Video game genres are categories or labels that identify types of video games Video games come in many shapes, sizes, and formats, from console and mobile platforms to PC, virtual reality, and augmented reality titles. Genres are used to categorize video game titles so that players can quickly and easily search for games they enjoy.
The most common genres are Action, Adventure, Simulation, Sports, Racing, Role-Playing, Strategy, and Puzzle games. Each of these genres has a variety of sub-genres to choose from, allowing players to select titles that best fit their tastes and preferences.
Action: Action-packed games will keep players on their toes as they complete missions, defeat enemies, and attempt to complete objectives. Popular action genres include FPS (First-Person Shooters), Third-Person Shooters, Platformers, Hack and Slash, and Action-Adventure titles. Examples include DOOM Eternal, Grand Theft Auto V, and Super Mario Odyssey.
Adventure: Adventure games focus on an interactive narrative, puzzles, and exploration. Sub-genres include Point & Click, Text-Based Adventures, Graphic Adventures, and Visual Novels. Popular titles include Life is Strange, The Witcher 3, and Broken Age.
Simulation: Simulation games allow players to build virtual worlds, manage resources, and create and control characters. Sub-genres in this category include City Building, Life Simulation, Construction and Management Simulation, Vehicle Simulation, and Sports Simulation. Popular simulation titles include The Sims 4, Cities: Skylines, and American Truck Simulator.
Sports: Sports games are titles that simulate real-world athletic events. Sub-genres include Racing, Arcade-Style, and Simulation Sports games. Popular titles include Madden NFL 21, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, and Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2.
Racing: Racing games are titles that focus on driving, be it on the street or the track. Sub-genres include Arcade Racers, Simulation Racers, Off-Road Racing, and Kart Racing. Popular titles include Forza Horizon 4, DiRT Rally 2.0, and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.
Role-Playing: Role-playing games (RPGs) are titles that allow players to assume the role of a character, explore a game world, and level up and develop their character's abilities. Sub-genres in this category include Western RPGs, Japanese RPGs, Action RPGs, and Tactical RPGs. Popular titles include The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, Persona 5 Royal, and Pillars of Eternity.
Strategy: Strategy games require players to plan ahead, build bases and armies, and choose the best course of action to achieve objectives. Sub-genres of strategy games include Real-Time Strategy (RTS), Turn-Based Strategy, 4X, and Tower Defense. Popular titles include Civilization VI, Fire Emblem: Three Houses, and Frostpunk.
Puzzle: Puzzle games challenge players to solve puzzles, utilize logic, and find solutions to problems. Sub-genres of puzzle games include Match-3 games, Physics-Based Puzzles, and Hidden Object Games. Popular titles include The Gardens Between, The Witness, and Tetris Effect.