Types of Video Gaming Genres
All You Need to Know
In the present times, the video gaming genre has seen a significant evolution in gaming quality and modes, platforms, accessories, and even hype. An ever-growing variety of game genres and sub-genres to understand, accept and try out.
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Below is a comprehensive list of various gaming categories, that you should be aware of as amateur gamers.
ACTION-ADVENTURE
An action-adventure game combines elements from both action and adventure games, creating a unique gaming experience. In these games, you'll need to utilize physical skills similar to those in action games, but you'll also enjoy a captivating storyline, a diverse cast of characters, an inventory system, engaging dialogue, and other exciting features commonly found in adventure games.
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Action-adventure games tend to be more fast-paced than pure adventure games, as they incorporate both physical and mental challenges. The story heavily depends on the player character's movements, as they trigger various story events that directly impact the flow of the game. This interactive aspect adds depth and immersion to the overall gameplay.
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In summary, action-adventure games offer the best of both worlds, providing thrilling action sequences along with an engaging narrative, allowing players to embark on exciting journeys filled with exploration, challenges, and unforgettable experiences.
SUB GENRE:
ACTION | ADVENTURE
GAME EXAMPLES:
MOBA (MULTIPLAYER ONLINE BATTLE ARENA)
Multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) is a captivating subgenre of strategy video games where two teams of players engage in an exciting competition on a predetermined battlefield. In this game, each player takes control of a unique character equipped with special abilities that evolve and become more powerful as the game progresses. These abilities play a crucial role in shaping the team's overall strategy and achieving victory. The ultimate goal of each team is to strategically demolish the main structure of their opponents, which is situated at the opposite corner of the battlefield. MOBA games provide an immersive and thrilling experience as players collaborate, strategize, and unleash their character's abilities to outmanoeuvre the enemy team. It's an exhilarating adventure that keeps players engaged and entertained as they work together to achieve victory.
SUB GENRE:
REAL TIME STRATEGY
GAME EXAMPLES:
PLATFORMERS
Platformer games are all about running, climbing, and jumping as you explore and conquer difficult levels. With their side-view perspective and easy controls, these games have won the hearts of indie studios, gamers, and even legacy releases. You'll find plenty of exciting RPG crossovers and ventures into lesser-known niches within the world of platformers.
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These games offer a thrilling experience as you navigate through various obstacles, testing your skills and reflexes. Whether you're leaping over deadly pits, scaling towering structures, or evading clever enemies, platformer games keep you on your toes and provide a sense of accomplishment as you progress.
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It's no wonder that platformers have become such a beloved genre. They combine simplicity and excitement in a way that captures the imagination of players of all ages. So, if you're ready to embark on a thrilling adventure filled with challenging levels and endless fun, platformer games are the perfect choice for you!
SUB GENRE:
PUZZLE | ADVENTURE
GAME EXAMPLES:
PUZZLERS
Puzzle games come in all shapes and sizes. They can be as straightforward as Minesweeper or take you on a thrilling adventure with intricate worlds and gameplay. A perfect example of this is the Tomb Raider series, where puzzles are seamlessly integrated into the thrilling narrative and setting, becoming an essential part of the game experience.
These games offer a wide range of challenges to keep you engaged and entertained. And it's not just the traditional puzzles that make them exciting. Sometimes, even mini-maps become clever puzzles for you to solve or uncover as you progress through the game. It adds an extra layer of fun and mystery to the overall experience.
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So whether you prefer a simple brain teaser or an immersive journey filled with mind-bending puzzles, puzzlers have got you covered. Get ready to embark on a captivating gaming adventure where every puzzle solved brings you one step closer to victory!
SUB GENRE:
PARTY GAME
GAME EXAMPLES:
RPG/ARPG/+
Role-playing games (RPGs) are a fantastic genre of video games that allow you to step into the shoes of a character and embark on thrilling adventures in richly detailed virtual worlds. In RPGs, you have the freedom to make choices that shape the story, develop your character's abilities, and interact with a diverse cast of non-player characters. You can customize your character's appearance, choose their skills, and equip them with various weapons and armour. Whether you prefer epic fantasy quests, futuristic sci-fi adventures, or even historical settings, there's an RPG out there for everyone. Action role-playing games (ARPGs) games take the core elements of RPGs and infuse them with fast-paced, real-time combat. In ARPGs, you'll still get to experience deep character progression, intriguing storylines, and immersive worlds, but the combat is often more dynamic and action-oriented. You'll engage in thrilling battles, unleash powerful attacks, and defeat formidable foes using your skills and reflexes.
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Both RPGs and ARPGs provide captivating experiences that can keep you hooked for hours on end. So grab your controller or keyboard, get ready to make some tough decisions, and embark on incredible adventures in these amazing game genres!
