Casual Games

Casual Games are not really very casual as it’s name might suggest. On the contrary, these are very serious (and successful) games. But if I look up into any dictonary, the meaning of ‘casual’ looks very unacceptable to me for calling these beautiful games as casual. I was sure i was missing out something, somewhere…

Before questioning the wisdom of the guy who coined the term ‘casual games’, i googled it looking for a formal definition and picked up this one from wekipedia – “The word “casual” indicates that the games are produced for the casual consumer, who comes across the game and can get into gameplay almost immediately.”

My point is – are the casual game customers really casual about playing these games? Do they not play these game for hours over months (or years)? Are they any less loyal than so called ‘hardcore’ gamers?

Broadly, if a game is not ‘hardcore’, then it is ‘casual’. But then literally, ‘hardcore’ and ‘casual’ are not antonyms. So I am still not very clear (and convienced) why should non-hardcore games be called as casual games. Why not any other word – maybe…hmmm… pop-games or….or anythig that might suit it’s purpose of existance.

Maybe i should stop worring about nomenclature. Whatever anyone might call them, they are very-very addictive and are very popolar as they are (mostly) free to play and readily accessible (even in your office…right under your boss’ nose).