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1->''"Video games are my favorite video games."''
2-->-- ''[[http://www.supermegacomics.com/index.php?i=123 Super Mega Comics #123]]''
3
4Genre, as applied to VideoGames, customarily describes the style of gameplay rather than that of the story or setting as in other media. Many games mix and match among them.
5
6It is also possible to move from one gameplay style to another within the same game, e.g. {{Mini Game}}s, vehicle sequences within action games, etc. These gameplay changes can sometimes be [[UnexpectedGameplayChange unnecessary or unwanted]], especially if the game transitions between them jarringly with poor integration between them.
7
8Notable games in each genre can be found on the individual pages. Note that many games can and should be in multiple genres, as the lines can often get blurred, or games can [[GameplayRoulette incorporate elements of more than one genre]]. If you have a new game to add, put it in every genre you think it belongs! There are other, more thorough, game databases.
9
10Also see {{Pinball}}, the arcade predecessor to video games.
11----
12[[index]]
13[[foldercontrol]]
14
15[[folder:General game genres]]
16These are the most common classifications applied to video games, usually pertaining to their style of gameplay.
17----
18* ActionAdventure: A game that combines parts from Action Games and Adventure Games together. This means a balanced focus on combat and exploration/puzzle-solving. (ex: ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaI'' series, ''VideoGame/GodOfWar'' series)
19** {{Metroidvania}}: A game that combines parts from ActionAdventure Games and {{Platform Game}}s together. Features emphasis on exploring an interconnected environment and obtaining skills necessary to reach new areas of said environment. (ex: ''VideoGame/SuperMetroid'', ''VideoGame/CastlevaniaSymphonyOfTheNight'')
20** StealthBasedGame: A game in which the player character must hide and sneak through the level while avoiding notice from much more powerful enemies that the player character cannot take head-on. (ex: ''VideoGame/MetalGear'' series, ''VideoGame/SplinterCell'' series)
21** SurvivalSandbox: A game where the primary objective is to survive for as long as possible in a hostile, often open-ended environment. (ex: ''VideoGame/{{Minecraft}}'', ''VideoGame/NoMansSky'')
22** SurvivalHorror: A game that features overwhelmed protagonist(s), oppressive atmosphere based on {{Horror}} conventions and a need for careful management of resources (ammo, health, etc.). (ex: the first three ''[[VideoGame/ResidentEvil1 Resident Evil]]'')
23* ActionGame: A game that is primarily about physical challenges, such as combat and obstacle crossing. (ex: ''VideoGame/AsurasWrath'')
24** PlatformGame (Platformer): A game in which jumping is an important action for navigating the environment. Leaping and climbing between platforms of varying heights and over or onto enemy characters forms a large part of the gameplay. (ex: ''Franchise/SuperMarioBros'' series, ''Franchise/SonicTheHedgehog'' series)
25*** CinematicPlatformGame: A Platform Game that portrays itself more realistically. (ex: ''VideoGame/PrinceOfPersia'' series, ''VideoGame/AnotherWorld'')
26*** CollectAThonPlatformer: A Platform Game set in relatively open levels where collecting a certain number of pickups is necessary to progress further into the game. (ex: ''VideoGame/BanjoKazooie'', the first three ''VideoGame/SpyroTheDragon'' games)
27*** EliminationPlatformer: A game that requires players to use the concept of jumping from one platform to another to clear the entire level of enemies. (ex: ''VideoGame/BubbleBobble'' series)
28*** PlatformHell: A Platform Game with intentionally cranked up and unfair difficulty, usually for comedic value. (ex: ''VideoGame/IWannaBeTheGuy'', ''VideoGame/SuperMeatBoy'')
29*** PuzzlePlatformer: A game that combines parts from Platform Games and Puzzle Games together. (ex: ''VideoGame/{{Portal}}'', ''VideoGame/{{Fez}}'')
30*** RunAndGun: A platformer that borrows elements from the ShootEmUp genre. (ex: ''VideoGame/{{Contra}}'' series, ''VideoGame/MetalSlug'' series)
31** BeatEmUp: A SubGenre of Action Game with the player character fighting primarily with punches and kicks against large hordes of [[{{Mooks}} relatively weaker]] enemies. (ex: ''VideoGame/StreetsOfRage'', ''VideoGame/FinalFight'')
32*** {{Hack and Slash}}: A BeatEmUp where the player character primarily wields close range melee weaponry, like a sword or axe. (ex: ''VideoGame/DynastyWarriors'' series)
33*** StylishAction: A game that allows the player to create spectacle through its mechanics, where their performance in fighting enemies gets graded under certain criteria and then rewarded accordingly. (ex: ''VideoGame/DevilMayCry'' series, ''VideoGame/SunsetOverdrive'')
34** Shooter: A game in which the gameplay revolves around shooting with guns and other ranged weapons.
