One of the innovations that helped take gaming from a niche pastime dominated by a hoodie-wearing archetype to a mainstream activity is casual games. These games, which are most popular on mobile devices like smartphones and tablets, range from quick tile-matching titles to classic card games gone digital to arcade-style games.
But what do they all have in common? Their skill requirements are generally low, and they don’t require long play sessions or an extensive learning curve. Naturally, because there’s no need for the player to become deeply invested (this isn’t to say that they won’t be) or spend hours perfecting their craft, these games are some of the most popular on the market.
While casual games came about in the late ‘90s and early 2000s, they’ve come a long way since their pixelated days. Could that jump explain why casual games are still so widely popular? Or are there other reasons? Let’s dive a little deeper.
Reason #1: Accessible by Anyone, Anywhere
Although this list is in no particular order, it’s safe to say that the dominant reason that casual games are so incredibly popular is their accessibility. The genre is accessible in several ways: for players of all skill levels and walks of life and playable from anywhere using any device. The sheer selection of games you can access by simply heading to the app store is much like the choice of over 100 Canadian casino sites available to online gamblers nowadays—overwhelming yet exciting.
These games are designed to be easy to pick up wherever and whenever, without the knowledge of gaming setups, consoles, or complex gaming mechanisms. Just about everyone has a smartphone nowadays, which means these games are available through a native experience. People don’t need to learn how to navigate another device or even purchase one in the first place. Casual games eliminate the barriers of expensive consoles and intimidating gameplay.
Reason #2: Evolution from Simple to Immersive
Snake was fun. We could take out our brick phones and play a quick round in the waiting room of a doctor’s office for a bit of entertainment. Today, however, these games are vast and varied, with genres going beyond simple puzzle and arcade-style games.
Casual games maintain their easygoing feel but integrate all sorts of extra features and beautiful graphics, enticing more and more players to download a game or two. After all, with so many free games to choose from that deliver a broader, occasionally console-like experience, why wouldn’t they want to?
Reason #3: Reliance on a Free-to-Play Model
Console and PC video games are notoriously expensive. According to Marketplace, the average new-release video game costs $70. Because casual games on smartphones often stick to a free-to-play model, people don’t have to fork out money whenever they want to play a new game. After all, with the lack of demos nowadays, purchasing a game does have its risks. What if you don’t like it? What if the marketing was misleading? What if there are technical issues? With casual games, there’s not an upfront cost or risk involved. Smartphone users can explore new games without any sort of commitment, enjoying a one-of-a-kind flexibility. If they happen to fall in love with a game, they can freely decide if they want to make an in-game purchase or microtransaction to enhance their experience.
Reason #4: Short Play Sessions
Especially for those living a typical city lifestyle, where schedules are packed to the brim and making time for yourself means sacrificing something else, casual games are the perfect fit. Rather than having to set up, settle in, and start up a game, you can get in a play session between commuting, work periods, and other obligations. While gaming used to have a negative stigma associated with it, many psychological studies have proven their benefits on cognition, stress, social skills, mood, and resilience.
So, if you’re looking for a stress reliever or a brief escape in day-to-day life, casual games provide an easy opportunity to unwind without being anchored to one place. There’s no need to commit a chunk of your day to gaming, although making time for your hobbies and well-being is certainly important.
Reason #5: Social Features
So far, we’ve talked about casual games as if they’re an entirely solitary experience. Although they can be, the high-speed internet and social features available open doors to multiplayer experiences that connect people around the globe.
Someone from Tokyo, Japan, can play a game of Scrabble or Words With Friends with someone from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil—there’s no need to be based in the same time zone or play in real time. Players can team up with a group of friends or mingle with strangers to tackle challenges. These extra features add a new dimension to gaming, helping to make the experience more interactive.
Reason #6: Frequent Updates
While computer games and console games also receive regular updates, they’re often few and far between compared to mobile casual games. Developers constantly release updates to keep players playing, whether it’s something as small as a new in-game reward or as significant as a seasonal event. These casual games offer a sense of novelty not often found in established blockbuster games, attracting an audience that constantly seeks out fresh content to explore. With something to look forward to daily, weekly, or even hourly, people become hooked and don’t have to worry about a game feeling repetitive or stale.
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