As for the video game market, it is not a homogeneous concept. The players vary greatly with regard to their levels of involvement, preferences, and how much they spend. The aforementioned differences result in the creation of many niches within the large market. Moreover, learning the details of these segments enables developers and marketers to design and implement approaches that suit the timelines and the behaviors of the particular group.
This category of gamers often defines themselves as people who live and breathe gaming and with willingness to put in lots of time and finances in gaming. They are inclined towards games that have a combination of very high levels of complexity, challenge, and immersion, and tend to prefer really complicated games with deep storylines and multiplayer options. Even though these players comprise a small chunk of the gaming population, most of them are early tech adopters and are ready to pay extra for various forms of added-value content such as expansions, DLCs, and other in-app purchases that augment the core experience. Hard-core gamers marketing revolve around exclusive offerings, community engagement, and rather captivating experiences. Studies indicate that this group is not only active but also terribly active and, at times, can initiate trends or standards in the community of gamers at large (Dillon 2020).
A bigger segment of casual gamers are the ones that play less frequently and for more relaxation and fun. These players enjoy games that are quick to engage with and are relatively more uncomplicated in their principle. Such players are mostly mobile users, where most of the games offered are cheap or free and monetized through ads and in-game purchases. Usually, they will spend less than the hardcore gamers, however, the number of casual gamers is substantial enough to make mobile game developers want to target them. Marketing to casual gamers is often concentrated on accessibility, ease of use, and social aspects that are characteristic of short and demanding low-effort fun (Chou & Zagal, 2021).
The midcore gamers segment comprises people who fall in between two extreme populations that is hardcore gamers or casual gamers. They tend to enjoy deeper immersed games than casual players but will not dedicate the necessary time or attention to the most rewarding games. Such players may have several gaming sessions in a week and will put money towards games offered inside if there is a reasonable cause or such games makes them happier. Midcore gamers are predominantly present on different game devices like console and PC with less intensity than other games aimed at these players. However, these gamers are more inclined towards games that moderate the level of challenge presented with suitable levels of accessibility. Midcore gamers are marketed Psylla et al. 2015 compliant games that have a reasonable amount of difficulty. Such games also have progression and monetization options that are non compulsory for purchasing upgrades within the game. (King & Delfino, 2022).