Why The Attitude Of Modern Gamers Has Led To An Increase In The Popularity Of Casual Gaming

There is no getting around the fact that in this day and age, gaming remains one of the most popular hobbies enjoyed by people all over the world. Over the past few decades, the quality of games has been steadily increasing and along with these developments, so too has the way that we play games changed. Along with these changes in gaming, the attitude of gamers has been directly affected.

How console gaming has changed over the years

The attitude of modern gamers is much more casual due to the fact consoles are no longer required. Instead, people are able to play on handheld devices such as the PS Vita, the new Nintendo Switch, and even mobile phones thanks to the unlimited number of games on the apps store. With the casual movement growing in the last decade, so has online casino gaming. This is an industry that has become hugely more accessible due to the increased accessibility of smartphones, and bingo in itself is an easy game to play anywhere at any time. Of course, the question remains, how did we get here?

The industry that surrounds gaming on consoles has never been one that remained still. All the way back in 1967, Ralph Baer, an engineer for televisions from Germany was responsible for inventing the first prototype of console gaming. This invention was called the Brown Box which was plugged straight into the TV and the only game on it was two squares chasing one another. Sure, it doesn’t sound like the most thrilling experience in the world, but the brown box set the foundation upon which all following console games were built upon.

Afterward, the world was graced with the likes of the Magnavox Odyssey, PONG, and the Atari, a full breakdown of all of these early gaming consoles. Technology advanced and so too did console games with it. One of the largest leaps forward that premeditated a new casual approach to gaming was the Nintendo Game Boy, which introduced the idea of portable gaming. Since then, people are now taking to their mobile phones and other portable devices to play games.

Why do portable games lead to casual gaming?

Due to the fact we are now much more prone to portable gaming such as playing on our phones like when we play bingo, it means we feel much less obliged to set aside time for gaming and instead take to it whenever we get a moment. This casual approach is directly reflected in new games that are created. These games are referred to as ‘Hyper-Casual’.

The criteria for such games are:

• They don’t require as much skill as other games and don’t need as much time or attention invested. They usually come with some kind of ‘addictive’ element.
• They can be controlled really easily which means they are comfortable for gamers to play. There is not any stress or frustration involved in learning the controls.
• The goals of such games are relatively easy with shorter levels in greater volume.

Will casual gaming become the new Mmainstream?

The evolution of how we consume our games has led to a huge surge in the number of casual games that exist. As we rely more on portable consoles and our mobiles, hyper-casual games are developed which can be played when people have a moment.

That being said, it is unlikely these kinds of games will completely take over the industry as the reason for their existence is different from that of current console games. Casual gaming is certainly not going anywhere and will continue to thrive, but console gaming will also remain relevant for those who wish to fully submerge themselves in what they’re playing.