Player skill level classifications

[Reinha]

I think the labels casual, midcore and hardcore don't necessarily describe a player's skill, time played or the content they partake. It's more about the role of the game in people's lives.

If someone regularly takes part in scheduled in game activities (like raiding with a static) and plan the rest of their free time around that schedule, I wouldn't call that person a casual. The person who has made it their routine to log in every morning and night also doesn't seem like a casual. To me a casual is someone who doesn't have regular play times and just plays when they feel like it. That doesn't exclude them from raiding if they use the PF or have a channel for pick up grouping.

Midcore is those who may make schedules or play regularly but won't rearrange their life around playing the game. They would not take time off work just to race to beat content, and they are willing to skip scheduled play for irl events.

Hardcore would be those whose life revolves completely around the game, even if this behavior is temporary. World first competitors playing 10+ hours per day, addicts and the most dedicated achievement hunters are probably hardcore. This could also include mod and addon creators, game bloggers, forum posters and theorycrafters if those activities have a large role in their lives.