What makes a game hardcore???

I was just wondering what everyone thinks the exact definition of a "hardcore" game is. Is it a difficult game? A game with a mature storyline? Or is it a game with lots of gore and swearing?

I'm interested to hear what you all think.

I was just wondering what everyone thinks the exact definition of a "hardcore" game is. Is it a difficult game? A game with a mature storyline? Or is it a game with lots of gore and swearing?

I'm interested to hear what you all think.

mikeiscool98

Difficulty, forcing you to master the game.  Pikmin 2 is considered hardcore, because, hell it gets insane and its easy to lose your entire army from a single attack if you suck.  A mature storyline doesn't make a game hardcore, do Bioshock and Kane and Lynch look hardcore?  No, they do however look mature.

As for swearing and gore, they're just there, they serve to either show the character of a person, and display violence.  They don't add or take away what makes a game hardcore.