With a vast range of video games genres out there, it can be tricky to figure out which one to choose for your next phenomenal game idea.
It’s like standing in a massive library without a map. Not knowing where to start or what to choose.
But don’t worry! We’ve got you covered.
Join us in this blog as we explore different types of video game genres.
If you are a game developer, a marketing agency or just interested in the gaming world, understanding the different types of video game genres will help you create the best type of game for your target audience.
Let’s dive in.
Major Video Game Genres
Action
Action games involve quick moves and fast reflexes. These games often have intense combat and tricky obstacles. These types of games rely on a player’s hand-eye coordination and strategic thinking.
Some of the most popular titles in this video game genre include “Call of Duty”, which uses 3D art style to recreate real life battle arenas and locations.
Another example of the action video game genre is “Fortnite”. This game inhibits stylized cartoon art style. It uses exaggerated character movements and high contrast colors that make it unique and fun to play.
According to Newzoo, action games accounted for 26% of the global game animation market in 2023.
Adventure
These types of games focus on exploration and solving puzzles. They offer amazing stories and cool challenges. They focus on problem-solving skills and creativity of its players.
One example of this type of video game is: “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild”. This game has a vast landscape laid out in a detailed 3D animated world. It has highly detailed universes that require puzzle solving in an epic environment.
In adventure games, a game artist doesn’t just focus on aesthetics, but also on the game mechanics and player interaction. For example, subtle animation cues can guide players or hint at solutions to puzzles.
Role-playing Games (RPGs)
RPGs include titles like “Final Fantasy” and “The Witcher,”. These are the types of video games that are often created using a realistic game art style and carry deep storylines and character building.
You’ll go on quests and fight battles in fantastical lands. These types of video games encourage strategic planning and empathy through storytelling.
High-quality animation is an important part of a successful RPG. As they help convey emotions and actions, adding depth to the story. For example, a character’s subtle facial expressions can reveal their inner thoughts, enhancing player connection.
Moreover, dynamic and responsive worlds created using detailed animations allow players to interact with their environment in meaningful ways. This high level of interactivity and realism is what makes RPGs truly engaging.
Simulation
This type of video game genre requires the gamer to impersonate real-life characters or scenarios. Take games like “The Sims” where you can manage everything from a farm to a busy city.
One of the popular titles in this video game genre is “The Sims 4” – Create and control characters, build homes, and live virtual lives.
Since this video game genre replicates real-life, a game artist needs to use high-quality animations to create highly detailed characters and environments. Moreover, it’s also important to make interactions and movements as close to real life as possible. Which is what makes this video game genre stand out.
Strategy
This video game genre includes games like “StarCraft”. This type of video game requires planning and resource management. You’ll control armies and manage resources to win.
A game artist focuses on creating levels that require critical thinking and decision making skills to win.
Just like other genres, high-quality animations in strategy games are important. As they make the gameplay visually compelling and helps in conveying essential information to players.
For instance, smooth animations can make the intricate movements of armies clear and easy to follow. This clarity is important for players to execute their strategies effectively.
According to a survey, strategy games are expected to grow at a CAGR of 12% from 2021 to 2026.
Sports
This video game genre includes titles like “FIFA” and “NBA 2K”. They bring real-world sports to your screen. You can play solo or with friends in these realistic games. The focus of the game artists in these types of games is focus on gameplay that requires teamwork and strategic planning.
High-quality animation in sports games add to realism and immersion. From the lifelike movements of players to the detailed animations of crowd reactions, every element contributes to a more authentic experience.
It also ensures that gameplay feels fluid and responsive, making each match exciting and dynamic.
Puzzle
In this list of video game genres, Puzzle games are the ones more focused on solving challenges and require players to think critically. In the start you get simpler levels. Which gets progressively hard as you level up.
A popular example is: Candy Crush Saga – Align colorful candies to clear levels and score points. The goal of a game artist is to create levels that require logical reasoning and creative thinking skills.
Animation is a puzzle game that also determines its success. High quality animations make the puzzles visually attractive and provide feedback that enhances the gaming experience. For example, smooth transitions and effects when you make a move can make the game more satisfying.
Moreover, clear and high quality animation can make the challenges more understandable.
