Definition: When developers and game players talk about “casual games,” they’re typically referring to games that are designed to appeal to as wide an audience as possible. Casual games can fall into any genre, and even games for veteran players can contain casual elements that are meant to help ease less-experienced players into the gameplay until they find their footing (for instance, interactive tutorials and/or adjustable difficulty settings).
Casual games exist on consoles, on handheld systems, in web browsers, on the PC, and on social platforms like Facebook and Google+. The term “casual game” hit the mainstream around 2006, when Nintendo’s Wii introduced families to easy-to-play games that could be enjoyed by everyone. In reality, casual games have existed for decades. In general, games that are built around an easy-to-grasp system of rules are considered “casual.” Puzzle games are a good example, particularly hits like Tetris, though some arcade classics like Pac-Man and Donkey Kong stand as examples of casual titles, too.
While the term “casual gamer” is utilized a great deal in today’s market, some experienced game players dislike the term and consider it divisive. That may be because the descriptor “casual game” is often (and incorrectly) utilized to identify easy and/or childish games that are repetitive and mind-numbingly simple. A casual game can actually take a lot of skill to master: again, consider Tetris, which has very basic rules, but boasts a heck of a challenge at certain levels. Well-built casual games should appeal to everyone, regardless of their skill level.
Some casual games in the Nintendo DS and Nintendo 3DS include Bejeweled 3, Pushmo, and Professor Layton and the Last Specter.
Casual games exist on consoles, on handheld systems, in web browsers, on the PC, and on social platforms like Facebook and Google+. The term “casual game” hit the mainstream around 2006, when Nintendo’s Wii introduced families to easy-to-play games that could be enjoyed by everyone. In reality, casual games have existed for decades. In general, games that are built around an easy-to-grasp system of rules are considered “casual.” Puzzle games are a good example, particularly hits like Tetris, though some arcade classics like Pac-Man and Donkey Kong stand as examples of casual titles, too.
While the term “casual gamer” is utilized a great deal in today’s market, some experienced game players dislike the term and consider it divisive. That may be because the descriptor “casual game” is often (and incorrectly) utilized to identify easy and/or childish games that are repetitive and mind-numbingly simple. A casual game can actually take a lot of skill to master: again, consider Tetris, which has very basic rules, but boasts a heck of a challenge at certain levels. Well-built casual games should appeal to everyone, regardless of their skill level.
Some casual games in the Nintendo DS and Nintendo 3DS include Bejeweled 3, Pushmo, and Professor Layton and the Last Specter.
