Anyone who’s spent more than a couple hours playing video games can tell you that there’s more than one type of game out there. In fact, there are dozens of genres, each with their own sub-genres. And while some games may have elements of multiple genres, they usually tend to fall into one main category. In this blog post, we will explore the different types of video games so that you can have a better idea of what’s out there. From first-person shooters to puzzle games and everything in between, we’ll cover the most popular genres and some of the defining characteristics of each.
Table of Contents
- Mainstream video games
- Indie video games
- Mobile games
- Augmented reality games
- Virtual reality games
- Educational video games
- Conclusion
Mainstream video games
There are many different types of video games, but the most popular type is probably the mainstream video game. These are the big-budget games that are released by the major publishers and usually have mass appeal. They are often packed with cutting-edge graphics, Hollywood-style production values and action-packed gameplay. Some of the most popular mainstream games include Call of Duty, Grand Theft Auto and Mario Kart.
Indie video games
Indie video games are those created by independent developers, often without the financial backing of a publisher. These games tend to be more creative and experimental than AAA titles, and can be found on platforms like Steam and itch.io.
Mobile games
While most video games are played on consoles or computers, an increasing number are being played on mobile devices such as phones and tablets. Mobile games come in many different genres, from puzzle games and strategy games to action games and multiplayer games.
One popular genre of mobile game is the “freemium” game, which is offered for free but allows players to make in-game purchases for additional content or features. Another popular type of mobile game is the “endless runner”, which is a simple game that can be played for an indefinite amount of time.
Mobile games often take advantage of touchscreens and other features of mobile devices to provide an immersive and interactive experience. Some mobile games are designed specifically for certain types of devices, such as the Nintendo DS or PlayStation Vita.
Augmented reality games
With augmented reality games, players are able to interact with and manipulate virtual objects in the real world. These type of video games often use a device such as a smartphone or tablet to augment the game environment. Some well-known examples of augmented reality games include Pokemon Go and Ingress.
Virtual reality games
There are many different types of video games, but one type that is becoming increasingly popular is virtual reality (VR) games. VR games place the player in a computer-generated environment that can simulate real or imaginary experiences. These games can be very immersive and provide a unique gaming experience.
Some popular VR games include Beat Saber, Job Simulator, and Superhot. Beat Saber is a rhythm game where players use light sabers to slash incoming objects to the beat of the music. Job Simulator is a physics-based game where players perform various tasks in a virtual world, such as cooking or driving. Superhot is an action game where time only moves when the player does, allowing them to plan out their moves and take down enemies in slow motion.
VR games can be played on dedicated gaming consoles, such as the PlayStation 4 or Xbox One, or on personal computers using a VR headset, such as the Oculus Rift or HTC Vive.
Educational video games
There are many different types of video games, but educational video games are a subgenre that can be extremely beneficial for players of all ages. These games are designed to teach players about various topics, ranging from history and science to language arts and math. Many educational video games also aim to improve players’ problem-solving skills and help them develop critical thinking abilities.
One of the benefits of educational video games is that they can be tailored to fit the needs of any player. For example, a game designed to teach multiplication could be adjusted to make it easier or harder depending on the player’s skill level. Additionally, these games can be played at the player’s own pace, meaning they can take as much time as they need to understand the material.
Another advantage of educational video games is that they often incorporate engaging gameplay mechanics that keep players hooked. For instance, many of these games use an “adventure” format in which players must complete various tasks in order to progress. This format not only keeps players engaged, but it also allows them to feel a sense of accomplishment as they move through the game.
If you’re looking for an enjoyable way to learn something new, or if you want to give your brain a workout, consider checking out some educational video games!
Conclusion
There are many different types of video games, each with their own unique gameplay mechanics, graphics, and story. While some gamers prefer one type of game over another, the best way to figure out what type of game is right for you is to simply try out as many different types as possible. With so many great options available, there’s sure to be a type of game that you’ll enjoy playing. Thanks for reading!