What Are the Different Types of Video Game Genres?

From classic text-based adventures to immersive virtual reality, there are many different types of video games out there. In this guide, we'll explore the various genres of video games and provide an overview of each one.

Action Games.

Action games are renowned for their fast-paced gameplay and intense challenges. These titles can range from traditional side-scrolling shooters to open-world adventures and first-person shooters. Some of the most iconic action titles include Super Mario Bros, Halo, and Grand Theft Auto. Generally speaking, action games focus on combat and require gamers to advance levels by defeating enemies or obstacles with fast reflexes.

Adventure Games.

Adventure games feature storylines and characters which often center around exploration, puzzle-solving, and problem-solving. These titles typically have broad expanses with nonlinear narratives that can be explored in a variety of ways. Popular adventure game titles include the Legend of Zelda series, Assassin’s Creed series, and Syberia. Adventure games give players the freedom to explore various areas for clues and items which will help them progress through the game.

Role-Playing Games (RPGs) 

Role-playing games (RPGs) feature storylines and characters often centered around exploration, puzzle-solving, and problem-solving. These titles typically have detailed narratives that the player must overcome to access powerful weapons, abilities, and items. Popular RPG titles include the Final Fantasy series, Fallout series, and Oblivion. RPGs allow players to make significant choices throughout their journey, shaping the final outcome of their adventure.

Simulation Games.

Simulation games put players in realistic settings and scenarios, recreating real-world work or activities. Players must learn how to perform activities such as driving a racecar, flying a plane, constructing buildings, or managing a business. Popular simulation titles include The Sims series, Flight Simulator X, Construction & Management Simulation (CMS) series, and SimCity. These types of games often require knowledge of game mechanics to understand all of their features and function properly.

Strategy Games.

Strategy games often involve planning, resource management, and exploration. This genre includes popular titles such as the Civilization series, Age of Empires series, Starcraft series, and many more. Players must carefully plan out their strategies with an eye on resources such as food and technology to win each game. They may also have to explore new lands in search of resources or battle enemies to gain control of an area.