So I was thinking about the original idea for today’s Dueling Analogs comic last night, when I decided to take a break and play a little Bejeweled Blitz on Facebook. This got me thinking about hardcore gamers and how what was clearly a hardcore gamer of yesteryear was not so clearly defined anymore.

In the 80s it was easy to spot those who would be considered hardcore gamers. They were the ones that spent their entire days in the dimly lit arcades. The impassioned, yet smelly, gamer continued to play the same games over and over again. Hoping that his next leap would be the leap home that he could get just a few extra points than his highest score from his countless games before. Nowadays it’s not so cut and dry.

Remember, hardcore gaming has less to do with the difficultly level of the game and more with the continued determination and passion of the player. And someone who makes sure to set their alarm so they can harvest their crops in Farmville is definitely someone I would consider hardcore. Obsessive is also a word I would use to describe them, as well. But there’s no denying their passion for the game.

And as always, your opinions on the matter are definitely welcomed.