raiding times, but i do raid if my guild needs someone when im online. I do want the best gear i can get my hands on in my situation, but i wouldnt kill anyone for it (other than the boss who drops it..). I love min/maxing my stats. I mean, that IS the fun at max lvl. Math was always my favorit subject in school. The key word for me is fun. I play for fun. Sometimes that means grinding to get something i want, couse min/maxing is fun. But if i tired ill go to bed. I dont stay up half the night, couse i just HAVE to get it done. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eszi Posted February 17, 2012 Share Posted February 17, 2012 (edited) Casual: OMG I PLAY DIS GAME FOR TEH STORY!! HE GOT TO LVL 50 IN A WEEK, WHAT A NOLIFE LOSER HE HAS BETTER GEAR THAN ME, WHAT A NOLIFE LOSER HE IS NOT CLICKING HIS SKILLS, WHAT A NOLIFE LOSER HE HAS MORE THAN 1 ACTIONBAR, WHAT A NOLIFE LOSER HE HAS FULL BM/RAKATA, WHAT A NOLIFE LOSER HE CAN AFFOR SPEEDER PILOTING RANK 3, WHAT A NOLIFE LOSER HE IS NOT WEARING FULL GREEN GEAR, WHAT A NOLIFE LOSER HE PLAYS MORE THAN 2H A DAY, WHAT A NOLIFE LOSER HE IS BETTER THAN ME, WHAT A NOLIFE LOSER HE TYPES EVERYTHING IN CAPS, WHAT A NOLIFE LOSER Edited February 17, 2012 by Eszi Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Claudistine Posted February 17, 2012 Share Posted February 17, 2012 Casual: OMG I PLAY DIS GAME FOR TEH STORY!! HE GOT TO LVL 50 IN A WEEK, WHAT A NOLIFE LOSER HE HAS BETTER GEAR THAN ME, WHAT A NOLIFE LOSER HE IS NOT CLICKING HIS SKILLS, WHAT A NOLIFE LOSER HE HAS MORE THAN 1 ACTIONBAR, WHAT A NOLIFE LOSER HE HAS FULL BM/RAKATA, WHAT A NOLIFE LOSER HE CAN AFFOR SPEEDER PILOTING RANK 3, WHAT A NOLIFE LOSER HE IS NOT WEARING FULL GREEN GEAR, WHAT A NOLIFE LOSER HE PLAYS MORE THAN 2H A DAY, WHAT A NOLIFE LOSER HE IS BETTER THAN ME, WHAT A NOLIFE LOSER You forgot one, TYPE EVERYTHING IN CAPS, WHAT A NOLIFE LOSER Seriously. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
decuervo Posted February 17, 2012 Share Posted February 17, 2012 (edited) To me a casual is your run of the mill person who has a bit of of spare time at the end of the day and enjoys video games. He will do what has to be done in regards to family/friends/job/pets/hobbies first. Then if the inclination strikes him he will sit back in his reclining desk chair, pop his house shoe clad feet up on his desk, and enjoy the game for the amount of time he wants. Sorta like I'm doing right now. Edited February 17, 2012 by decuervo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Onyx Posted February 17, 2012 Share Posted February 17, 2012 Casual gamers are those who don't spend much time researching and trying to learn all the nuances of their profession/class, stats, gear, etc. They play merely to have fun and even socialize. They don't feel the need to raid or PvP all the time. When they do those things, they do it simply because they want to. Not because they are trying to outfit with the "best" gear. If they get the gear, that's an added plus. While it is true that many don't play as many hours as hard-core gamers, I don't see time restrictions as a defining thing. It's possible to play many hours a week and still remain "casual". In otherwords, it's more a mind-set and attitude than anything else. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eszi Posted February 17, 2012 Share Posted February 17, 2012 You forgot one, TYPE EVERYTHING IN CAPS, WHAT A NOLIFE LOSER Seriously. Added. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oneiros_IV Posted February 17, 2012 Share Posted February 17, 2012 Some "casual" players (numbers unknown) are ex-hardcores who burned out on the click-n-go loot piñata race for item level supremacy being a 2nd full-time job. No more grinding 20+ dailies and heroics. No more farming 2 nights a week to support raids. No more 4 hour wipe nights 3 times a week with multiple back-to-back 6 hour boss grinds on the weekends. Ex-hardcore reporting in. I get all that in TOR. (besides wipe nights and "**** YEAH!!!" kills) On topic casuals are just ones who take it chill, not fussed, preferring story. Important note: More often than not "I'm casual and you have no life" is used by ambitious while bad players as an excuse for being terribad/not doing homework/failing miserably/dying horribly in a fire. So to sum up casual =//= bad. But true casuals are very few, perhaps less than 1/3 of those who call themselves casual. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
archifikoss Posted February 17, 2012 Share Posted February 17, 2012 I am a casual player myself. I would say that casuals are not all in the same boat. I think that our common defining characteristic is merely that we play when we have the time, we don't make time to play. We try to fit the game into our schedule without giving it priority and letting it take over our life. From there on, some casuals are more "hardcore" than others (I know this seems like a contradiction in terms but bear with me)... Some may try to get as much out of the game as possible in their limited time and progress as efficiently and meticulously as possible whilst others may play in a more laid back way. Some may participate actively on the forums and the community in general whilst others may not bother. Some may try to min-max their characters as much as possible, others may not bother. And some may keep resubbing every month whilst others may stop for some months and return later. To summarize... A casual is not necessarily less skilled or competitive than a hardcore, nor less fond of the game. The only thing that truly separates them is the time they put into a game, and if they actively try to make time to play or simply fit it into their schedule without letting it take precedence over other things. This is just my personal view... Others may see it differently Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flyersfan Posted February 17, 2012 Share Posted February 17, 2012 To me, being a casual player is a mentality. You can play 120 hours a week and still be casual or you can play 4 minutes a day. It's not about how much you play, but how you play during that timeframe. I play a lot. I'd guess that it's somewhere around twenty five hours a week or almost four hours a day. The reason I consider myself casual is because I'm so lackadaisical about everything. Just last night I did Hammer Station three times at level 33 because someone asked me to. It wasn't for gear or any other reason than just to have fun and to even help someone else out. I also am very picky about what types of things my character wears and uses. I would be willing to take a stat loss on a piece of gear because I don't like it. I consider that to be a casual mentality because a hardcore player wouldn't do something like that. To me, a hardcore player is the kind that chases gear, cares about what specialisation people choose, and other similar things that I consider to be ridiculous. I don't find that fun at all. I'd rather take things as they come. I don't really care if there are people that do that, but I just know that I don't want to play with them. I hope they have fun, but that they just have fun other there while I do my thing over here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Claudistine Posted February 17, 2012 Share Posted February 17, 2012 Added. You realise i was being sarcastic, right? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trebarian Posted February 17, 2012 Share Posted February 17, 2012 Casual- Well I got a WZ win, but my GF needs a good shagging, bbiab... Hardcore - Shagging my GF WHILE running HM Ops. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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