@ SHMUPGurus: So a hardcore game is simply one that's difficult? Would you consider Tetris a hardcore game?
@ SmokedHostage: That seems to be what people generally think of as a hardcore game, but that leaves the question of why those things are considered "hardcore." Is there something about a brown, HD, violent game with high production values that somehow makes it better than a "casual" game (whatever that is)?
@ crumas2: I don't think learning curve has much to do with it. The Sims, for example, has a pretty steep learning curve, and it's enjoyed by soccer moms the world over.
"'Casual games' are something the 'Game Industry' invented to explain away the Wii success instead of actually listening or looking at what Nintendo did. There is no 'casual strategy' from Nintendo. 'Accessible strategy', yes, but ‘casual gamers’ is just the 'Game Industry''s polite way of saying what they feel: 'retarded gamers'."
-Sean Malstrom