Sub-genres and Examples
Apart from the main video game genres, there are also sub-genre:
Action-Adventure
A blend of action and adventure. A game artist creates epic landscapes that have fights and puzzle solving to do.
One of the shining examples of this video game genre: Tomb Raider – Navigate ancient tombs and solve puzzles while facing danger.
Again animation plays a key role bringing the environments and characters to life. Quality animation adds fluidity in combat and puzzle-solving sequences, making the gameplay more immersive.
MMORPG
Heard about the massively popular: “World of Warcraft”? That’s an example of Massively Multiplayer Online RPGs. This video game genre lets thousands of players interact in a virtual world.
A shining example: World of Warcraft – Complete quests, join guilds, and explore a massive fantasy world. The goal of a game artist is to focus on character art styles that enhance social interaction and teamwork.
By prioritizing high-quality animations, game developers can add to the visual appeal and gameplay mechanics, making each adventure and interaction more enjoyable.
First-Person Shooter (FPS)
Think of games like “Counter-Strike”. FPS games focus on shooting from the first-person view. They’re often competitive and require quick reflexes, fast reaction time and strategic thinking.
Game artists play an important role in the success of an FPS game. Making sure the shooting mechanics, character movements, and environmental interactions are smooth and responsive.
They work to make every bullet fired, every reload, and every movement feel lifelike. This attention to detail is what makes FPS games so intense and enjoyable.
Sandbox/Open World
Open World/Sandbox games offer players a vast world to explore and create. In it you set your own goals and play your way. Take the example of Minecraft. You build and explore endless blocky worlds. These types of video games foster creativity and problem-solving.
High quality Animation in Sandbox/Open World games enhances the sense of freedom and immersion. It makes the world feel more alive and interactive.
Smooth animations for actions like building, exploring, and interacting with the environment make the game more engaging and enjoyable.
Battle Royale
Competing to be the last man standing. This video game genre involves scavenging for gear and battling others. One of the most famous examples of these types of games is Fortnite. In which players have to fight to survive an ever-shrinking map.
High quality animations in a Battle Royale are important for creating a dynamic experience. They make sure that the movements, combat actions, and environmental changes are fluid and responsive. Making each each math thrilling and keeping players on the edge of their seats,
This game enhances strategic planning and quick thinking. According to a recent stat, Battle Royale games have a player base of over 200 million globally.
Emerging Trends
Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) are getting increasingly popular. They add a new dimension of immersion and interactivity in games. That takes gamers into the game itself.
Beat Saber is one leading example of the VR video game genre. In this game players are supposed to slash blocks in a realistic 3D environment, using handheld VR dongles, to the rhythm of the music.
The Augmented Reality video game genre is also getting popular with titles like Pokemon Go. In which users see detailed 3D models of Pokemons in the real world through their mobile screens. Which they have to capture to win.
The VR gaming industry is expected to grow at a rate of 30% from 2021 – 2026.
Choosing the Right Video Game Genre
|
Strategy |
Details |
| Understand Your Audience | Knowing what players like helps create targeted campaigns; research your audience’s favorite genres for relevant content. |
| Leverage Popular Genres | Use trending genres to attract more users; popular genres have large, dedicated fan bases. |
| Analyze Competitors | Examine successful games in your target genre to understand what works and what doesn’t. |
| Focus On Quality | High-quality animations and engaging gameplay are essential. |
Data and Statistics
- Market Share: Action games lead with 26%, followed by RPGs at 21%.
- Player Demographics: A study by the Entertainment Software Association found that 41% of gamers are women, and the average gamer is 34 years old.
- Revenue: The global video game market made $159 billion in 2020, with mobile games making up 49% of that.
Tips for Choosing the Right Genre
- Research Trends: Stay updated on the latest trends to see what’s hot.
- Analyze Competitors: Look at successful games in your target genre to see what works.
- Focus on Quality: High-quality animations and engaging gameplay are key.
Choosing the Right Video Game Genre
Understanding video game genres is super important for business owners and marketers. It helps you make smart choices and create content that really clicks with your audience.
By tapping into each genre’s unique features, you can connect with players and create fun, memorable experiences.
If you require game animation services for your project. Contact our expert game artists today.
