Video games for non-players: Casual games are spreading quickly

EarthTimes.org reports in Games Technology News:

Casual gaming has become a major buzzword. It's primarily intended for non-players who would not consider gaming as their top hobby. Casual gamers focus on relaxation and pure playing enjoyment instead of story and graphics in games.

GamePro editor-in-chief Andre Horn says there are two major styles of casual games. The first are Windows mini-games like Minesweeper and Solitaire. Then there is the second style that Nintendo has perfected with the Wii and DS and other companies are trying to replicate.

The story reports how publishers are jumping into casual trend that's spreading quickly: Konami with Let's Yoga! (DS), EA with Boogie (Wii), Sony with SingStar (PS2/PS3) and Buzz! (PS3), Eidos with Nervous Brickdown (DS) and Prism (DS), and Ubisoft with the "Games for me" lineup and Jam Sessions (DS).