I've realized that though I like playing videogames, I find it much more entertaining to actually make them. This makes me wonder, if I'm planning to develop an [X]* game, ¿do I need to be an avid [X] gamer? ¿How can I develop interesting mechanics if I play that genre sparingly?

In order to get empirical answers, I'm more interested in listening to the opinion of those who have worked/are working in the game industry ¿are you and your co-workers avid gameplayers or "casual" gamers? ¿What about the Schafers, Carmacks, McGees and Gilberts of the industry (should anyone know any of them :) )?

*being [X] any game genre: Platformer, RPG, RTS, FPS, etc.

PS: I'm trying to make this question as subjective-less as possible, so feel free to point any improvements.

I've realized that though I like playing videogames, I find it much more entertaining to actually make them. This makes me wonder, if I'm planning to develop an [X]* game, do I need to be an avid [X] gamer? How can I develop interesting mechanics if I play that genre sparingly?

In order to get empirical answers, I'm more interested in listening to the opinion of those who have worked/are working in the game industry. Are you and your co-workers avid gameplayers or "casual" gamers? What about the Schafers, Carmacks, McGees and Gilberts of the industry (should anyone know any of them :) )?

*being [X] any game genre: Platformer, RPG, RTS, FPS, etc.

PS: I'm trying to make this question as subjective-less as possible, so feel free to point any improvements.