Casual Game Design 101 Nick Fortugno Co-Founder/CCO

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 whats the difference in casual game design specifically?

Design Games for Non-Gamers

The biggest difference is game experience.

Design Games for Non-Gamers The biggest difference is game experience. Casual gamers dont 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

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

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 dont require dedication for success – thats why theyre casual.

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 dont – they have responsibilities.

Design Games for Adults Kids often have a near infinite amount of time to play. Adults dont – 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 dont aim for kids with content either.

Nick Fortugno Co-Founder / CCO