Video Game Genres – Everything You Need to Know

Video games have become a major part of our culture. From the early days of Pong to the online battles of modern games, video games have evolved into a huge industry. With the evolution of video games, the genres of games have changed and expanded. In this article, we will take a look at some of the different video game genres, and provide a full guide to understanding them.

What Are Top Video Game Genres

Video game genres refer to the categories of games based on their gameplay and design elements. Common genres include Action, Adventure, Racing, Role-Playing, Simulation, Strategy, and Sports. Each genre typically has its own set of game mechanics, visuals, and audio elements, and may also include a story and characters. Popular subgenres include first-person shooters, platformers, and fighting games.

1. Action: Games that focus on physical challenges, including hand–eye coordination and reaction-time.
2. Adventure: Games that focus on narrative and exploration.
3. Role-Playing: Games that emphasize character customization and progress.
4. Simulation: Games that simulate real-world activities.
5. Strategy: Games that require players to make tactical and/or long-term decisions.
6. Sports: Games that simulate real-world sports.
7. Puzzle: Games that require players to solve puzzles in order to progress.
8. Racing: Games that involve competing in a race against other players or computer-controlled characters.
9. Fighting: Games that involve physical combat between two or more characters.
10. Music: Games that involve playing musical instruments or singing.

Other genres include Puzzle, Music/Rhythm, Educational, and Party games. Puzzle games typically require players to solve logical problems and complete objectives, often using limited supplies or resources. Music/Rhythm games require players to match their button presses or motions with a rhythm or beat. Educational games are designed to teach players a specific skill or knowledge, while Party games are designed to be enjoyed by multiple people in a social setting.

Action/Adventure Games

Action/Adventure games are a popular genre of video games that often involve story elements and combat. These games often feature a character or group of characters who are tasked with completing a series of objectives. These objectives can range from solving puzzles to defeating enemies in combat. Popular Action/Adventure games include the Grand Theft Auto series, the Legend of Zelda series, and the God of War series.

Genres of Action/Adventure Games

Action/Adventure games are a type of video game that combine elements of action and adventure. These games often require the player to explore a virtual world while solving puzzles, engaging in combat, and completing objectives. Common sub-genres of action/adventure games include platformers, hack-and-slash games, open-world games, survival games, and Metroidvania games. Each of these sub-genres has its own unique style of gameplay and challenges that the player must face.

• Action Role-Playing Games – Action role-playing games (ARPGs) are a sub-genre of action/adventure games that blend elements of role-playing games with action elements. Examples of ARPGs include the Diablo series and the Fallout series.
• Hack and Slash Games – Hack and slash games are a sub-genre of action/adventure games that focus on action-oriented combat. Examples of hack and slash games include the Devil May Cry series and the God of War series.
• Platform Games – Platform games are a sub-genre of action/adventure games that focus on character movement and platforming elements. Examples of platform games include the Super Mario series and the Sonic the Hedgehog series.
• Stealth Games – Stealth games are a sub-genre of action/adventure games that focus on stealth elements. Examples of stealth games include the Metal Gear Solid series and the Hitman series.

Action/Adventure games are a type of video game that involve the player completing various challenges, often by exploring different environments and interacting with the characters and objects in the game. They usually include elements of puzzle solving, combat and exploration, and can often involve a story or narrative. Action/Adventure games can range from single-player experiences to multiplayer experiences, and often involve some sort of progression or goal.

Sports Games

Sports games are a popular genre of video games that simulate real-world sports. These games often feature realistic graphics and physics, and offer players the opportunity to compete against others in a virtual environment. Popular sports games include the FIFA series, the Madden NFL series, and the NBA 2K series.

• Racing Games – Racing games are a sub-genre of sports games that focus on racing elements. Examples of racing games include the Gran Turismo series and the Need for Speed series.
• Sports Management Games – Sports management games are a sub-genre of sports games that focus on managing teams and players. Examples of sports management games include the Out of the Park Baseball series and the Football Manager series.
• Sports Simulation Games – Sports simulation games are a sub-genre of sports games that focus on simulating real-world sports. Examples of sports simulation games include the NBA 2K series and the FIFA series.
• Sports Strategy Games – Sports strategy games are a sub-genre of sports games that focus on strategic elements. Examples of sports strategy games include the Out of the Park Baseball series and the Football Manager series.

Sports games are a genre of video games that simulate real-life sports or athletic activities. Popular sports games include basketball, football, baseball, hockey, golf, tennis, and soccer. These games are designed to realistically replicate the sport and its rules, as well as providing a fun and engaging gaming experience. Players can take on the role of a single athlete, a team, or even a coach. Some sports games also feature career modes, which allow players to create a character, train them, and compete in tournaments.

Shooter Games

Shooter games are a popular genre of video games that involve shooting enemies or targets. These games often feature a character or group of characters who are tasked with completing a series of objectives. Popular shooter games include the Call of Duty series, the Halo series, and the Counter Strike series.

Genres of Shooter Games

Shooter games are a type of video game that is focused on shooting, either with guns, lasers, missiles, or other weapons. They often involve some kind of objective that must be completed before progress can be made. Shooter games come in a variety of genres including first-person shooters, third-person shooters, tactical shooters, rail shooters, and light gun shooters.

• First-Person Shooters – First-person shooters (FPS) are a sub-genre of shooter games that focus on first-person shooting elements. Examples of FPS games include the Call of Duty series and the Halo series.
• Third-Person Shooters – Third-person shooters (TPS) are a sub-genre of shooter games that focus on third-person shooting elements. Examples of TPS games include the Gears of War series and the Max Payne series.
• Tactical Shooters – Tactical shooters are a sub-genre of shooter games that focus on tactical elements. Examples of tactical shooters include the Rainbow Six series and the Counter Strike series.
• Lightgun Shooters – Lightgun shooters are a sub-genre of shooter games that focus on lightgun elements. Examples of lightgun shooters include the House of the Dead series and the Time Crisis series.

