Gaming is a popular hobby in the UK, and today there are many ways to play. How you play, whether solo or with friends, via smartphone or console, and your preference for casual, collaborative or competitive challenges, indicates what type of gamer you are within this vast and continually growing community. Discover the main types of gamers in the UK and which category you fall into.
- Casual gamers
Do you dip in and out of gaming every now and again, reserving most of your time for other activities? You’re probably a casual gamer. These players tend to seek games with short rounds like 75-ball bingo and arcade favourites and less demanding games which are easy to navigate. The aim is to find moments of fun rather than a feeling of lasting accomplishment.
Developments in smartphone technology have made mobiles the preferred avenue for casual gaming. Improved processing units, graphics cards and battery life mean even complex games can run smoothly, and 5G supports seamless offline gaming when on the go. Through these portable everyday devices, you can access thousands of titles including global favourites and free-to-play games, via the browser or app store.
- Social gamers
The discovery of board games dating back over 4,500 years demonstrates that gaming has been a natural way for humans to connect since the start of civilisation. Even single-player formats have features that ensure gamers feel part of a community, such as live chatrooms and leaderboards. Social gamers thrive on connection, whether that’s sitting around a table playing board games like in days of old, joining a multiplayer video game campaign online or playing MMORPGs where characters can interact in magnificent visual worlds. It’s the shared experiences that drive the desire to play.
Social gamers are likely to be part of a larger gaming community, whether a like-minded friendship group or an official club. Camaraderie and competition are enjoyed in equal measure, and hours can be spent on co-operative endeavours. For these gamers, it’s a joyful hobby that can foster lasting friendships built on shared interests and achievements and the exchange of knowledge.
- Competitive gamers
For some, gaming is a serious hobby rather than an occasional pastime. Hours are invested on improving skills and working out complex challenges to reach new levels where even more difficult demands await. The goal is to win, whether that’s playing against others or exceeding previous personal bests. If that’s you, you’re a competitive gamer. Your interests might span a range of genres from shooters to strategy games, or you may be focused on mastering one title.
In the UK, competitive digital gaming has seen tremendous growth. This is most notable in the rise in esports tournaments, organised video game competitions which have a unique spectator element and often include major prizes for winners. Many competitive gamers are driven by the desire to grow to ‘top rank’ status to qualify for these potentially lucrative tournaments. Gaming isn’t just about playing the game – it’s about being the best in the business.
- Console gamers
Console gaming remains one of the most beloved forms of gaming in the UK, with a loyal fanbase continuing to keep pace with the latest releases. PC gamers using gaming desktops are often counted in this camp.
Consoles provide superior graphics and can be hooked up to other devices like headsets and speaker systems for a more immersive experience. For these gamers, the entire environment is important in shaping play. That’s why consoles are often kept in dedicated gaming rooms with blackout blinds, soundproofing and an ergonomic chair that supports comfortable play. Virtual reality (VR) technology will likely shape console games in the future, helping to fully immerse players within digital worlds.
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