Introduction
“You’re not a real gamer unless you play…”
Wait. Stop right there.
It’s 2025, and somehow we’re still using the phrase “real gamer” like it’s an elite club where the password changes daily and the bouncers wear RGB headsets.
Let’s be honest: whether you only play JRPGs, live in Stardew Valley, or have 6,000 hours in Call of Duty—you’re a gamer.
But this debate keeps crawling out of the console graveyard every year. So let’s talk about it.
The ‘One-Genre Wonder’ Slander
There’s a weird stigma in the gaming community:
If you only play one genre, you’re “casual.”
If you only play cozy games, you’re “not a real gamer.”
If you love first-person shooters but can’t stand turn-based mechanics, you’re “limited.”
But here’s the truth: specialization isn’t weakness—it’s preference.
Nobody bats an eye when someone only watches rom-coms. So why is a farming sim fanatic suddenly invalid?
Who Gets to Define “Real Gamer,” Anyway?
Is it about hours played?
Genres conquered?
Trophies earned?
Some will say, “If you haven’t played Dark Souls blindfolded while juggling your GPU, are you even trying?”
Others quietly log into Animal Crossing every night to rearrange flowers and whisper, “This brings me peace.”
The truth? Gaming isn’t a test.
It’s a personal experience—meant to entertain, comfort, or challenge you… depending on the day.
Let’s Talk Skill vs Identity
There’s a difference between not being good at something and not enjoying it.
Just because someone doesn’t play strategy games doesn’t mean they’re bad at gaming.
Maybe they just prefer fast reflexes over five-minute planning turns.
Or maybe they don’t want a game to feel like homework. (Looking at you, Crusader Kings.)
Being a “real gamer” isn’t about how you play.
It’s about why you play.
The Value of Genre Diversity
Imagine a world where every gamer played every genre.
Would we have hidden indie gems?
Would niche communities even exist?
Genres exist because of preference, and those preferences fuel innovation.
That’s why we get beautifully weird crossovers like tactical deck-building dungeon crawlers.
(Yes, those exist. And yes, they’re awesome.)
So… Are You a ‘Real Gamer’ If You Only Play One Genre?
YES.
You absolutely are.
You’re a real gamer if you:
- Game for comfort.
- Game to unwind.
- Game to escape.
- Game to challenge yourself.
- Game for you.
Whether you fight dragons, farm turnips, build space colonies, or just match candy on your phone, if gaming is part of your life…
You’re valid.
Final Thoughts
Gaming isn’t a competition. It’s a connection.
So instead of gatekeeping who counts as a “real gamer,” maybe we should be celebrating how differently we play and what that says about us.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a date with my potion shop sim.
I’m a gamer.
And you don’t need to like my genre to respect my grind.
