The honest answer: a good office chair and a good gaming chair both work for gaming and both work for desk work. The differences are narrower than marketing suggests.

Recline range

Gaming chairs typically recline much further - often to 135 or even 180 degrees - because they are designed for leaning back between rounds or watching content. Most office chairs stop around 120.

Bolstered seats

The raised side edges on a gaming chair hold you in place when you lean into a race or a shooter. On an office chair, a flat seat pan makes it easier to shift position and get in and out frequently.

Which should you buy?

If you sit for long uninterrupted sessions and want to recline, a gaming chair suits you. If you get up constantly and want something that disappears into a room visually, an ergonomic office chair may fit better. Either way, prioritise adjustability over aesthetics.