Casual game

Casual Game

A casual game is a type of video game that is designed to be easy to play, with simple rules and a low barrier to entry. These games are typically targeted at a broad audience, including people who do not usually play video games. Casual games can be played on a variety of platforms, including personal computers, smartphones, and video game consoles.

Characteristics

Casual games are characterized by their simplicity and accessibility. They often feature:

• Simple Gameplay Mechanics: Casual games usually have straightforward controls and objectives, making them easy to pick up and play.
• Short Play Sessions: These games are designed to be played in short bursts, often lasting only a few minutes per session.
• Broad Appeal: Casual games are designed to appeal to a wide audience, including people who may not consider themselves gamers.
• Low Commitment: Players can enjoy casual games without investing significant time or effort.

History

The concept of casual gaming has been around since the early days of video games. However, the term "casual game" became more prominent in the early 2000s with the rise of online gaming and the proliferation of mobile devices.

Early Examples

Some of the earliest examples of casual games include Tetris, Solitaire, and Minesweeper, which were included with early personal computers and became widely popular due to their accessibility.

Rise of Mobile Gaming

The advent of smartphones and app stores in the late 2000s led to a boom in casual gaming. Games like Angry Birds, Candy Crush Saga, and Flappy Bird became cultural phenomena, reaching millions of players worldwide.

Popular Casual Games

Some of the most popular casual games include:

• Candy Crush Saga: A match-three puzzle game that became a massive hit on mobile devices.
• Angry Birds: A physics-based puzzle game where players launch birds at structures to defeat pigs.
• Bejeweled: A tile-matching puzzle game that helped popularize the match-three genre.

Impact on the Gaming Industry

Casual games have had a significant impact on the gaming industry by:

• Expanding the Audience: Casual games have attracted a diverse audience, including many who do not typically play video games.
• Driving Innovation: The success of casual games has encouraged developers to experiment with new gameplay mechanics and business models, such as freemium and in-app purchases.
• Influencing Game Design: The popularity of casual games has influenced the design of more traditional games, leading to the inclusion of casual elements in mainstream titles.

Criticism

Despite their popularity, casual games have faced criticism for:

• Lack of Depth: Some critics argue that casual games lack the depth and complexity of traditional video games.
• Monetization Practices: The use of in-app purchases and microtransactions in casual games has been controversial, with some players feeling pressured to spend money to progress.

See Also

• Video game genres
• Mobile game
• Social game

References

• The Casual Revolution
• Flappy Bird Creator Interview

External Links

• International Game Developers Association - Casual Games