What constitutes a "Hardcore" or "Mature" game?

Since the mid-90s, with the arrival of games such as Resident Evil, Tomb Raider and GoldenEye, games have started to develop an ever-increasing fascination with the "hardcore." But what exactly is it that makes a game "hardcore?"

Is it the use of violent conflict (i.e. using weapons to slaughter hordes of enemies in massive, bloody explosions)?

Is it sex appeal for a male power-fantasy?

Is it the struggle to present emotionally-engaging stories and scenarios?


What separates a "hardcore" or "mature" game from everything else?

Hardcore for me is if the gameplay and plot are at their apex. Every element in the game is in balance, and most of all, things are taken seriously, not much joke-cracking, smiling, etc., if there's really a problem, antagonist, etc., then it needs to be dealt with as such.Some examples of a hardcore game for me would be Sonic Adventure 2, the God of War series, Call of Duty series, and a few others that I can't think of right now. Just because there's sex or violence doesn't automatically make the game superior to all others, case in inverse point, Sonic Adventure series and Grand Theft Auto. I don't really consider Grand Theft Auto all that hardcore because they don't really take things all that seriously, you're in a sandbox environment and can do whatever you want, it lacks that sense of realism. On the other hand, Sonic Adventure 2 is hardcore to me because they all have a purpose relevant to the plot, sure, it's Sonic, but that's my opinon.

I consider hardcore and mature two different things myself. Hardcore and mature games are subjective and opinion based, but I believe hardcore games to be usually competitive games which are highly popular with gamers who play video games commonly. Generally, the game is M rated. Although a "mature" game may have many of these characteristic, mature games are generally more plot driven and emotionally involving. They can be more serious, but generally they invoke a large range of emotional responses, from happiness, despair, sadness, laughter, and more. Also, the rating of these games can be from any rating, with the exception being Early Childhood.

Also, I wish the rating indications were age based, (with the exception of everyone) because a game can be inappropriate for young ages while still remaining immature and unappealing to adults.

Hardcore, in this context, being the opposite of casual. Not necessarily a serious or story driven game, just one with deep gameplay that respects the player.

Mature, in the gaming world simply means M-rated is more "mature" than T-rated. Much more superficial than its meaning outside of gaming, as many "mature" rated games are anything but.

Most gamers today associate "Hardcore" with "Mature".

But there is a difference.

"Hardcore" games, have to have at least once, presented some sort of challenge to the player. A fair but moderately difficult challenge.

Mentally, such as refelxes and strategy.

Old games were full of puzzling and interesting ways to get past levels. Most of today's games run on a singularity.

"Mature" Games are just that. Blood, Gore, sex...ect.

I like some of them, but most are just repetitive and uninteresting.

Simple. Hardcore has a hard core. Mature has mature content not suitable for those of immature mindsets.

Personally, I try not to buy into such distinctions; for me, a game is a game and if it appeals to me then I'll play it. But from what I've seen from the rest of the world, "hardcore" can refer to a game that is intended to be played for hours on end and with a set of clearly-defined goals, which can signal the end of the game, or it can go on forever (e.g. World of Warcraft or GTA). A "mature" game is either a game with a serious tone by way of story or scenario, (e.g. Condemned), or simply relying on violent acts such as killing mass amounts of enemies and calling it a reward for playing (almost everything else rated M).

That said, what would be the biggest difference between "hardcore/mature" games and "casual" games?

Hardcore games are really games that bring you in; they make you feel like playing forever, and all the attributes of a game, you feel, are set to an all-time high. Mature games are more of the kind that seem to have inappropriate content that wouldn't be good for youngsters.

The difference between hardcore/mature games and casual games are that casual games can bring you in easily, but you don't get into it as much as a hardcore game, I find. A game like Wii Sports seems like a casual title that you play regularly, and don't have to do anything truly mind-blowing. But they are still enjoyable and good for the general audience. Hardcore games, on the other hand, like GTA or Metal Gear Solid, has deep stories and gameplay that would bring more of a specified audience in, and have mind-blowing effects and probably make a certain person's experience much more enjoyable. In short, casual games seem like the kind of game that brings the general audience in to enjoy, while hardcore/mature games aims for a kind of genre that a certain person would enjoy.

Grand Theft Auto is the best Mature game, just thought i'd throw that out there

Jirachi wrote:Grand Theft Auto is the best Mature game, just thought i'd throw that out there

Always appreciated Kanye...

What makes a Mature game;
A large sum of violence
Blood and Gore
Sex
Drugs
Spamming of swear words
and anything else the ESRB considers 'Rated M' worthy

What makes a game Hardcore;
Whatever you consider Hardcore.