Gaming has gone global, which means almost everyone has a title that they regularly play. Along with staples on Xbox, PlayStation, and PC, millions of ‘casual’ gamers are turning to mobile choices. That’s because smartphones and tablets are easier to navigate—both in terms of finding games, downloading them, and playing.
Compared to console, PC, and even VR gamers, mobile is a lot more accessible. It’s also less intimidating for those who may not know how the standard MOBA or FPS game works. If you’re looking to avoid all the complicated jargon and complex gameplay, then we’ve got a few suggestions for you.
All the games below are easy for beginners to explore, offering an entry-level introduction to the big bad world of video games.
Casino Games
Casino games have been around for decades and, along with eSports, are a global staple. If you’ve never played blackjack or roulette before, then consider trying out slots. As the most popular casino game on the market, platforms like PokerStars Casino offer hundreds of slots for players to choose from.
Simply choose a slot that looks interesting, check out how it works, set your bet amount, and then spin the reel to get started. The best slots include multipliers and unique symbols that unlock bonus rounds, which adds depth to the game. If you find that you really enjoy a title, you can also keep an eye out for sequels and spinoffs. Just like the world’s top video games, some slots include multiple installations.
Social Deduction Games
Social deduction games involve deceit, requiring players (who are usually competing against other real-life players) to mislead others or identify the outlier. These games tend to involve complex social interactions rather than demanding gaming obstacles, like shooting a moving target or racing around a track.
Instead, in games like Town of Salem and Among Us, you’re guided through a particular scenario and presented with chances to interact with other players. Depending on your assignment at the start of the game (as a friend or foe), you’ll need to use your cunning to fly under the radar or take down others. Other titles, like Mindnight, are a bit more complex and involve multi-step deceptions.
Match-Three Puzzles
Considered the King of Casual Gaming, match-three puzzles are colorful, engaging, and straightforward. Hits like Candy Crush Saga and Bejeweled helped popularize match-threes worldwide. Like the title suggests, these games require players to match symbols together in order to reach new levels. But there’s a lot more variation than you might think.
For example, titles like Star Salvager add other obstacles and challenges. As players match symbols, they unlock weapons that help their starship battle against others in a galactic war. This is just one example of dozens. Along with sci-fi themes, match-three games also incorporate themes like animals, dancing, and even home improvement.
Visual Novels
Visual novels are one of the more unique niches within casual gaming. Visual novels blend the storytelling magic of graphic novels with RPGs (role-playing games). The focus is on the storyline. Players are able to choose how they navigate each interaction in these games, which usually involve an element of mystery and romance.
That being said, just like match-three puzzles, visual novels are hugely diverse. One of the most well-known visual novels (Doki Doki Literature Club) starts as a coming-of-age social game but quickly starts incorporating themes of horror and drama. Others, including Aokana: Four Rhythms Across The Blue, focus on sports, taking players into dramatic and competitive worlds.
RPGs
Lastly, role-playing games (RPGs) are a solid choice for beginner players. RPGs cover a huge range of topics, and many are highly developed games that require attention to detail, knowledge of traditional games, and a drive to succeed. Still, there are plenty of casual RPGs worth mentioning here.
Zelda: Breath of the Wild is a very well-known RPG that’s accessible to gamers. Though Zelda is a major franchise, developers have kept its open-world romps very straightforward and easy to navigate. Other RPGs are from indie creators and venture into totally new territory, including Child of Light and Undertale.
Tips: Please be mindful of the varying online gambling laws in different countries and regions and ensure compliance with local regulations.
