In the world of gaming, there’s always a hot button topic about who developers should cater to: casual players or the competitive elite. It’s a debate that can get intense and, surprisingly, even renowned players like Ninja are weighing in on it.
Ninja recently took a bold stand on his stream about ARC Raiders, advocating for a focus on casual players instead of professional ones. “Cater to the f**king casuals, pro play is secondary,” he stated emphatically. He made a solid point that the casual audience drives the game’s revenue and engagement while pros are just a small fraction of the player base.
Ninja GOES OFF on people saying that Arc Raiders should cater to pro players “Cater to the f*cking casuals, pro play is secondary, casuals are spending money & playing the game, this game is casual.” “I don’t want any tournaments in this sh*t, no Twitch rivals, nothing” pic.twitter.com/OmwaSqCYS0
It’s evident that ARC Raiders, much like many online shooters, should prioritize the casual aspect of gameplay. These casual gamers are the heartbeat of the community, enjoying the game for fun rather than competitiveness. While I’ve noticed that many players try to mimic professional strategies, the reality is that they often miss the mark since the environments and goals are vastly different.
Why Should Developers Focus on Casual Players?
The majority of online games have a thriving community of casual players who create the vibrant world around the title. These players are the ones spending money on cosmetics, passes, and expansions. Catering to them means ensuring a steady revenue flow and a thriving game community.
Is Professional Play Really Necessary?
When it comes to games like ARC Raiders, the potential for a competitive scene exists, but it might not be as substantial as in other titles like Counter-Strike 2 or League of Legends. Unlike these team-based games, ARC Raiders thrives on its casual gameplay, making it counterproductive to mold the game around professional demands.
How Can Developers Balance Both Casual and Pro Play?
While it’s essential to engage with professional players, the focus should remain on the casual market. Developers can create separate environments or modes for competitive play, but the primary development should revolve around what keeps the casual gamers engaged and happy.
What Hear From the Community?
Having good communication with gamers is vital. Unfortunately, many developers fail to connect with the wider audience, often listening only to a select group of competitive players or streamers. Thanks to Ninja’s voice in the community, ARC Raiders continues to engage with a wider array of players, ensuring that their needs are met.
Seeing the dialogue unfold, it’s heartening to know that ARC Raiders is committed to a casual-focused experience that prioritizes the needs of the vast player base. While competition has its place, it’s the enjoyment of the casual player that ultimately drives a game’s success. What do you think: should developers lean more towards casual players? Join the conversation below!