I really like the idea of a casual game for hardcore gamers. The problem, as far as I can see, is that if a game is considered 'casual', most hardcore gamers aren't going to bother with it for a variety of reasons. One of which is that a casual game tends to be too simple and almost sissy to a lot of people.
One good example is the entire Wii console. A good portion of the console is geared towards these casual games that can be played for a few minutes at a time. Whether it is a game like Raving Rabbids or Wii Fit, they're geared towards the people who prefer to play shorter pieces of games over a period of time. You can play Raving Rabbids for hours to unlock all sorts of accessories and the different mini games, or you can play a mini game or two with a friend to have a giggle.
And what's happened with the Wii? It's become a bit of a laughing stock among 'hardcore' gamers. The announcement that the Grand Theft Auto series would make its move to release a title was met with snickers and something of an "aw, look at the Wii trying to be a real console".
The closest we have to such games are those on the handhelds. They're designed for quick play - not so much because it's an acceptable form, but because the nature of handhelds are to be used when you have spare time while you're out someplace.
How do we respond to the idea of a casual game, without referring to it as some kind of sissy attempt at a game?
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I guess I respond to casual games as making complete sense. We are a busy society, and with the average gamer age being 35, we need games for busy people. Games that can be played whenever and where ever you are. Online games, handheld games... "casual" games. While I think "hardcore" games are great, I think we should accept "casual" games also.
ReplyDeleteThe term hardcore gamer needs to pushed aside. Any game that a player is invovled in requires some sort of skill. But our society loves labels so we are first to call a game that seems simple, as sissy. The gamers who play these are causal gamers. It would be nice to be able to remove all labels, but alas, will probably never happen.
ReplyDeleteGood blog post!
I agree with that notion about hardcore gamers not giving a casual game a chance. People are like you said, so quick to write off a game based on the title of "casual".
ReplyDeleteI'll admit, I did laugh at the Wii trying to incorporate GTA series to its system. haha.
I'd laugh about GTA, but just because the Wii's control scheme hasn't exactly been kind to most games. God forbid one of them doesn't involve the tried and true "wiggle the bastard of a remote until something happens" controls.
ReplyDeleteLet's hope Red Steel 2 gives me something to cry about.
I can see your point about the whole "casual = simple" thing, but then again there are people that love the complexity of a tower defense game, which is definitely a casual game, despite thoose people being "hardcore" gamers. Great blog post!
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