What are casual games?

Casual games are characterized by mass-market appeal, rather than the hobbyist niches that mid-core and hardcore games cater to. Casual games typically have simpler game mechanics and rules, and can be picked up quickly. Audiences for casual games also spend less time playing than mid-core and hardcore audiences, playing spontaneously or irregularly. 

Compared to hyper-casual games, casual games have more complex mechanics, often featuring meta-games, which are games within games. An example of a metagame is collecting new characters, or managing currency within a game’s economy. 

Casual and hyper-casual games share a few similarities. Both genres provide short sessions, allowing players to engage with a game while killing time in a line or on a commute. Both genres also can be played indefinitely and remain engaging because of an addictive core mechanic.