Okay, so he didn’t actually use the word “casual.” But in an interview with Game|Life’s Chris Kohler, Castlevania series producer Koji Igarashi dropped a variety of hints indicating that he was less than happy with the new “3-D versus action game,” and that he feels pressured to create cheaper, more casual gaming experiences.
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Can there be too much of a good thing when it comes to new game releases? Columnist Michael Zenke seems to think so. Over at GameSetWatch, Zenke has penned an engaging opinion that will resonate strongly with gamers — like myself — who are frustrated by the recent plethora of quality titles. But is the fault truly with the games, or those who play them? Continue Reading

In a study commissioned by PopCap–but that PopCap has not influenced in any way, apparently–a team of academics observed that casual games have positive effects on people’s moods. The findings were presented at the Games for Health conference in Baltimore by Carmen Russioniello and Jennifer Parks.

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While plenty of gamers seem to enjoy drinking to the death of PC gaming, I won’t be the first to point out that their kool-aid typically consists only of lackluster retail sales figures, with little or no thought towards digital distribution or the all-important subscription revenues of blockbusters like World of Warcraft. But starting this year, the NPD is tracking subscriptions as well; and today they estimated that combining MMO, casual and console services, U.S. game subscriptions contribute $1 billion annually. Does this give us a definitive answer regarding the health of PC gaming? Continue Reading

Ever wish you could clone yourself, and then have the clones do all your dirty work? Now you can, at least inside an ingenious little Kongregate game called Chronotron. I stumbled upon this gem thanks to Digg, and can honestly say it’s the most fun I’ve had all week.

And before you ask: yes, I haven’t played any GTA IV. I’ll get around to it. Continue Reading

When news surfaced late Saturday afternoon that a YouTube user made a pair of iPod Touch units play Quake 3, many probably thought “Wow, that’s cool. Some YouTube user made a pair of iPod Touch units play Quake 3.”

Not GameCyte. Continue Reading

THQ, a publisher renowned for providing equal doses of hardcore (Company of Heroes, S.T.A.L.K.E.R.) and kid-friendly offerings (Spongebob Squarepants, Ratatouille) has decided to expand their audience even further with the acquisition of Elephant Entertainment, a firm specializing in casual games. Continue Reading