The Great Divide

On The Casual/Core Game Development Divide article by James Portnow discusses the rift developing between the casual gamer and the hardcore gamer. This rift began in 2006 with the launch of the Nintendo Wii and it’s line up of grandma friendly casual games. Casual games are typically distinguished by their simple rules and lack of commitment required in contrast to more complex hardcore games. These ‘casual games’ are considerably cheaper to produce and sell to a significantly wider audience but lack the graphics and more developed game play elements of AAA or ‘hardcore’ titles.

This has created a strong dislike for casual gaming among traditional hardcore gamers who resent the spotlight and emphasis being taken away from their games. While casual gamers find hardcore games too complex and intimidating. James Portnow talks about how the gaming industry is drifting apart into two separate entities. With one side servicing the hardcore making high-end exclusive titles while the other makes more profitable casual games.

Casual games we’re originally seen as a stepping-stone for non-gamers to more hardcore games but if the industry continue to split casual games continue to be shallow and hardcore titles will continue to exist on the fringe. If games are to become more immersive through storytelling they will need to meld the wider appeal of casual games with the depth of hardcore games.