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🎮 Players, do you know how many types of video games there are? How many types of video games have you played? There are many categories of video games, each with its own genres and sub-genres. There are 17 categories in video games. Today in this post zenvu will tell you with examples what are these 17 categories of video games?
Classification of Video Games
Classification by Platform.
Classification by Business Model
Classification by General Categories
Classification by Platform
Video games are commonly classified into 3 main categories based on the platform:
- PC Games
- Console Games
- Mobile Games
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1. PC (Personal Computer): Games designed to be played on personal computers or laptops.
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2. Console Games: Games developed for specific gaming consoles, such as PlayStation, Xbox, or Nintendo.
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3. Mobile Games: Games designed for smartphones & tablets, accessible through app stores.
These platform categories encompass the majority of video game distribution, though some games may also be available on multiple platforms.
Classification of video games by business model
Video games are commonly classified into 3 main categories based on their business model:
- Free-to-Play (F2P)
- Pay-to-Play (P2P)
- Subscription-Based
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Free-to-Play (F2P): Games that are available for free, often generating revenue through in-game purchases, advertisements, or additional content.
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Pay-to-Play (P2P): Games that require an upfront payment before players can access and play them. This model is common for traditional console or PC games.
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Subscription-Based: Games that require a recurring payment, usually on a monthly or annual basis, granting players access to the game and additional content during the subscription period.
These categories represent the primary business models in the gaming industry.
Classification of video games by general categories
1. Action Game Genre
The action genre in video games is characterized by fast-paced gameplay that requires quick reflexes, hand-eye coordination, and a focus on combat or challenges. Action games often involve elements like shooting, fighting, or navigating through environments with obstacles & enemies. They may include sub-genres such as platformers, beat 'em ups, & first-person shooters. The emphasis is on player engagement, intense interactions, and a dynamic gaming experience. Popular franchises like "Call of Duty," "Devil May Cry," and "Uncharted" are examples of action games.
2. Adventure Game Genre
The Adventure genre in video games typically involves players navigating through a narrative-driven experience, often emphasizing exploration, puzzle-solving, and character interaction. Key features include:
1. Narrative Focus: Adventure games prioritize storytelling, often offering rich narratives, character development, & immersive worlds.
2. Exploration: Players explore diverse environments, uncovering secrets, solving puzzles, and progressing through the game's story.
3. Puzzle-Solving: Challenges & puzzles are integral to the gameplay, requiring creative problem-solving to advance.
4. Character Interaction: Interacting with non-player characters (NPCs) is common, and dialogue choices may influence the story or character relationships.
Classic examples of Adventure games include titles like "The Legend of Zelda," "Monkey Island," and "Broken Sword." The genre has evolved, incorporating elements from other genres, but the emphasis on narrative & exploration remains core to Adventure games.
3. Arcade Game Genre
The Arcade genre of video games refers to games that share characteristics with traditional arcade machines. These games are typically designed for short, intense gameplay sessions, aiming to entertain and challenge players. Key features of the Arcade genre include:
1. Quick Gameplay: Arcade games often have fast-paced & straightforward gameplay, encouraging players to make quick decisions & reactions.
2. High Score Focus: Many Arcade games prioritize achieving high scores, fostering competition among players.
3. Limited Lives or Continues: To maintain the challenge, Arcade games often limit the number of lives or continues a player has, adding a sense of urgency.
4. Simple Controls: The controls are usually simple & easy to grasp, allowing players to jump into the action without complex learning curves.
5. Diverse Genres: Arcade games can cover various genres, including classic genres like shooters, platformers, racing, & beat 'em ups.
While the traditional arcade machines are less common today, the spirit of the Arcade genre lives on in modern video games across different platforms.
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4. Board game genre
The term "Board" in the context of video games typically refers to digital adaptations of traditional board games. These games aim to recreate the experience of playing board games, such as chess, Monopoly, Scrabble, or Settlers of Catan, in a virtual environment. Players often interact with the game using a digital interface, and the rules and mechanics closely resemble those of the physical board games.
Digital board games may offer additional features like online multiplayer, computer opponents, & sometimes even enhanced graphics or animations while preserving the strategic & social aspects of traditional board gaming. They are a popular choice for those who enjoy board games but may not have physical counterparts or opponents readily available.
5. Card Game Genre
Card games in the video game genre often simulate traditional card games or offer unique digital experiences. These games typically involve decks of virtual cards with various abilities, attributes, or characters. Players build decks, strategize, & compete against AI or other players. Examples include collectible card games (CCGs) like Hearthstone or Magic: The Gathering Arena, where players collect virtual cards & construct decks for battles. Additionally, digital adaptations of traditional card games like Poker or Solitaire fall into this genre. The appeal lies in strategic planning, deck customization, & often a competitive or cooperative multiplayer aspect.
