Key Features Casual Gamblers Seek in Their Gaming Fun

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The casual gaming industry has exploded over the last decade. Once considered just a passing fad, casual games on mobile and other platforms now generate over $150 billion annually.

What is driving this growth? More than ever before, games are now designed around the specific desires of casual gamers. These players aren’t investing dozens or hundreds of hours into a single hardcore game. Instead, they want gaming experiences that satisfy very particular needs.

Understanding what casual players value enables developers, platforms, and publishers to give gamers more of what they want. Let’s break down the key elements casual gamers prioritize today:

Accessibility and Convenience Are Paramount

For most casual gamers at NeoSpin, gaming is a secondary activity. They aren’t identifying primarily as “gamers.” Instead, they play games as a diversion – while commuting, waiting in line, decompressing before bed, etc.

That means casual games need to offer extreme accessibility and convenience:

• Mobile – Most casual gaming now happens on smartphones. Games need to be designed for touch controls and smaller screens.
• Intuitive – There isn’t time for lengthy tutorials or complex controls. Players need to intuitively understand the game almost immediately.
• Short play sessions – Casual gaming happens in short bursts. Players want games they can enjoy for just a few minutes at a time.
• Save state – Since they may only play for brief intervals, the ability to save progress and resume where they left off is essential.
• Synchronous multi-device play – Players often switch between mobile and other devices. Cloud saving enables them to transition platforms seamlessly.

Platforms like iOS, Android, and Nintendo Switch have been engineered to deliver these qualities. As a result, they account for the majority of casual gaming activity. Developing games tailored precisely for these platforms is key.

Variety Drives Engagement

Casual gamers often enjoy exploring a breadth of gaming experiences:

• Diverse genres – From puzzles to party games and more, casual players want variety to match their mood.
• Novel mechanics – Fresh takes on game mechanics hold their interest by surprising them with unexpected twists.
• Rotation of content – New levels, challenges, and content keep gameplay feeling fresh.

In a 2022 survey, 78% of casual players said they actively rotate between at least 3-4 games. Their desire for variety leads them to engage with more titles while investing less deeply in any single game.

Delivering a steady stream of new content – or exploring inventive approaches to familiar genres – is imperative for holding their attention.

Social Connection Enhances the Experience

Once considered an isolating “solo” activity, modern games now enable social interaction:

• Multiplayer – Local co-op or online multiplayer allows casual gamers to play side-by-side with friends & family.
• Leaderboards – Friend leaderboards and player rankings enable casual competition and engagement.
• Chat – In-game chat and messaging keeps players connected on a social level even during solo play.

These social features deliver a sense of community and camaraderie. For traditionally single-player games, integrating social components can significantly boost retention and engagement.

Most Popular Casual Game Genres	% of Casual Gamers Who Play	Average Play Session
Puzzle Games	62%	8-12 minutes
Word Games	47%	10-15 minutes
Card & Casino Games	41%	15-20 minutes
Trivia Games	34%	5-10 minutes
Music/Rhythm Games	29%	10-15 minutes
Hyper Casual Games	23%	3-5 minutes
Simulation Games	19%	12-18 minutes

 

Satisfying Progression and Rewards

Like most gamers, casual players enjoy a sense of progression. Positive feedback through progression mechanics and rewards helps motivate them to keep playing:

• Collectibles – Getting rare items and achieving collections taps into completionist desires.
• Leveling – Advancing levels and ranks delivers milestone rewards.
• Achievements – Completing challenges to earn badges and trophies drives engagement.

However, hardcore grind mechanics don’t resonate with most casual audiences. Progression needs to feel seamless and complementary to the core gameplay, not an obsessive timesink. Unlocking new costumes, game modes, or bonus levels feels more appropriate than an endless gear treadmill.

By honing in on these elements, developers can craft gaming experiences perfectly suited to casual play styles and behaviors. Rather than treating casual gamers as “less committed” players, the smartest studios view them as an audience with their own priorities – priorities enabling the growth of gaming’s largest market segment.