SUB GENRE:
REAL-TIME ACTION
GAME EXAMPLES:
RTS (REAL-TIME STRATEGY)
Real-Time Strategy (RTS) games are a thrilling genre of video games that put you in the driver's seat as a commander, strategist, and ruler of your own virtual realm. In these games, you'll be making strategic decisions on the fly, managing resources, and directing your armies in real-time. Unlike turn-based strategy games, where players take turns making moves, RTS games keep you on your toes as the action unfolds continuously. You'll need to think quickly, plan your next move, and adapt to changing circumstances to outwit your opponents.
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Whether you're building a mighty empire, commanding armies in epic battles, or exploring uncharted territories, RTS games offer a unique blend of tactical decision-making and thrilling gameplay. They're great for players who enjoy strategic thinking, resource management, and the satisfaction of outsmarting your foes. Gather your wits, rally your troops, and dive into the world of RTS games for an exhilarating and strategic gaming experience!
SUB GENRE:
STRATEGY GAME
GAME EXAMPLES:
SHOOTERS
Shooters are a super popular genre of video games where you get to step into the shoes of a character and experience thrilling action-packed combat. FPS stands for First-Person Shooter, which means you view the game world from the eyes of the character you're playing. TPS, on the other hand, stands for Third-Person Shooter, where you see your character from a third-person perspective.
In these games, your main objective is to use various types of weapons to shoot and eliminate enemies or targets. It's all about precision, reflexes, and strategy. You can expect intense gunfights, realistic graphics, and immersive gameplay that really gets your adrenaline pumping.
Whether you're battling it out on your own in single-player campaigns or competing against other players online in multiplayer modes, shooters offer a thrilling and interactive experience. So grab your virtual firearm, team up with friends or take on the challenge solo, and get ready for some heart-pounding action!
SUB GENRE:
FIRST-PERSON SHOOTER (FPS) | THIRD-PERSON SHOOTER (TPS)
GAME EXAMPLES:
SANDBOX
Imagine a virtual playground where you can unleash your creativity and have total freedom. That's what sandbox games are all about! In a sandbox game, you're given an open-world environment to explore and experiment with. You have the power to shape the game world according to your whims and fancies. Whether you want to build towering structures, create intricate landscapes, or simply mess around and have fun, the choice is yours.
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These games often provide you with a wide range of tools, resources, and abilities to let your imagination run wild. Want to construct a magnificent castle or dig a deep underground labyrinth? Go for it! Want to drive vehicles, fly, or even bend the laws of physics? You got it!
Sandbox games offer an immersive experience that encourages you to think outside the box and engage in endless possibilities. So, grab your virtual shovel and get ready for an adventure where the only limit is your imagination!
SUB GENRE:
FREE-FORM
GAME EXAMPLES:
SIMULATION & SPORTS
Simulation and sports games are a thrilling way to immerse yourself in virtual worlds that recreate the excitement of real-life activities. In simulation games, you can take on various roles and experience realistic scenarios, whether it's managing a city, flying an aeroplane, or even simulating everyday life. These games allow you to simulate and control different aspects of the chosen environment, offering a chance to explore and experiment in a safe and entertaining way.
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Sports games, on the other hand, bring the thrill of competition right to your fingertips. Whether you're a fan of soccer, basketball, football, or any other sport, these games allow you to step into the shoes of your favourite athletes and teams. You can compete against friends or computer opponents, striving for victory and experiencing the excitement of scoring goals, making incredible plays, and conquering championships. Both simulation and sports games provide an engaging and enjoyable experience, offering endless hours of entertainment for players of all ages. So, grab your controller and get ready to dive into a world of virtual excitement!
SUB GENRE:
VIRTUAL REALITY | EXTREME
GAME EXAMPLES:
SURVIVAL & HORROR
Survival & Horror games are a thrilling and immersive genre of video games that aim to keep you on the edge of your seat. In these games, you'll typically find yourself in dangerous and often terrifying situations, where your main goal is to survive against various challenges and enemies. Whether you're battling hordes of zombies, exploring haunted locations, or facing off against supernatural entities, these games are designed to evoke a sense of fear and tension.
Survival elements are a key component of these games, as you'll often need to manage limited resources such as ammunition, health, and inventory items. Decision-making and strategic thinking are crucial to overcoming obstacles and progressing through the game. Additionally, these games often feature atmospheric environments, chilling sound design, and engaging storytelling to enhance the overall experience. If you're a fan of heart-pounding excitement and adrenaline rushes, survival and horror games are definitely worth checking out! Just be prepared for a thrilling and sometimes spine-chilling adventure.
