A hardcore gamer is defined by their pursuit of mastery. They seek out "permadeath" modes, highest difficulty settings, and complex mechanics that punish minor errors. For them, the joy is not in the entertainment, but in the struggle and the eventual triumph over a nearly impossible challenge.
Hardcore athletes are those who train in the "red zone." Whether it is ultra-marathon running, MMA, or high-intensity powerlifting, the hardcore label is reserved for those whose commitment to their craft supersedes physical comfort and social norms. The Universal Thread: Authenticity and Intensity what_is_hardcore
Beyond music, "hardcore" describes a level of engagement that borders on the obsessive. A hardcore gamer is defined by their pursuit of mastery