Consoles Adapt

The , in particular, makes gaming accessible; that console is replete with games that offer a in-and-out experience, and many of these games are shipping for other platforms, too. And and are both offering a slew of casual games online.

It's not just society that's changed, though. So too have the game designers. Those same designers who a decade ago were in their 20s and able to be immersed in the games they create, well, now they're in their 30s, and they, too, have different time constraints. Game designs are reflecting those new realities.

In many ways, that the appeal of so-called casual games--games that don't require hours-on-end of time to reach a satisfying conclusion.

"Casual games are pure, they're honest, they're short and to the point, and they're fun. You can always spare 10 minutes to do something. Some games are more expansive in their mechanics, but they're still casual [by comparison]," Olin says. "Call of Duty 4: Medal of Honor, the Academy's winner for game of the year, is a casual game--you can complete a level in 20 minutes. Electronic Arts' Burnout Paradise--that's a game you can play online for 3 or 4 hours at a crack, or play for 25 to 30 minutes of explosive slamin', banging action. Metal Gear Solid 4, I know I'm going to be there for two hours or more; I'm lost, albeit in a good way."