As young and aspiring gamers, most of us probably didn't think much about how or why we played the games we did, we just played. Blowing chunks at the latest action shooter? You might naturally try your hand at a role-playing game. Simple logic.

But it turns out that you may just be placating your foolish self by playing games you're destined to win regardless of your abilities (pathetic as they are).

Doctor Professor at Pixel Poppers realized he was in a similar situation and found some interesting results when comparing child psychology to the way he played video games.

The scientists tell us that when it comes to completing challenges, there are the performance-oriented, the guys who play just to prove they can win, and the mastery-oriented, those who play to overcome a great challenge.

So an RPG, where your character progressively improves as you play regardless of your skill, would attract the former. The latter? They're playing "Halo 3" all night until they're rolling in bodies.

So don't go boasting about how much of a badass you are for finishing the latest "Final Fantasy" -- it was inevitable.

What Kind of Gamer Are You?
Performance Oriented. I didn't pay $50 just to get stuck on some stupid boss.238 (38.1%)
Mastery Oriented. I'll spend a whole weekend learning spawn patterns if I have to.166 (26.6%)
I don't know/care. I take all comers, virtual or otherwise.220 (35.3%)