Forbes: Europeans prefer casual games

That’s according to a new report in business journal Forbes, which reads:

‘Guns and gore also don't sell as well in Europe because Europeans like short, so-called casual games, rather than the long, epic tales that keep gamers pounding on their consoles for hours at a stretch. Casual games also fit the European lifestyle better: People can play these short games on trains and subways on their way to work.’

The magazine says the cultural difference is a major factor in older consoles continuing to sell well in Europe – citing IDG research which showed that PS2 grabbed a 47 per cent market share in Europe last year.

The piece quotes Cevat Yerli, CEO of German developer Crytek, who believes Europeans see the sort of games his studio produces – heavy on guns, light on cuddliness – as “evil”.

The piece, entitled ‘Games That Europe Loves To Play’ signs off with a prediction that US casual developers and publishers are targeting the UK and European markets.