Casual Gaming

Are you a board game fan who would like to have a regular game night? I started mine a few years ago, thinking it would be a fun one-time deal, but after the success of that evening I’ve turned it into an event that has my friends consistently asking when my next game night will be. Here are six tips for organizing and running your own successful game night regularly.

Many casual gamers enjoy the casual gameplay experience of games like Poker and Blackjack. However, the stakes get higher when real money is involved.

Not having people to play with is perhaps one of the biggest obstacles which keep people from becoming truly engaged by the wide world of tabletop games. Lots of situations can prevent players from finding a good group to share their favorite gaming experiences. A recent move, a lack of “geeky” meeting places in the immediate area, or just general shyness about approaching new people, can all prevent gamers from finding like-minded players.

I hate paper money.  Not American greenbacks, but rather the pink-backs, white-backs, blue-backs or whatever color money it is that comes with a particular game.  Inevitably, it gets bent, torn or mutilated.  Maybe all of the above.  Then, you are playing a great game with one of the major components in nasty shape.  I am talking about the aesthetics of playing a game.  Casual gaming with friends and family ought to be a great experience, not just competition.  Having nice components is like having great glassware — always using the same paper money for a great game is like always drinking wine from the red Solo cup.

The Summer 2014 issue of Casual Game Insider is now in stock and available for sale! Print and digital versions are available.

In the tabletop gaming world, traditional standards classify the hierarchy of gamers loosely into "non-gamers," kids/family gamers, and hardcore/hobby gamers. But in reality, there is no such thing as a "non-gamer."

Casual Game Revolution is seeking a freelance graphic designer, Passport Game Studios has released two quick card games in the U.S., and Lamp Light Games re-launches a Kickstarter campaign for Space Junk.