From Windows Solitaire to Bejeweled to Wii Tennis, casual games have radically changed the landscape of games. By simplifying gameplay and providing quick but intense blasts of engaging play, casual games have drawn in huge new audiences of players. To entertain and engage the casual player, game designers must learn to think about what makes casual games work, from game mechanics to narrative content. Through the close examination of a number of casual games, you will learn how to inject the necessary game design elements into your casual games and give your designs the complexity and strategy they need to hook gamers. You will learn:

Casual games are changing the face of the game industry. They are bringing new players to games and reinvigorating former gamers. From the puzzle game downloadables that your mom devours to the Rock Band kit drawing a crowd at a party of twenty-somethings, these games share a focused simplicity that brings players of all demographics into the game. Casual games look easy and inviting to the player, but these games are deceivingly difficult to design. They need to cleverly mask their complexity so as not to frighten off players. This book offers insider tips and strategies on how to design casual games that appeal to all sorts of audiences (moms, and grandps alike ) The book focuses on how to create elegant games that draw in a wide variety of players, even ones skeptical of games. Designers will take away valuable insights and practical advice so that they can get started right away on designing - interviews with top game designers who have learned through experience offer pearls of advice for designers eager to break into this hot new field of gaming.