Casual Games: What’s Their Status?
Article by Tristan Andrews
Casual games are simple but fun games that don't involve using up huge amounts of your time or a commitment to complex worlds and the like. Normally they are played on a PC and are browser-based games, but there are a growing number of console casual games. They are a contrast to the games called hardcore and the hardcore gamers that are willing to spend large slots of time playing a game and to learning complex skills in order to play.
The main features of a causal game are simplicity: short games; don't have to save the game, 2D, and abstraction of graphics. Around two million people play casual games each month. Normally they are free online games or have a download option for free and rely on advertising to make money. Casual online games depend on Flash or Shockwave.
Solitaire by Microsoft was the first casual that had success. It was free and was included in Microsoft Windows; next they introduced Minesweeper, Freecell, and Spider Solitaire. Nineteen ninety-six saw casual games hit the online market. The sites that began online casual games were UpRoar and Gamesville with games like cards, trivia, and puzzles. Since the technology didn't allow for saving a game or other involved features designers concentrated on making casual games. Bejeweled was one of the first flash casual games online. Casual games forged new ground again when big color displays took over cell phones, since they weren't capable of offering complex games.
Many casual games take on the traditional games like chess, pinball, poker, and checkers etcetera. It must be concluded from the inclusion of chess in online casual games that complex verses simple games in this case refers to technology and games that require saving and character involvement and the like because complex moves and strategies are inherent in chess.
In 2008 casual games reached a popularity that carries weight in the 'gaming' industry and according to 'The State of the Casual Games Industry 2008' by Mathew Kumer, in discussions of the industry of games they can't be brushed aside anymore. They have become part of the competitive arena in the games industry.
In other words, the so-called simple games have gained some financial clout. Casual games made over two million bucks last year for the games industry. This section of the games industry has a growth rate of 20% each year.
What may be a surprise is that games like Rock Band and Guitar Hero go under the casual games label. Casual game players like games that have a little more substance when they have time at home to play; that fact has boosted the popularity of time-management, fashion/food click-management, simulation, hidden object, and adventure games.
The trick to designing a good casual game for online, console or download is to have a game that is fun without the sounds and other flash or java features. The additional features just make it better. This is the opinion of Iris Williams who does programming at GameHouse ('Casual Games make Serious Profits,' BBC).
Casual games don't take as much money to develop and many more can be crated by a company in a year than if they were producing hardcore gaming projects. The simple concept in many ways has dominated the world for centuries, for instance, the invention of the wheel, a simple idea that has changed the world over and over again for hundreds of years.
About the Author
Tristan Andrews is a freelance author who writes articles about Dog Games and Cat Games.
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whereby the original author's information and copyright must be included.
Tips About Dogs, Pet Lifestyle And Their Water Habits
Article by Sagbee C
Dogs are amongst the most faithful and adorable pets that one can have. However, you need to take proper care of these wonderful pets especially when they are in water.
Dogs need to be trained
It is not a bad idea to find an expert pet trainer to discipline your pet dog. You must know how to make your dog listen to you otherwise it would be difficult to control the pet lifestyle. You can also get a tip or two through social networking for pet lovers.
Groom them regularly
If you want your dog to stay clean and healthy, you must tend to it regularly the same way as you tend to your own body. It is also good for the hygiene in the house. Your dog's coat should be cleaned well and kept free of debris
Never throw your dog in the water
All breeds of dogs do not swim naturally. So even if your dog needs a bath every day, it is not a bad idea to throw him in the water expecting it to swim. Perhaps getting a life jacket for your dog is a good idea too. If your idea of pet lifestyle is a swim in the pool, you will have to lure your dog calmly and teach it how to swim.
Save your dog from potential hazards
Although a part of the pet lifestyle should include regular walks in the park where your dog can get some fresh air, it is important that you keep it on a tight leash. Your dog might end up being injured by some sharp objects, stones etc.
Pet diet
Your pet lifestyle must include a good diet. Talking to other people to find out what they feed their pet dog and how it is ensured that all the nutrients go in its diet. This is where social networking for pet lovers all comes to good use. Talking to others will let you know which brand of dog food is better and which brand should be avoided all together.
Treat the pet
Your pet dog should be able to respond to your treats, which is a very interesting way of making it follow your orders. That is how even trainers get their dogs to listen to what they order.
It will not only make the dog feel comfortable but will also allow you to distract the pet from creating a ruckus especially when you want a quiet moment for yourself.
Give it a safe pet house
You must ensure that pet lifestyle of your dog includes a safe house. You must scan the entire house for a place where the dog might get trapped into like a small hole, cleaners etc.
You must also ensure that the dog doesn't get to eat or chew something small that could be dangerous like an iron bolt for example. You must also keep the doors of the bedroom and the bathroom closed when you are not around.
About the Author
To learn more on topics like pet lifestyle you can visit petsocialonline.com which is also a good site for social networking for pet lovers.
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