35*** FirstPersonShooter (FPS): A 3D shooter in which the perspective is through the eyes of the player character, and the action revolves around shooting. (ex: ''Franchise/{{Doom}}'' series, ''VideoGame/CallOfDuty'' series)
36*** ArenaShooter: Early FPS multiplayer-based subgenre where everyone starts on equal foot and the items are scattered across the map. (ex: ''VideoGame/QuakeIIIArena'', ''VideoGame/UnrealTournament'')
37*** [[ThirdPersonShooter Third-Person Shooter]] (TPS): A 3D shooter that has the camera looking behind the player character or over their shoulder, and involves the use of guns and similar weapons. (ex: ''VideoGame/GearsOfWar'' series, ''Franchise/{{Splatoon}}'' series)
38*** HeroShooter: A First or Third-Person Shooter in which each character has different abilities and weapons. (ex: ''VideoGame/TeamFortress2'', ''VideoGame/{{Overwatch}}'')
39*** LightGunGame: A game in which the player has a pointing device that resembles a gun and points it at the screen to shoot on-screen enemies. Often a RailShooter, but the player character can be completely stationary as well. (ex: ''VideoGame/DuckHunt'', ''VideoGame/TheHouseOfTheDead'' series)
40*** LooterShooter: A First or Third-Person Shooter incorporating RPGElements, namely, the acquisition of better gear by finding it in the world. (ex: ''VideoGame/{{Borderlands}}'' series, ''VideoGame/EscapeFromTarkov'')
41*** RailShooter: A game in which the computer controls most of your movement and you control the shots. (ex: the original ''[[VideoGame/StarFox1 Star Fox]]'', ''VideoGame/{{Paperboy}}'')
42*** ShootEmUp (Shmups): A fixed-scrolling shooter that is not three-dimensional. (ex: ''VideoGame/SpaceInvaders'', ''VideoGame/{{Galaga}}'')
43*** BulletHell: A shoot'em up that has every single enemy fire hundreds or thousands of projectiles on-screen at once at the player character, testing their dodging skills. (ex: ''VideoGame/{{Ikaruga}}'', ''Franchise/TouhouProject'' series)
44*** CuteEmUp: A shoot'em up that casts the enemies as cute things such as kittens, candy, fairies, and so on. (ex: ''VideoGame/FantasyZone'')
45*** HorizontalScrollingShooter: A shoot'em up that has a horizontal AutoScrollingLevel, that is, to the left or right. (ex: ''VideoGame/{{Gradius}}'')
46*** VerticalScrollingShooter: A shoot'em up that has a vertical Auto Scrolling Level, that is, up or down. (ex: ''VideoGame/{{Raiden}}'')
47*** TacticalShooter: An FPS or TPS that simulates realistic combat, encouraging use of real-life combat tactics. (ex: ''VideoGame/RainbowSix'' series)
48** FightingGame: An Action Game that is primarily about one-on-one fights between two (or rarely more) equally skilled opponents. (ex: ''Franchise/StreetFighter'' series, ''VideoGame/{{Tekken}}'' series)
49*** MascotFighter: Ultimate Showdown Of Ultimate Destiny is heavily featured. (ex: ''VideoGame/SuperSmashBros'' series, ''VideoGame/MultiVersus'')
50*** PlatformFighter: A fighting game combined with platform game elements; has great emphasis on maneuverability on dynamic stages. (ex: ''VideoGame/RivalsOfAether'', ''VideoGame/SlapCity'')
51** BossGame: A game composed mostly/entirely of {{Boss Battle}}s. (ex: ''VideoGame/ShadowOfTheColossus'', ''VideoGame/{{Cuphead}}'')
52* AdventureGame: A game that is about puzzle-solving, exploration, and narrative, and a relative (or total) absence of randomized combat. (ex: ''VideoGame/TheWalkingDead'' series, ''VideoGame/HeavyRain'')
53** EnvironmentalNarrativeGame: A story-driven adventure game which emphasizes narrative and exploring a physical location, with very little in the way of interactivity or gameplay challenge. Also known by other labels including "walking simulator", "story exploration game", "first-person adventure" and "interactive stories". (ex: ''VideoGame/GoneHome, VideoGame/TheWitness'')
54** ExplorerHorror: Horror games that revolve around exploring grim locations and collecting objects, with minimalist storytelling. (ex: ''VideoGame/YumeNikki'', ''VideoGame/CorpseParty'' series)