6. Casino Game Genre
The casino genre of video games typically simulates various casino activities & games of chance. These games often include digital versions of popular casino games such as poker, blackjack, roulette, slot machines, & more. Players can experience the thrill of gambling without real-world consequences.
Casino games in this genre may vary widely in terms of realism & complexity. Some focus on a single type of game, while others offer a variety of casino activities. Virtual currency or points are commonly used instead of real money for betting.
It's important to note that the casino genre in video games is for entertainment purposes and doesn't involve actual gambling with real currency.
7. Casual Game Genre
Casual games are characterized by their simple gameplay mechanics, accessibility, & ease of learning. These games are designed to be played in short sessions & often appeal to a broad audience, including people who may not typically consider themselves gamers. Casual games often have straightforward controls and a focus on fun, with less emphasis on complex storylines or immersive graphics.
Popular examples of casual games include puzzle games like Candy Crush Saga, mobile games like Angry Birds, and simple online games that anyone can pick up and play without a steep learning curve. The key is to provide entertainment that is easy to grasp and enjoyable for a diverse audience.
8. Educational Game Genre
Educational video games are designed with the primary goal of providing educational content or teaching specific skills while engaging players in an interactive & enjoyable gaming experience. These games often cover a wide range of subjects, including math, science, language arts, history, & more.
1. Learning Objectives: Clearly defined educational goals or skills that players are expected to acquire or enhance.
2. Interactivity: Engagement through interactive challenges, puzzles, or simulations that reinforce educational concepts.
3. Feedback Mechanisms: Immediate feedback on player performance to facilitate learning & improvement.
4. Adaptability: Some educational games adjust difficulty levels based on a player's progress to provide a personalized learning experience.
Examples of educational games include "Math Blaster," "Oregon Trail," & various language learning apps designed to make learning enjoyable & effective.
9. Music Game Genre
The music in video games spans a wide range of genres, reflecting the diverse themes & settings of different games. Common genres include:
1. Orchestral/Classical: Often used in epic or fantasy games to create a cinematic experience.
2. Electronic/Chiptune: Found in many retro or indie games, using synthesized sounds or old-school video game music styles.
3. Rock/Heavy Metal: Popular in action-packed or intense games, providing an energetic soundtrack.
4. Ambient/Atmospheric: Used in exploration or atmospheric games to enhance the mood & environment.
5. Jazz/Blues: Occasionally seen in noir or story-driven games, contributing to a unique atmosphere.
The genre of video game music varies widely based on the game's theme, setting, & intended emotional impact. Talented composers often blend different styles to create a fitting and immersive musical experience.
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10. Puzzle Game Genre
Puzzle games challenge players with problems or tasks to solve, often requiring logic, pattern recognition, & strategic thinking. These games come in various forms, ranging from traditional puzzles like crosswords and Sudoku to more interactive & dynamic experiences. Puzzle video games often feature engaging mechanics, innovative challenges, and a gradual increase in difficulty to keep players entertained and intellectually stimulated. Popular examples include Tetris, Portal, & Candy Crush.
11. Racing Game Genre
The Racing genre in video games focuses on simulating various forms of racing experiences. This genre includes a wide range of sub-genres, each with its own characteristics:
1. Sim Racing: Offers a realistic simulation of real-world racing, often with accurate physics, vehicle dynamics, & realistic tracks. Games like Gran Turismo & iRacing fall into this category.
2. Arcade Racing: Emphasizes fun & accessibility over realism. These games often feature exaggerated physics, boost systems, & a more casual approach to racing. Examples include Mario Kart & Need for Speed series.
3. Open-World Racing: Combines racing with an open-world environment, allowing players to explore a vast game world while participating in races. Forza Horizon & The Crew are notable examples.
4. Motorsport Management: Focuses on managing a racing team rather than direct racing. Players make strategic decisions, handle finances, & oversee the development of their team. Motorsport Manager is an example.
Overall, the Racing genre caters to a diverse audience, ranging from realistic simulation enthusiasts to those who prefer more casual & arcade-style gameplay.
12. Role Playing Game Genre
Role-playing games (RPGs) immerse players in fictional worlds where they take on the roles of characters, often with specific abilities, traits, & a storyline. Key features include:
1. Character Development: Players typically control a character's progression, making choices that affect skills, attributes, & sometimes the overall narrative.
2. Storyline and Quests: RPGs often have rich, narrative-driven plots with various quests & missions that contribute to character development and the overall game story.
