Every month an estimated 200 million people play casual games, and the casual gaming industry is seeing a 20% increase in both audience and profits year after year.
The Casual gaming market it expected to surpass $2 billion in 2008.
Casual gaming gained popularity with games like Solitaire, Tetris and Bejeweled played on the PC and Nintendo video game system.
The internet has now become the main source of distribution for casual games and social networks like Facebook are playing a major role in their rise in popularity and profitability. Casual games share a few basic characteristics; they offer simple gameplay and simple graphics that can be enjoyed in short burst like during coffee breaks or while on public transportation.
Casual gaming first gained popularity on the PC and video game systems like Nintendo. Many early producers like PopCan Games adopted a try before you buy model, and offered an enjoyable yet limited version of their games for free, and then offered a deluxe version for around $20.
Casual Games are fast becoming one of the most popular online marketing tools. An advertising based model is now becoming just as popular as the try before you buy business model. Advertisers are using casual games to attract people to their websites, and keep them there. Casual games are a great way to get people to spend time with your brand, while they are having a good time and being entertained. The key to successful marketing with casual games of course starts with creating a great game, and that is easier said than done.
What does it take to develop a quality casual game, besides a great idea? Most casual games can be developed by 3-5 people in 6-9 months for less than $100,000. This might sound cheap to companies spending millions on TV and print campaigns, and out of reach for small companies with small marketing budgets. There has also been a rise in indie casual game makers trying to make a name for themselves. So for those of you who can’t afford $100,000 you may be able to team up with one of these indie game makers before they get big.
Buffalo Wild Wings is one example of a forward thinking company that is using casual gaming as part of their branding strategy. On June 2nd, they are launching Night Hunger, a causal game aimed at positioning Buffalo Wild Wings as a contender for your late night fast food dollar. Here is the trailer.
Spread the word:
If you like this post, then consider subscribing to our full feed RSS.
My parents are addicted to yahoo games, They will both sit there and play yahoo games against each other all day. I agree that it is very good advertising my parents buy stuff they see from yahoo all the time.
