On the hardcore/casual opposition

The paper analyzes problems associated with the hardcore/casual dichotomy which is commonly used in current discourse surrounding video games. Two types of problems are differentiated: global problems concerning the meaning of both terms, and local problems concerning the correct translation of both terms into Polish. I suggest that the most important source of confusion is the ambiguity of the term “hardcore.” In one sense it means the cultural engagement of players; in the other sense it means their cognitive engagement during play. It is shown how honoring this distinction explicates the H/C opposition and why it may form the basis for the Polish translation of both terms.