The reason I have subjected you to those images, images which may have burned your retinas if you consider them to be “casual” games that are meant for children and dreaded casual gamers, is to point out just how “hardcore” some of these games can be. Every game should have the capacity to become a game that a gamer can be a hardcore gamer when they play it-someone who masters the game and pours hours-or at least significant effort-into it.
I do not believe that a level 85 Orc Hunter is anymore hardcore of a gamer than a farmer on Harvest Moon who has logged hundreds of hours making a farm that earns him enough to practically break the game. Yes, some games, such as MMORPG's attract the kind of gamers that tend to put in the time and effort, but that does not mean that they are restricted to those kinds of games.
Not to mention that these so-called casual games are often of the sandbox variety that many others, such as Grand Theft Auto and Elder Scrolls, also incorporate. Not to mention that they employ the same “play how you want to play” mentality. In fact, the only true difference between these “casual” games and most “hardcore” games seems to be the presence of violence.
Not violence, some would argue, but the need for skill is what separates hardcore and casual playing. However, how much skill is really present in Halo, or Everquest? As much skill as there is in balancing a garden in Viva Pinata, or managing a farm in Harvest Moon.
Simply something to think about.
~The Griffonlord.
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