[casual_games] Definition of Casual Games

[machaira at comcast.net]

Yes, a game is a game, but different games have different complexity levels. I think that's what everyone is getting at. It sounds like a casual game isn't very complex in its ruleset and isn't as deep as a game like GTA.

She knew everything that could be done in the game right away or she was just able to wander around?

-------------- Original message -------------- 

A game is a game.

My wife played GTA for the first time a while ago and picked it up right away.  Her previous experience with non-PC games was relegated to the arcade - Frogger and Space Invaders.

I'm not trying to convince anyone, yet I would compare Bejeweled to GTA.  I see it a different way - No invisible separation.  :)





From: casual_games-bounces at igda.org [mailto:casual_games-bounces at igda.org] On Behalf Of machaira at comcast.net
Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2005 1:10 PM
To: IGDA Casual Games SIG Mailing List
Subject: RE: [casual_games] Definition of Casual Games



Are we talking about for an experienced gamer or a newbie? Take someone who has never played anything like GTA and sit them down in front of the game. Will they know all the ins and outs of the game in 5 minutes?

Am I off-base here or do I just have a different idea of what constitutes a casual game? I wouldn't compare Bejeweled to GTA.

-------------- Original message -------------- 

Good point.  :)

Though the learning curve on a game like GTA is pretty simple.





From: casual_games-bounces at igda.org [mailto:casual_games-bounces at igda.org] On Behalf Of machaira at comcast.net
Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2005 12:58 PM
To: IGDA Casual Games SIG Mailing List
Subject: RE: [casual_games] Definition of Casual Games



But does the learning curve for casual games fit for these games? I can't see it taking a mere 5 minutes to learn any of these other than the barest minimum.

-------------- Original message -------------- 

If a casual game doesn't require time commitments, then I see games like Counter-Strike, Grand Theft Auto and SimCity/The Sims as casual games.

And I think it makes sense to lump Bejeweled and Zuma with the above games, because users can play these games for five minutes or for five hours.

Personally, I love using the CS, GTA and Sims model for developing "casual games" that are published online.

Thanks,

Malcolm







From: casual_games-bounces at igda.org [mailto:casual_games-bounces at igda.org] On Behalf Of joey kolber
Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2005 12:05 PM
To: casual_games at igda.org
Subject: RE: [casual_games] Definition of Casual Games



I would call a casual game something that doesn't require commitment. Many games these days are so intense that they require hours and hours, or are so entrancing that people will spend hours and hours on them. Casual games don't require this. While some may entrance people for long periods of time, they don't require people to devote part of their life to it. They can play some, leave, and then come back and play again. Games light in plot, like puzzle games and many online quick games could be put in this category, while many MMO's, like MMORPG's and many roleplaying games in general would probably require more of a commitment.


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