3. Exploration: Players explore expansive game worlds, discovering new locations, interacting with non-player characters (NPCs), and uncovering hidden items or secrets.
4. Combat Systems: RPGs may involve turn-based or real-time combat, and characters often have unique abilities or spells that players can strategically use in battles.
5. Choices and Consequences: Decision-making plays a crucial role, impacting the game's outcome, character relationships, & the overall gaming experience.
Popular RPG franchises include "The Elder Scrolls," "Final Fantasy," & "The Witcher." The genre offers diverse experiences, ranging from fantasy & science fiction settings to historical and contemporary themes.
13. Simulation Game Genre
Simulation games aim to replicate real-world activities or systems, offering players a realistic & immersive experience. Within the simulation genre, you'll find a diverse range of games covering various subjects. Examples include:
1. Life Simulation: Games like The Sims allow players to create and control virtual characters, managing their daily lives, relationships, & careers.
2. City Building: SimCity & Cities: Skylines fall into this category, where players construct and manage virtual cities, dealing with aspects like infrastructure, economy, & citizen happiness.
3. Vehicle Simulation: Games like Microsoft Flight Simulator or Euro Truck Simulator provide a realistic experience of flying planes or driving trucks, respecting the nuances of the vehicles and their environments.
4. Business Simulation: Titles such as RollerCoaster Tycoon or Zoo Tycoon allow players to manage businesses, whether it's building & operating an amusement park or running a zoo.
5. Farming Simulation: Stardew Valley & Farming Simulator series simulate the challenges and activities of farming life, including planting crops, raising animals, & managing resources.
Simulation games often emphasize strategy, decision-making, & a sense of accomplishment as players successfully navigate the complexities of the simulated environment.
14. Sports Game Genre
Sports video games simulate real-world sports, allowing players to virtually participate in various athletic activities. These games often replicate the rules and mechanics of specific sports such as soccer, basketball, football, racing, and more. Key features of sports games include realistic graphics, player/team customization, & often multiplayer modes for competitive or cooperative gameplay. They aim to provide an immersive experience by capturing the essence of the chosen sport, from realistic physics to strategic elements. Popular franchises like FIFA, Madden NFL, and NBA 2K fall under the sports genre.
15. Strategy Game Genre
The Strategy genre in video games typically involves planning, decision-making, and resource management to achieve specific goals. Games in this genre often emphasize tactical thinking and long-term strategy. Here are some common characteristics:
1. Real-Time Strategy (RTS): Players make decisions in real-time, managing resources, building bases, and commanding units to defeat opponents.
2. Turn-Based Strategy (TBS): Gameplay progresses in turns, allowing players to carefully plan their moves, make strategic decisions, and often engage in battles with opponents.
3. 4X (Explore, Expand, Exploit, Exterminate): Strategy games where players control an empire and focus on exploration, expansion, resource exploitation, & military conquest.
4. Tower Defense: Players strategically place defensive structures to prevent waves of enemies from reaching a specific point.
5. Grand Strategy: In-depth strategy games that often involve managing entire nations or civilizations, focusing on diplomacy, economy, & warfare.
Popular examples include titles like StarCraft (RTS), Civilization (4X), and XCOM (TBS), showcasing the diverse sub-genres within the Strategy category.
16. Trivia Game Genre
Trivia games in the video game genre focus on challenging players' knowledge across various topics. Players typically answer questions presented in the game, testing their general knowledge, specific subject expertise, or pop culture awareness. These games often feature a competitive element, allowing players to compete against each other or the game itself to earn points or progress.
Formats can vary, ranging from solo play to multiplayer modes where individuals or teams compete head-to-head. Trivia games may cover a wide range of categories, such as history, science, entertainment, or sports, providing a diverse and engaging experience for players who enjoy testing their knowledge and learning new facts.
17. Word Game Genre
Word games in the video game genre typically involve challenges related to language, vocabulary, and problem-solving. Players often engage in activities such as forming words, solving anagrams, crossword puzzles, or other linguistic tasks. These games can range from casual and educational to competitive and fast-paced. Word games often appeal to a broad audience, offering entertainment while enhancing language skills. Examples include Scrabble, Boggle, & various mobile apps designed for word puzzles.
Conclusion
Video games are divided into 3 categories based on platform, PC, console & mobile games. Based on the business model, video games are divided into 3 categories, FTP, PTP & subscription based. Do you know that every genre also has sub-genres? You will know what types of video games are in those subgenres in the next blog. So subscribe to zenvu now. If you are interested in watching gaming content, you can subscribe to zenvu (YouTube) channel.
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