What Type of Gamer is Your Kid?

Yesterday, the world revolved around a certain soft toy. Today, they would rather spend their time with a console than their childhood companion.

They grow up so fast.

And while it’s exhausting keeping up with what’s in and what’s out – and what food they can’t get enough of or suddenly can’t stand – you can work out what type of gamer they are.

Why is this important? Because video games form a huge part of many children’s lives – offering not only entertainment but also the opportunity to develop cognitive, emotional, and social skills and to express themselves creatively.

There’s an opportunity for you as a parent here, too.

By figuring out what type of gamer your kid is, you’ll gain valuable insight into who they are as a person – their motivations, their interests, and their overall approach to problem-solving.

Time to introduce you to the three distinct types of gamers that we’ve identified.

1. Masters play to progress and improve their abilities.
2. Nurturers use video games as a creative tool.
3. Socializers are all about spending time with friends and engaging with gaming communities.

Understanding the unique characteristics associated with each playstyle can not only help you better understand your children but also make better-informed decisions about their gaming habits and find ways to ensure balanced screen time.

Masters: Combining skills and ambition

These young gamers approach every virtual adventure with a clear goal in mind: to improve their skills, upgrade their abilities, and master their craft.

This highly motivated type knows gaming isn’t a pastime, it’s a platform for personal development and they spend their offline time gravitating towards building sets and electronic toys. Basically, anything that presents a challenge and enables them to feel a sense of progress.

Masters are the 59.5% of children who responded to a recent survey saying playing video games helps them learn how to solve problems – and they are also the 46.8% of children who believe gaming increases their ability to work as part of a team.

Not only that, but the time they spend gaming can enhance their strategic thinking skills and encourage persistence and goal-setting.

If your child is a master, you can’t help but marvel at their dedication, discipline, and ambition – and several game franchises can feed their passion for daring missions that push the boundaries of their abilities.

Like Sonic – which sees players race to defeat the evil Dr Robotnik.

Or Mario, the loveable plumber tasked with navigating diverse worlds in order to rescue Princess Peach.

Meanwhile, Minecraft challenges players to gather resources, think on their feet, and overcome various obstacles.

Nurturers: Creative minds at play

Next up, caring and crafty nurturers who view video games as a canvas for creativity and love to customize their own stories.

This type of gamer likes to take care of things (there’s a reason why animals adore them).

They are patient, pay attention to detail, and are meticulous planners.

But it’s not all about introspection, because nurturers also love nothing more than to express themselves through art, design, and writing projects.

In fact, their love of gaming often inspires a whole host of offline activities – 62.5% of kids who play video games write something relating to video games once a month, including video game scripts (27.5%), advice to support other players (22.1%), fan fiction (10.8%) and blogs or reviews (8%).

Helping them relax and unwind – while making sure they are never bored – nurturers can find a creative outlet in Animal Crossing and become the mayor of their own virtual village where they care for a collection of (yes, you guessed it) animal residents.

Their preference for open-ended games gives them the opportunity to indulge their imagination and craft their own adventure – meaning they might like Minecraft, where gamers can choose which course of action they wish to take.

Socializers: Building community and making connections

Lastly – but never last to the party – socializers prioritize the social aspect of gaming above everything else.

These young gamers are all about connecting with friends, engaging in multiplayer challenges, and immersing themselves in the online and offline communities that surround their favorite games.

Sure, they display the determination (and many of the skills) of masters, but their primary motivation is to feel the sense of belonging the gaming provides. And to play what is popular – because socializers are trendsetters, too.

This gaming type also leads the way as digital citizens, exhibiting the kind respectful and responsible approach to screen time that comes with an understanding of what it takes to create safe and secure digital experiences.

And because socializers are so good at getting on with others, they often exhibit a heightened sense of empathy and understanding. Almost 65% of young gamers say playing video games helps them imagine being someone else.

In addition, 76.3% say they talk with their friends about video games, so support your child’s socializer tendencies by encouraging their online friendships and sharing in the enjoyment they get from virtual and in real life (IRL) interactions.

Renowned for its multiplayer features, Minecraft encourages teamwork and collaboration as players build elaborate structures and embark on epic adventures. It also provides a space where kids can socialize, make friends, and share strategies.

Get to know your gamer now!

Recognize the type of gamer your child is, and you'll be better equipped to support and engage with their gaming interests in a meaningful way. Each playstyle offers its own set of advantages and learning opportunities, and understanding these can help you foster a healthy and balanced gaming experience for your child. To help you get started, there are many different LEGO sets for all gaming interests – and there is much more to come!