Here's how I look at it:

In general it means do you play games that are just fun to play (Casual: Warioware, Endless Ocean, Regular Sonic, etc.) or games that people play to win and kick butt (Hardcore: Explained below).

However when it's referred to a certain game it means do you play for fun (Casual) or do you play competitively (Hardcore). Most fighting games can be played both ways. I'll use the popular fighting game Tekken. They're many people who will play just for fun by button mashing and rarely guarding. A hardcore Tekken gamer would use cancels, sidesteps, stuns, and probably would know how many frames a move takes (yes I know it sounds ridiculous).

Don't get me wrong a Casual gamer can use "advanced" techniques (ones mentioned above) however they'll probably be mistaken for a hardcore gamer. Also when I say "advanced" I mean that they are usually only used in advanced/hardcore matches.

One last thing. The most basic way to describe a hardcore gamer is they go more in depth with a game. I.e. learning combos, tricks, locks, etc.

I agree its mostly about time dedicated.

If a 8 year old girl plays 30 hours of Hannah Montana a week over some 20 something guy playing 30 hours of Halo a week, who is more hardcore?

I know people with all the Mario Party games that play 30+ hours a week of it. But most would still title this as a casual game, It has nothing to do with the game itself just the time dedication to it.

Still just playing a "hardcore" titled game doesn't make you a hardcore player.

FOOKIN SIGNED
But the thing to blame is the buyer
People that buy a game
Game ends up beein sucsessfull the company makes a secound one
*Looks at EA*

Fo sho... Hyped crap seems to run the majority of the industry these days, not as often do we stumble across the rare gem's of yesterday.

Being a hardcore gamer isn't just about playing as many hours of video games as you can (i take this from personal experience; I consider myself hardcore but can't use my console on school days), And it's not just about playing "hardcore" games either. I personally believe that being a hardcore gamer means a bit of both of those, but most importantly, a love for videogames in general and a wide base of different videogames that you like (Shooters, RPGs, Platformers, Puzzles, Sports... the list goes on). You should appreciate gaming's status as an art form (or at least feel like it's enjoyable) and respect gaming in all it's forms.
However, it's okay to be a Nintendo fanboy, you can't be blamed for that

Translated as
WHERES MY DAMN YARS REVENGE 2

Narr wii all buy series
I (as any fan will tell) have a thing for Nippon ichis games
But even I like to buy into a series of games (King of the fighters anyone)

Iam Semi-Hardcore. I get excited play games until completion (100%), Play a bit from every genre. Basically my day is as follows

Wake up-School-Homework-games until 9 pm
Thats a typical day for me.

You're right, Okami is one of the best games for the Wii right now, I just don't get to play it as much, I never have the time. I think the top three best ports for the Wii are RE4, Okami, and Bully, definitely. Actually this is the first moment alone I've had in a while, I think I'll play it now.

Anyone else consider how much they know about games? Like all the consoles and games you dont exactly hear so often. like the AVGN, who the hell had heard of BIBLE games? xDD

Your right what kinda nerd would know about even bible games?

WiiChat.com Media

I need a new addiction..lol

I like to think I surpass the level of hardcore game and closer to borderline psychotic video gamer.

p.s. Journey to the Promise Land: Exodus is way better then Bible Adventures. Both still suck on a level I don't like to talk about infront of women and children though.

i dont think people really compare the term casual and hardcore anymore. instead it should be between professional and nonprofessional (amateur). e.g. halo 3 players that win MLG money competitions vs halo 3 players that jus play at home for fun

Neither casual or hardcore. I'm actually amateur and will continue to maintain that status to be eligible for the Olympics.

Beijeng 08 here I come!!

Casual Gamer- Plays games occasionally, and the games they play normally are more "toned down" i gess you could say

Hardcore- Plays games a lot, plays a brand genre of games, spends a lot of $ on games.

Ther you go.

RAGE
Over religion and video games

If you are a Hardcore/Competitive gamer you are playing to win. You don't have fun unless you win or play to your expectations (like have more kills then deaths).

If you are a Casual/Recreational gamer you play just to have fun. You do your best so that everyone else are also having fun. Win or Lose, it doesn't matter, as long you get to play with your friends and have a good laugh.

There is a reason why most people consider Shooters to be hardcore games. Its because it is one the few sporting games (games were you compete against the other team/player). so it is really the best place for competitive gamers to show their skills and test themselves against som1else.