The 7 Most Popular Video Game Genres.Since their inception, many different styles of video games have been created for gamers. There is something for everyone, whether you want something action-oriented that uses your brain to solve puzzles or strategize, or something relaxing with casual gameplay.
If you’re new to video games or want to explore new genres, trying to sort through all of them can be a little tricky. Below you will find a simple breakdown of each genre and the sub-genres within each. Some of the most popular games in this genre will also be listed, so if you find one you like, you can try it out for yourself.
1. Action
Action video games tend to be fast-paced and focus more on hand-eye coordination skills. These are usually games that will keep you on your toes and include a lot of combat mechanics. Some sub-genres are shooters, platformers, fighting games, and survival games. Action games often combine elements from other genres such as RPG or strategy games.As you may have noticed, this genre includes many video games. Some of the most popular in this genre are Apex Legends, Call of Duty, Doom, Super Smash Bros., Metal Gear Solid, Resident Evil and many more.
2. Adventure
Adventure games were among the first games created with text-based games. These games are not action oriented or any kind of coordination or reflex skills, but are instead based on exploration and decision making. Adventure games are great for casual and laid-back entertainment. Popular modern adventure games include Life is Strange, Myst, Firewatch and more.However, many games are considered adventure games that combine elements of both genres, such as Fallout, The Last of Us, God of War, and The Legend of Zelda. Adventure games tend to be more common than just adventure games.
3. Role-Playing Games
Role-playing games, or RPGs, take on many of the mechanics of classic tabletop RPGs. RPGs are heavily focused on gaining experience, leveling up your characters, and gradually increasing strength and skill. Role-playing games combine elements of adventure, such as exploring areas. RPGs may also include elements of strategy or action, depending on whether the game’s combat is turn-based or real-time.There are quite a few sub-genres within the RPG genre, such as MMORPGs (Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Games), roguelikes that mainly focus on exploring randomly generated dungeons, tactical RPGs focused on turn-based combat, and sandbox RPGs. , which are role-playing games placed in an open environment for exploration.Some popular RPGs include Final Fantasy, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, Elden Ring, Pokemon, Witcher 3, World of Warcraft, and many more.
4. Sandbox and Open-World
In open world and sandbox games, players are not limited to choosing one route, but can explore the environment in any way they wish. Sandbox games give players a lot of creative options to change the game world, while open world games focus more on the open environment.Sandbox and open world games are often paired with other types of games, especially RPGs. Some examples of sandbox and open world games include Minecraft, Garry’s Mod, Grand Theft Auto, No Man’s Sky and others.
5. Strategy
In strategy games, players must make careful and thoughtful decisions based on several game factors in order to succeed. For this reason, many strategy games have no time limit and are turn-based. The mechanics of strategy games are very similar to board games. However, many strategy games still run in real time.Some popular examples of strategy games include Sid Meier’s Civilization, Warhammer 40,000, Starcraft, League of Legends, and more.
6. Simulation
Simulation games are usually created to mimic various aspects of real life. Some common types of simulation games are life simulations, farming simulations, and construction simulations. These games have many variable mechanics depending on the type of simulation. They are also usually more casual game oriented.Examples of simulation games include The Sims, Stardew Valley, Animal Crossing, SimCity, Zoo Tycoon, etc.
7. Puzzle
The puzzles focus on the player’s problem-solving skills to progress through the game. Many other genres use puzzle elements, but pure puzzle games only focus on puzzles. This is a popular genre of mobile games like Candy Crush or Cut the Rope. More extensive puzzle games may include a story to follow as the puzzles are completed, and the story may refer directly to the puzzles themselves.Puzzle examples include Portal, Professor Layton, Tetris, Scribblenauts, The Room, and more.
Find Your Next Favorite Game By Exploring These Genres
No matter what kind of gamer you are, with so many different games, you can always find something new that will give you an exciting and entertaining experience. Whether you want fast-paced gameplay, games that take time and thought, or relaxing games to play when you have free time, video games have something for everyone.
The 7 Most Popular Video Game Genres
The 7 Most Popular Video Game Genres