The gaming landscape seemingly shifts year on year – and the evolution it’s been on since the 2000s is staggering. One of the biggest changes has been the rise of casual gaming, giving an entry point for those who don’t want to spend a whole weekend grinding complex RPGs or mastering the latest title. Whether it’s for catching up with pals or just to simply switch off from the day’s stress, there’s a game that’ll fit perfectly into your lifestyle. Here’s a few options you can explore to see whether it appeals to you too.
Quick & Social: Games You Can Jump Into Anytime
Sometimes you just want to hop onto a game for a quick twenty minute laugh – maybe to break up the day or add to a group Discord call. Games like Rocket League, the Jackbox Party Packs and Gartic Phone are all solid options – with the latter being a cross between Pictionary and Chinese whispers, resulting in all sorts of bizarre creations.
If you want to get stuck into something a bit more intensive with pals, then games like Overcooked and Moving Out can be fantastic for bringing your friends together as a team. Once you’ve learned the basics, you can jump in and out for a single level whenever you’re able to find the time to play.
Cosy & Relaxing: Games for Unwinding
Not every gaming session needs to get your heart racing. Sometimes you want something to take the edge off the day – the gaming equivalent of a herbal cup of tea. Something like Stardew Valley or Animal Crossing can be great if you want to take care of your own little village over time, letting you complete some easy therapeutic tasks.
Unpacking is another gem that’s gained a cult following. As the name suggests, you’re unpacking boxes and arranging items in different rooms, with a narrative that unfolds as you do so. It’s quite meditative, and proved that gaming can be just as good a medium for relaxation as it is for excitement.
Mobile-Friendly: Gaming on the Go
Our phones are practically always with us, which makes them the perfect vehicle for popping a game or two on so you can bring some entertainment around with you. The key to good mobile games is something that works in short bursts to match the patterns of how we usually use our phones in smaller moments.
For rapid word games like Wordle, to more innovative titles like Slingo, bringing slots and bingo together, it’s about finding something that appeals to your interests. Mobile games will only hold your attention if you find them more engaging than literally anything else your phone can do. So scroll through the app store and see if anything interesting jumps out!
The beauty of today’s casual gaming scene is that there’s genuinely something for everyone, and you don’t need to sacrifice your social life or bank balance to be part of it.
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