Just like movies, video games have different genres as well. And to be a certified gamer, you should be able to determine a game’s genre. Here’s a list of 15 video game genres you must know as a gamer or a game creator.
RPGs
RPG for “Role-Playing Game.” In RPGs, you assume the role of a character that can interact within the game’s imaginary world.
Samples include:
– Kingdom Hearts II
– Final Fantasy
– World of Warcraft
Fighting Games
If you love 1v1 (versus games), this is the game genre for you. This type of video game involves combat player/s. Test your timings on blocking, grappling, counter-attacking, and chaining your attacks together into “combos.”
Samples include:
– Mortal Kombat
– Tekken 7
– Street Fighter
Simulation Games
It can also be called “Sim Games,” for short. Whether learning how to fish, operating a farm, or a theme park.. simulation games are designed to imitate activities you can also do in the real world.
Samples include:
– Civilization VI
– The Sims 4
– Spore
Visual Novel
Love reading stories, but want to experience being part of the decision-making in the story and see illustrations with it? Those are visual novel games. Usually in anime or manga art styles.
Samples include:
– Doki Doki Literature Club
– Monster Prom
– Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy
Shooter Games
Just shoot enemies and other targets. FPS or “First-Person Shooter” is one of its popular sub-genre centered on gun and other weapon-based combat from a first-person perspective.
Samples include:
– Counter-Strike
– Valorant
– Call of Duty
Action-Adventure Games
Action Games require many physical challenges like hand-eye coordination and reaction time. Add Adventure to that, you also get some storyline and characters that’ll enrich your gaming experience.
Samples include:
– God of War
– Ghost Of Tsushima
– It Takes Two
Racing Games
By default, it’s a competitive game genre where you can participate in a racing competition.
Samples include:
– Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
– Daytona USA
– Need for Speed: Most Wanted
MOBA
No, it’s not short for “mobile.” It means “Multiplayer Online Battle Arena.” These games are typically 5v5 that have to play against each other. The ultimate goal is to destroy the enemy’s base!
Samples include:
– League of Legends
– DotA2
– Arena of Valor
Battle Royale
Explore, Collect useful items and survive! That’s what generally it’s all about.
Samples include:
– Apex Legends
– Fortnite: Battle Royale
– PlayerUnknown Battlegrounds (PUBG)
RTS Games
Real-Time Strategy Game. Build units using resources and defeat your opponent with time pressure!
Samples include:
– Starcraft II: Wings Of Liberty
– Age of Empires II: The Age Of Kings
– Command & Conquer: Red Alert
Gacha Games
Do you love randomness and surprises? Gacha games are for you. In these games, you’ll have to use in-game currencies (that usually, of course, can be purchased with real-world money) to get that random rarity you want as a surprise.
Samples include:
– Genshin Impact
– Fire Emblem Heroes
– Honkai Star Rail
Horror Games
Scary game, that’s it. 👀
Samples include:
– Resident Evil
– Silent Hill 2
– Outlast 2
Trading Card Games (TCG)
Also known as CCG or Collectible Card Game. A mix of strategic deck building that features trading cards.
Samples include:
– Magic: The Gathering Arena
– Hearthstone
– Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Links
Sandbox Games
Love the open world and just do almost anything you want? The sandbox game genre is for you. These kinds of games allow players to roam around the game world.
Samples include:
– Minecraft
– Grand Theft Auto
– ARK: Survival Evolved
Platformer Games
Or “Platform Games.” Here, you run, jump, avoid obstacles, and defeat enemies. Considered to be one of the first game genres.
Samples include:
– Megaman 2
– Sonic the Hedgehog 2
– Super Mario 64
What’s your favorite game genre from this list?