These games typically put the player in the shoes of a soldier or some type of law enforcement agent. Examples of popular FPS games include Halo, Call of Duty, and Counter-Strike.

Role-Playing Games

Role-playing games (RPGs) are a popular genre of video games that involve character development and story elements. These games often feature a character or group of characters who are tasked with completing a series of objectives. Popular role-playing games include the Final Fantasy series, the Elder Scrolls series, and the Fallout series.

Genres of Role-Playing Games

Role-playing games (RPGs) are a type of video game in which the player takes on the role of a character in an interactive story. RPGs typically involve a fantasy or science fiction setting, with players taking on the role of a character with special abilities and powers. Players typically interact with a virtual world and other characters, either in a cooperative or competitive manner. Common RPG elements include character development, exploration, and combat. Examples of well-known RPGs include the Elder Scrolls, Fallout, Dragon Age, and World of Warcraft series.

• Action Role-Playing Games – Action role-playing games (ARPGs) are a sub-genre of role-playing games that blend elements of action/adventure games with role-playing elements. Examples of ARPGs include the Diablo series and the Fallout series.
• Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games – Massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs) are a sub-genre of role-playing games that involve hundreds or thousands of players in a persistent online environment. Examples of MMORPGs include World of Warcraft and Guild Wars 2.
• Strategy Role-Playing Games – Strategy role-playing games (SRPGs) are a sub-genre of role-playing games that focus on strategic elements. Examples of SRPGs include the Final Fantasy Tactics series and the Fire Emblem series.
• Tactical Role-Playing Games – Tactical role-playing games (TRPGs) are a sub-genre of role-playing games that focus on tactical elements. Examples of TRPGs include the Disgaea series and the Valkyria Chronicles series.

RPGs typically require players to make decisions and take actions that affect the outcome of the game. Combat is often an important part of many RPGs, with players taking on the role of a character that can use weapons and spells to defeat enemies. Character development is also a key element of RPGs, with players often choosing between various classes and customizing their characters with various skills and abilities. Exploration is also a key element of RPGs, with players often traveling to different areas in the game world and uncovering secrets or completing quests. RPG players may also have the opportunity to interact with other players in the game, either in cooperative or competitive play.

Strategy Games

Strategy games are a popular genre of video games that involve planning and decision-making. These games often feature a character or group of characters who are tasked with managing resources, building structures, and defeating enemies. Popular strategy games include the Civilization series, the Command & Conquer series, and the StarCraft series.

Genres of Strategy Games

Strategy games are a broad category of video games that require players to use logic and planning to achieve some kind of goal. They generally require the player to think ahead and have an overall plan to reach a successful outcome. Common genres of strategy games include real-time strategy (RTS), turn-based strategy (TBS), 4X strategy (explore, expand, exploit, and exterminate), and tower defense.

• Real-Time Strategy Games – Real-time strategy games (RTS) are a sub-genre of strategy games that involve managing resources and units in real-time. Examples of RTS games include the Command & Conquer series and the StarCraft series.
• Turn-Based Strategy Games – Turn-based strategy games (TBS) are a sub-genre of strategy games that involve managing resources and units in turns. Examples of TBS games include the Civilization series and the Heroes of Might and Magic series.
• Tactical Strategy Games – Tactical strategy games are a sub-genre of strategy games that focus on tactical elements. Examples of tactical strategy games include the Fire Emblem series and the XCOM series.
• Strategy Role-Playing Games – Strategy role-playing games (SRPGs) are a sub-genre of strategy games that blend elements of role-playing games with strategic elements. Examples of SRPGs include the Final Fantasy Tactics series and the Fire Emblem series.

Strategy games usually have the player managing resources and making strategic decisions to reach the game’s objectives. They may involve military, economic, or political elements, and often require the player to make careful use of limited resources. Other types of strategy games include city building, puzzle-solving, and war games. Many strategy games require multiple playthroughs, as the player must experiment with different strategies to succeed.

Importance of Video Games

Video games are an important part of our culture, as they provide an entertaining and engaging way to spend time. Video games offer an opportunity to develop problem-solving skills, hand-eye coordination, and other skills, while also allowing people to explore new worlds, share experiences, and socialize with others. They can also be used to learn and practice communication, collaboration, and other important skills. Video games can provide an escape from the stress and boredom of everyday life, allowing players to relax and have fun.

They also provide an important outlet for creativity, allowing players to create unique characters, content, and even their own stories. They can be used to explore different topics and themes, from politics and history to science and technology. Video games can also be a great source of education, providing opportunities for players to learn about various topics and even to develop new skills. Video games can help promote positive mental health by providing a safe and healthy way to express emotions and reduce stress.

What to Do When Choosing Your Video Game Genres

Video game genres are the categories that video games are grouped into based on their gameplay, setting, and content. Common genres of video games include action, simulation, strategy, sports, adventure, and role-playing games. Each genre is designed to provide a different gaming experience, and many games can be placed into multiple genres.

Video games have evolved significantly since the early days of Pong and Pac-Man. With the advancement of technology, game developers have been able to create more immersive and realistic experiences for players. This has led to the creation of new genres of video games that have their own distinct look and feel. These genres can range from first-person shooters, to fighting games, to open world games. Different genres can also cater to different types of players, such as those looking for a challenging or relaxing experience. While many games may share elements of different genres, each game is unique in its own right.

Conclusion

Video games have come a long way since the days of Pong, and the genres of games have changed and expanded with the evolution of gaming. In this article, we have taken a look at some of the different video game genres, and provided a full guide to understanding them. With this knowledge, you should be better equipped to find the right game for you.