Terms like the "hardcore gamer" and the "casual gamer" unfortunately havent left yet. And now with the Wii U these terms are all over the place.
So let me flip the script by looking at some Wii U games.
Pikmin 3 and the Wonderful 101 are two games that focus heavily on design. Mario and Rayman also have tight designs but the formula is much older, even if the games are well done and well crafted. From what has been shown off and discussed, Zombi U has been developed from a design perspective in order to get back to the roots of the survival horror experience. Gameplay design as the driving force during production is somewhat rare now days. These games are very carefully crafted and have been built with quality design in mind.
These are the games being deemed as "casual". However, these are the types of games many people like me are screaming for. Many people want a carefully crafted and design focused experience, these are the elite games, the "hardcore" if you will.
Now lets look at Darksiders II. Another exciting launch game for the Wii U, however it is a game with a greater focus on appealing to the masses and making money then it is design. When Darksiders was created, they did what a lot of companies do and literally made a list of what sells and tried to incorporate it all into a game. The irony here is this "hardcore" game like many other "hardcore" games, is really just put together with the average gamer in mind. The whole "carefully crafted" thing doesn't really exist here.
Pikmin 3, The Wonderful 101, Rayman, Mario, and Zombi U are the hardcore games the gaming industry needs.
Darksiders II is good, but clearly designed for the average regular ol casual gamer.
Oh, and grandma on the couch watching netflix, shes not a gamer at all. Now can we please just throw the script out the window?
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