2004 Web and Downloadable Games White Paper 

IGDA Online Games SIG 

Note that even among these mechanics, there is significant overlap and one might simply use  grouping  

to describe the first three mechanics outlined above. However, the point here is not to elaborate a 

comprehensive taxonomy, but to highlight both the types of interaction that have proven themselves 

successful in this market and the relative homogeneity that has resulted. Clearly, other categories of 

games exist such as casino, trivia, jigsaws, etc.  

Evolution and innovation in the downloadable market has historically proceeded in overlapping baby 

steps. The market is flooded with games that are obvious derivations of existing titles, often distinguished 

only by their theme and aesthetic. While the audience has demonstrated a remarkable tolerance for this 

homogeneity, it is possible that the novelty will wear off and new varieties of gameplay will be necessary 

to maintain their interest. While some successful titles have innovated by introducing a variation on an 

existing mechanic, or combining several of them, there is also room to innovate in a completely different 

direction. Either way, innovation in game design must not come at the expense of good user interaction 

design. Players who spend all of their energy figuring out how to work with a game's interface will never 

discover the innovative game mechanic that lies behind it. 

I. 

User Interaction 

Successful casual games are typically controlled exclusively with the mouse and provide the player with 

 perfect information , or the ability to see everything they need to see on screen at once. Interaction with 

the game objects is intuitive and predictable. The game does not require that the player  experiment  in 

order to learn how the game works. However, it also is forgiving of misclicks, should they occur. In other 

words, casual games tend to be `friendlier', allowing even novice game players to quickly develop a sense 

of control over the play experience. While games can gradually introduce more complex styles of 

interaction over the course of play, it is critical that the initial moments of the game experience are 

distilled down to their most basic essential components, and supplemented with straightforward (brief) 

instructions at just the right moments. Players cannot be expected to read through verbose instructions, 

so it is crucial that the interface communicate the flow of the game. 

While many casual games players also play traditional PC and console games, a large portion of the 

audience does not. As a result they do not have years of previous gaming experience to serve as a basis 

for their gaming expectations. While this lack of expectations has the potential to allow titles featuring 

innovative forms of gameplay to achieve success, it also means that developers must be careful not to 

rely on game interface conventions or mechanics from traditional PC and console titles. The same 

abundance of game choices that would be welcomed by hard core gamers will likely only irritate many 

casual players. Furthermore even seasoned traditional gamers are likely to be looking for a simple quick 

game, as opposed to a drawn out affair, making a simple easy to grasp game concept and interface 

extremely important. While casual gamers appreciate a customized experience, they do not want to be 

forced to do the customization themselves.  

Since most game developers, even those creating titles for the casual market, tend to have years of play 

experience in a wide variety of game genres, it is important to become aware of a tendency to design for 

oneself and one's peers. Again, the importance of beta testing with players from the target audience 

cannot be overstated.  

1. 

Designing for Upsell 

Developers hope that players will pay for these titles, so they must offer a compelling play experience that 

feels significantly richer than their web counterparts. Often players will first experience the game via an 

online version, and then download and install the game on their PC as the next step. Players typically 

proceed to the downloadable version for one or more of the following reasons: 

a) 

Higher quality experience 

Offline play is usually full screen and advertising free, typically with enhanced graphics and sound. 

b) 

More competitive or instructional gameplay 

Downloadable versions of games can offer more levels and deeper gameplay. They appeal not only 

to competitive players, but also to players who want to learn more about the game. Downloadable 

versions can include  untimed  or  puzzle  modes that cater to players who want to improve their 

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