Video Games Weekly: Video Game Genres 101

This week, I wanted to reach out to those of you who are not very familiar with video games. So, I thought it might be helpful to write out a list of video game genres and definitions! I will probably be linking to this article frequently, and will update it as new genres/terms emerge in the video game realm [and the ones I accidentally skipped].

Video games, like books, can be broken down into different genres. Video game genres, however, tend to represent either the story experience or game play mechanics, but a game can have many “genres” assigned to it. These two factors create endless combinations, and are what makes the video game medium so unique!

Story Experience Genres

Action – This is a broad term for a game that has an emphasis on physical challenges. Action games usually have a player controlling one character, and navigating an environment while battling enemies or obstacles. Many “action” games are also “adventure” games. One example is Middle Earth: Shadow of Mordor.

Adventure – This is a broad term for a game that has an emphasis on puzzles and interactions with the game environment, and do not require quick reflexes. Typically, there is less violence compared to shooter games, but that is not always the case. Many “adventure” games are also “actions” games.

Party – Party games are created intentionally for groups of people to play together. They’re often simple to learn, and have a variety of “mini games”. Think of any Mario Party game.

Role Playing – Also known as “RPG”. It’s a broad term for a game where the player controls one or more characters in a well established world. World exploring is key to this genre, and usually the character has to complete “quests”. In a way, you can think of it as Dungeons and Dragons, but in a video game! One example of a role playing game is Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim.

Simulation – This game tries to emulate a real life experience, or a fictional reality. There are subgenres like sports, real life, and construction simulation games. An example of a popular simulation game is the Sims franchise.

Sports – This game can fit into “simulation”, but even then sports games can be broken down into more genres. There are sports games almost for every sport, ranging from football, baseball, to racing, even including Quidditch!

Strategy – These games have an emphasis on planning and skillful thinking in order to win the game. The game is usually slow paced so players can carefully plan their moves. There are subgenres such as “turn-based strategy”, which means players alternate taking turns to move their pieces. A popular strategy game is the Civilization franchise.

Game Play Mechanics

Massive Multiplayer Online Games – As the name suggests, this is a type of game where many players play together online. There are subgenres like “massive multiplayer online role playing games”, also known as “MMORPGs”, which are the most popular. The best example is the game World of Warcraft.

Platform – Also knowns as “platform jumper” games, where the player has to navigate a series of platforms to reach the end, often with enemies in their way. Well known platform jumper games are Super Mario and Donkey Kong.

Sandbox – This type of game takes place in a “free world” where players can do whatever they wish. A sandbox game can have goals or objectives but at its core, players are meant to roam free without any restraints. The best example is Minecraft.

Shooter – This is the oldest genre in video games. As the name suggests, players have to destroy a target or enemies using a weapon. The game continues as long as the player survives. Players develop quick reflexes due to fast paced gameplay.
First Person Shooter – Also known as “FPS”. This is a sub genre of shooter games, where the game is experienced from the character’s perspective. This point of view is useful for players who want to focus their aim, and have a “real” gameplay experience. Well known FPS games are Call of Duty and Halo.

Third Person Shooter – Also known as “TPS” or “3PS”. This is a sub genre of shooter games, where the game is experienced outside of the character’s perspective, i.e. players can view both their character and their surrounding environment, as if the camera is behind the character. A well known 3PS games is Gears of War.

By Alanna Graves

Filed under: Tech Talk, Technology, Video Games