In October 1958, physicist William Higinbotham created what was regarded as the first video game. Named Tennis for Two, the game was played on a miniature 12-centimeter screen which displayed a single line (the court) and a circle (the ball). At that time, computers restricted what games people could create. This is obviously not the case today, as video game developers can create almost anything they can think of. As a result, new genres were made to accommodate games that didn't fit traditional categories.
Just like movies, books, and other forms of media, video games can be categorized into many different groups. This makes it easier for people to find video games that fit within their interests or preferences.
The purpose of this list is to inform you about the different videogame genres that exist, and also give recommendations for games in each genre.
1. Sandbox
The term "sandbox" may be more familiar to you because of its use in technology or as a mode in some games. It's frequently linked to player autonomy, open environments, and non-linear gameplay. The sandbox genre has expanded from a tiny niche to include a wide variety of games.
Players in these games frequently have fewer specific goals and paths to follow. Instead of defeating the boss and rescuing the princess, you may be faced with a variety of tasks that can be completed in numerous different ways. This engages players in a more immersive experience, encouraging them to experiment with the game mechanics.
Some sandbox games I can recommend are Minecraft, The Sims, and Terraria.
2. Real-time Strategy (RTS)
In a typical RTS game, human and AI players control separate factions and fight against each other in "real-time," as opposed to turn-based strategy. These games usually incorporate resource and map management, as well as a top-down perspective.
3. Shooter (FPS/TPS)
The shooter is a genre with various early spinoffs and two key sub-genres: first-person shooter (FPS) and third-person shooter (TPS).
Perspective is the main difference between the two. A first-person shooter (FPS) replicates a typical human perspective, displaying what your in-game character sees. The viewpoint is pulled back in a TPS, allowing you to see your complete character and surroundings.
These are some examples of shooter games: Counter-Strike (FPS)
Apex Legends (FPS) Fortnite (TPS)
4. Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA)
Multiplayer online battle arena games, an increasingly popular subgenre with similarities to a range of other genres, share several characteristics with real-time strategy games. There's a top-down view that stresses map and resource management, as well as real-time player combat. However, players only control a single character in a MOBA, as opposed to dozens in an RTS.
Multiplayer and team play are also emphasized in MOBA games. In most cases, you will play with and compete against other human players in order to achieve victory.
This genre is dominated by two games: League of Legends and Dota 2. Both games have incredibly large eSports scenes.
5. Role-playing Games (RPG)
The basic idea of a role-playing game is straightforward and can be found in a variety of games: you create or control a character who may then be leveled up through experience points. RPGs are a pillar of the gaming industry, although no single game can fully represent the genre due to its many subgenres.
I would highly recommend playing one of these 3 RPG games: Undertale Skyrim Final Fantasy
6. Sports
This genre has grown significantly throughout time, although it remains quite similar to its predecessors. The most recent entries have incredible levels of detail, demonstrating just how much can be done with technology.
From racing tracks to the basketball court, sports games have become more diverse, with entire collaborations with major athletic organizations. Two popular examples are NBA 2K, Madden NFL, and Forza, which are recreations of professional basketball, football, and motorsports.
7. Puzzler
Puzzlers, sometimes known as puzzle games, can be as basic as Minesweeper or as complex as a complete world with immersive gameplay. This sort of game requires the use of complicated mechanics to solve various puzzles.
I have not played many puzzle games, but I highly suggest trying Portal 2 out.
8. Action and Adventure
Action-adventure games, one of the first hybrid genres, place a strong emphasis on plot and combat through a storyline. Many games, including the renowned Legend of Zelda and Grand Theft Auto franchises, fall within this genre.
9. Platformer
Platformers are a good choice if you want a genre that hasn't changed much over the years. The platformer genre consists of various games that display their origins in the first 2D side-scrollers. Platformers need the player to run, climb, and leap as they explore and work their way through difficult levels.
Donkey Kong is regarded as the first platform game, with a side perspective and easy controls. Super Mario Bros and Sonic the Hedgehog are also great examples.
If you want to play a more modern platformer, consider trying out Hollow Knight, Cuphead, or Celeste.
Conclusion
The rapid increase of new games means that there will always be new genres because developers constantly push the limits of gameplay. However, this is not a bad thing, as the number of unique games you can play is almost limitless.
This list only covers the tip of the iceberg, there are many other genres not present on this list, each containing hundreds of different games. If you would like to learn more, I would recommend these links: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_video_game_genres
REFERENCES
Clement, J. “U.S. Most Popular Video Game Genres 2018.” Statista, 5 May 2021, https://www.statista.com/statistics/189592/breakdown-of-us-video-game-sales-2009-by-genre/.
Danley, Kristin. “Top 10 Most Popular Gaming Genres in 2020.” Straits Research, Straits Research, 11 Apr. 2020, https://straitsresearch.com/blog/top-10-most-popular-gaming-genres-in-2020/.
“List of Video Game Genres.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 21 Nov. 2021, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_video_game_genres.
MasterClass. “Guide to Video Game Genres: 10 Popular Video Game Types - 2021.” MasterClass, MasterClass, 8 Nov. 2020, https://www.masterclass.com/articles/guide-to-video-game-genres.
Wirtz, Bryan. “The Complete Guide to Video Game Genres (Updated List).” 34 Popular Types of Video Games, Explained (With Examples and Fun Graphics), 23 Aug. 2021, https://www.gamedesigning.org/gaming/video-game-genres/.
“October 1958: Physicist Invents First Video Game.” American Physical Society, https://www.aps.org/publications/apsnews/200810/physicshistory.cfm
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