Casual Content Can Often Be Stressful

I don’t exclusively play games casually but greatly appreciate what is typically deemed casual content. Much of my gaming sessions consist of activities like crafting and collecting, along with the various smaller projects incorporated by game developers. Oddly enough, even though categorized as light-hearted or casual, these components can occasionally be as demanding and nerve-wracking as combat scenarios.

In-game housing systems, for instance, are a feature I relish. Interestingly, even Free-to-Play (F2P) games have started to permit players to acquire their own abodes. In fact, many F2P games grant players housing units as part of the game progression, eliminating the need for combat and competition for such property. Take for instance the unique dwelling offered by the Adepti in Genshin Impact – a spacious teapot that comes with its own yard, village-like structures, and gardens, as well as the capacity to house various animals.

Honkai: Star Rail provides me with my private compartment within the Astral Express. Although not an extensive property, it’s a charming space and let’s not forget – it’s on a train! Similar to Genshin Impact, this personal space isn’t hard-earned, it’s included naturally in the gameplay.

Star Rail makes room decoration its own fun mini-game that entails completing specific tasks to build in certain elements and earn in-game items that enhance the room’s decor. Genshin Impact offers a more open-ended approach, letting players place items like rocks anywhere they please. Fancy items must first be crafted using various resources and recipes. Moreover, you also need to ascend your teapot and unlock more indoor and outdoor spaces. While it may seem simple, it’s actually quite a comprehensive process.

This becomes even more elaborate if you are set on creating a special design and not just stuffing your house with items. Detailed planning is pivotal before starting to collect materials to actualize the design. And that’s casual content.

The issue with casual content

Games like Rift let your creativity run wild, allowing you to build just about anything – as long as you can perfectly position those planks! It’s also a challenge of mastering mouse skills, however, successfully doing so will result in stunning creations within the game’s Dimensions. The developers are well aware of the potential of these creative capabilities and frequently conduct Dimension building contests with strict guidelines. But needless to say, precision and adeptness are requirements to fully utilize this system.

Crafting commonly includes leveling up one or more crafting classes, leading to additional gathering and leveling. If you are the kind who enjoys collecting, it can be a drawn-out process at best. Certain games may even force you into completing content you would usually avoid due to locked content requirements.

My point is, what may seem casually enjoyable can, at times, become quite involved with this casual content. You’ll often find me devising plans, making lists, and outlining a roadmap to complete these so-called ‘casual’ tasks.

While part of me realizes I bring this upon myself, the drive to perfect everything is invigorating. A house brimming with all the goodies seems worth the effort despite the stress it sometimes incurs. And even though it might seem overwhelming at times, there’s always something to do.