It's not all black and white. No game is entirely casual or entirely hardcore. Most game have casual and hardcore traits. Here are some of the traits that help define casual/hardcore games.
- Games that are accessible to a mass variety of peole are more casual than games directed at a smaller, more specific demographic.
- Games that are easy to learn & master are more casual than games that are difficult to learn & master.
- Games that are focused on quick, pick-up & play sessions are more casual than games focused on long, deep sessions
- Games that are developed by Sony are more hardcore than games developed by Microsoft or Nintendo.
I'm sure there are more traits that define what's casual & what's not, but I'd say this list covers most of them







