Video Game Genres Explained: A Guide to Finding Your Next Game
The Displate Blog has published a comprehensive guide to video game genres, aimed at helping players identify games that match their preferences. The article explains that genres categorize games by gameplay mechanics rather than setting or story, using examples like DOOM and Resident Evil to illustrate differences. It notes that there is no official consensus on the number of genres, with six to eight core genres commonly recognized, branching into numerous subgenres such as Soulslikes, Metroidvanias, Roguelites, and MOBAs. The guide details six main genres: Action (e.g., DOOM, Street Fighter, Super Mario Bros.), Adventure (e.g., The Legend of Zelda, Tomb Raider), Role-Playing Games (RPGs) (e.g., The Witcher 3, World of Warcraft), Strategy (e.g., Age of Empires, Sid Meier's Civilization), Simulation and Sandbox (e.g., Minecraft, The Sims), and Puzzle and Casual (e.g., Portal, Tetris). Each genre is described with its core appeal and popular subgenres. The article also discusses how modern games often blend genres, leading to hybrid labels like action RPGs. It concludes by encouraging readers to choose based on what sounds fun and promotes Displate's collection of gaming metal posters. The guide is published on the Displate Blog, a platform known for art-related content, but this article focuses on gaming, a topic that intersects with digital art and design.
Key facts
- Video game genres group titles by gameplay mechanics, not setting or story.
- DOOM and Resident Evil are used as examples of different genres despite both featuring monsters.
- There is no official number of video game genres; six to eight core genres are commonly recognized.
- Subgenres include Soulslikes, Metroidvanias, Roguelites, and MOBAs.
- Action games focus on reflexes and real-time combat, with examples like DOOM, Street Fighter, and Super Mario Bros.
- Adventure games emphasize exploration and storytelling, with examples like The Legend of Zelda and Tomb Raider.
- RPGs feature character progression and choices, with examples like The Witcher 3 and World of Warcraft.
- Strategy games reward planning and resource management, with examples like Age of Empires and Sid Meier's Civilization.
- Simulation and sandbox games offer creativity and freedom, with examples like Minecraft and The Sims.
- Puzzle and casual games challenge logic and are easy to pick up, with examples like Portal and Tetris.
- Modern games often blend genres, creating hybrid labels like action RPGs.
- The article is published on the Displate Blog and promotes Displate's gaming metal posters.
Entities
Institutions
- Displate Blog
- Displate