Quick definition:A person who plays video games regularly or as a significant hobby, though the word can mean anyone from a casual player to a dedicated enthusiast or professional.
Meaning
A gamer is someone who plays games, but the word carries more meaning than that. For some it describes anyone with the hobby, while for others it suggests a committed player who spends considerable time and money on games, hardware and related communities.
The meaning has shifted over time. In earlier decades, the word was often associated with a narrow stereotype, and some people avoided it. As games became mainstream and players of every age and background took part, the term broadened, although it can still feel loaded for some.
Variants exist. Casual gamer and hardcore gamer are used to separate occasional players from devoted ones, though the boundary is loose. Competitive players may be called pro gamers. The label is mostly chosen by the person using it, which explains why opinions differ so widely.
Origin:The word is formed from game with the ending -er, meaning someone who does something. It existed before video games, for people who played tabletop and role-playing games, and it became common for video game players as the hobby grew. Its exact first use in that sense is unclear.
Example:Asked whether she is a gamer, Yasmin laughs and says she only plays a puzzle game on the train. Her brother, who owns three consoles and streams every weekend, says he definitely counts. They argue for a while about where the line sits, and neither of them changes their mind. Did you know?Who counts as a gamer is debated. Surveys show that people of every age play games, and many who play on phones do not describe themselves as gamers, even though they play often.
