Yes, they are the most Hardcore of all Hardcore gamers, like whine lovers, only they can really appreciate the greatness of a game.
I was working as a game journalist and the people were incredible narcissistic. One of the worst experience was during Gamescon in Germany, they also took part in game tournaments with games, they had the chance to play two days earlier than everybody else. Of course they won and took the prices and trophies to the press center full of pride of their greatness. I was so disgusted.
They deserve all of this, because they are the most important people in the industry and also because they know what really good games are like.