Gamers are grouped according to their interests, which can be casual gamers who play casually and for fun or hardcore gamers who play in competitive arenas. A multiplayer online role-playing game or massively multi-player online role-playing game, also known as MMORPG, is a virtual computer game in which the players take on the persona of different characters within a virtual world. There is a large following of younger people for these types of games. Most MMORPGs are set in fictional worlds created by the creators of the games.

Gamers are divided further based on their gender, race, or ethnicity. The representation of gamers is still unclear. Some game companies have created games that are specifically aimed at men, while others target women. There is no denying that video games and virtual reality technologies are converging.

Gamers will continue to utilize at least one form of gaming equipment to obtain their video games. Console gaming has been around for decades. Video game consoles like the Atari and Nintendo systems have been among the most popular and best selling console systems to ever grace the planet. Consoles often require additional accessories to enhance the gaming experience, most often coming from the manufacturers themselves.

Next generation gaming is also in full swing. Advancements in personal computer technology are allowing for the development of sophisticated and highly realistic personal electronic games that emulate real-world activities and situations. The quality, detail and realism of these new video games is very good, making them extremely desirable to serious gamers. Many of these electronic games can be downloaded from the Internet and played for free.

Manufacturers of both previous generations of consoles and current generation consoles have begun to develop games that will be compatible with current systems. Current consoles can easily be plugged into previous generation systems, increasing the compatibility of titles and adding another dimension to gaming. Gamers who love their video games but have limited space in their homes should consider the use of a home entertainment system that can plug into a television. This eliminates the need to travel with a bulky, unattractive and oft-costly home gaming console. These televisions can be connected to a DVD player or other player via a multi-game connection.

The creation of a multiplayer gaming community has expanded into the personal lives of many individuals. Numerous companies have provided a way for consumers to sign on and create a profile that can be monitored by others in their communities. These profiles are often referred to as “profile pages.” Certain companies allow users to share their gaming information and photos. Gamers who want to stay connected to friends and family, or who have become interested in a particular hobby or type of game, can find a network of like-minded individuals who share their interests.