Casual Game Design 101
Nick Fortugno
Co-Founder/CCO
Casual Game Principles
Casual Game Principles
• Casual game design is game design.
Casual Game Principles
• Casual game design is game design.
• General principles of game design apply
(core mechanic, meaningful choice, etc.)
Casual Game Principles
• Casual game design is game design.
• General principles of game design apply
(core mechanic, meaningful choice, etc.)
• So what’s the difference in casual game
design specifically?
Design Games for Non-Gamers
Design Games for Non-Gamers
• The biggest difference is game
experience.
Design Games for Non-Gamers
• The biggest difference is game
experience.
• Casual gamers don’t know traditional
game conventions.
Design Games for Non-Gamers
• Interface
Design Games for Non-Gamers
• Interface (Hardcore)
Design Games for Non-Gamers
• Interface (Hardcore)
– Complex
Design Games for Non-Gamers
• Interface (Hardcore)
– Complex
– Requires Specialized Mastery
Design Games for Non-Gamers
• Interface (Hardcore)
– Complex
– Requires Specialized Mastery
Design Games for Non-Gamers
• Interface (Hardcore)
– Complex
– Requires Specialized Mastery
Design Games for Non-Gamers
• Interface (Hardcore)
– Complex
– Requires Specialized Mastery
Design Games for Non-Gamers
• Interface (Casual)
Design Games for Non-Gamers
• Interface (Casual)
– Intuitive
Design Games for Non-Gamers
• Interface (Casual)
– Intuitive
– Either Mastered Outside of Games or
Obvious
Design Games for Non-Gamers
• Interface (Casual)
– Intuitive
– Either Mastered Outside of Games or
Obvious
Design Games for Non-Gamers
• Interface (Casual)
– Intuitive
– Either Mastered Outside of Games or
Obvious
Design Games for Non-Gamers
• Interface (Casual)
– Intuitive
– Either Mastered Outside of Games or
Obvious
Design Games for Non-Hardcore
Design Games for Non-Hardcore
• Hardcore gamers are used to failure.
Design Games for Non-Hardcore
• Hardcore gamers are used to failure.
• Games punish you to teach you how to
play.
Design Games for Non-Hardcore
• Hardcore gamers are used to failure.
• Games punish you to teach you how to
play.
• Games require dedication.
Design Games for Non-Hardcore
Design Games for Non-Hardcore
• Casual gamers are not accustomed to
game failure.
Design Games for Non-Hardcore
• Casual gamers are not accustomed to
game failure.
• Therefore, casual games teach more
through reward rather than failure.
Design Games for Non-Hardcore
• Casual gamers are not accustomed to
game failure.
• Therefore, casual games teach more
through reward rather than failure.
• They don’t require dedication for success
– that’s why they’re casual.
Design Games for Adults
Design Games for Adults
• Kids often have a near infinite amount of
time to play.
Design Games for Adults
• Kids often have a near infinite amount of
time to play.
• Adults don’t – they have responsibilities.
Design Games for Adults
• Kids often have a near infinite amount of
time to play.
• Adults don’t – they have responsibilities.
• Design games with this in mind.
Design Games for Adults
• Make games short and finite.
Design Games for Adults
• Make games short and finite.
• Make play experiences short and saves
common.
Design Games for Adults
• Make games short and finite.
• Make play experiences short and saves
common.
• And don’t aim for kids with content
either.
Nick Fortugno
Co-Founder / CCO
[email protected]