55** InteractiveFiction: An Adventure Game in which the interaction is almost entirely text-based. (ex: ''VideoGame/ColossalCave'')
56** InteractiveMovie: A game that is based around video clips, and the player must press buttons at the right time, choose the right sequence of clips, or play other games using the video as a backdrop. (ex: ''VideoGame/DragonsLair'', ''VideoGame/NightTrap'')
57** PointAndClickGame: A game in which the player interacts with the environment by moving the mouse cursor over areas of the screen and clicking on them. (ex: ''VideoGame/MonkeyIsland'', ''VideoGame/KingsQuest'' series)
58*** RoomEscapeGame: A simplistic type of PointAndClickGame consisting solely of puzzles to escape a room or series of rooms. (ex: ''VideoGame/MysteryOfTimeAndSpace'')
59** VisualNovel: An Adventure Game that focuses more on character interactivity than world interactivity, with dialogue choices being the primary gameplay component. They often allow the player to choose their own adventure and get different endings based on your choices.
60*** LinearVisualNovel: Visual Novels that feature little to no multiple endings. (ex: ''Franchise/AceAttorney'' series, ''Franchise/{{Danganronpa}}'' series)
61*** KineticNovel: Visual Novels that feature no player interactivity whatsoever, making them akin to a digital picture book or audio play. (ex: ''VisualNovel/HigurashiWhenTheyCry'')
62* CardBattleGame: A game in which players brings their own deck of cards to play. (ex: game adaptations of ''Franchise/MagicTheGathering'' and ''Franchise/YuGiOh'').
63** DeckbuildingGame: Card games where the player builds a deck as they play the game and are usually single-player focused. (ex: ''VideoGame/SlayTheSpire'')
64* CasualVideoGame: A game that is easy to learn and relatively simple by design. (ex: ''VideoGame/WiiSports'')
65** EndlessRunningGame: A game about enduring an endless sequence of obstacles as long as possible. (ex: ''VideoGame/TempleRun'', ''VideoGame/SubwaySurfers'')
66** {{Exergaming}}: A game that encourages the player to exercise and to get into shape. (ex: ''VideoGame/WiiFit'')
67** HiddenObjectGame: A game in which there is a photo realistic cluttered scene and the player must find and click on a series of objects in it. (ex: ''VideoGame/MysteryCaseFiles'')
68** IdleGame: A genre of game defined by its game play, the primary feature of which is that the easiest way to win is to leave the game running by itself for long periods of time. (ex: ''VideoGame/CookieClicker'')
69** TimeManagementGame: A game that requires the player to accomplish tasks as fast as possible. (ex: ''VideoGame/DinerDash'')
70** VirtualPaperDoll: A game that is about customizing a character's appearance.
71* DiggingGame: A game in which the player digs through terrain while minding falling objects. (ex: ''VideoGame/DigDug'')
72* DigitalPinballTables: Computerized {{pinball}} games, whether replicas of PhysicalPinballTables, or original boards with features that can only exist in software. (ex. ''VideoGame/FullTiltPinball'')
73* DigitalTabletopGameAdaptation: Video game versions of physical TabletopGames.
74* DrivingGame: A game in which the player drives a vehicle of some kind. (ex: ''VideoGame/{{Driver}}'', ''VideoGame/GranTurismo'')
75** RacingGame: A game in which the player drives a vehicle of some kind and races against either other players or time. (ex: ''VideoGame/FZero'' series, ''VideoGame/NeedForSpeed'' series)
76*** MascotRacer: Colorful characters use colorful weapons in their races. (ex: ''VideoGame/MarioKart'' series)
77** VehicularCombat: A game where the player controls a normally armed motor vehicle and must destroy all enemies. (ex: ''VideoGame/TwistedMetal'')
78* EscortGame: A game about escorting someone or something. (ex: ''VideoGame/{{Lemmings}}'' series)
79* GachaGames: A genre of games based around rolling certain items (mainly playable characters) of a banner and paying until obtaining the desired item from enough pulls. (ex. ''VideoGame/GranblueFantasy'')
80* IoGame: An online PlayerVersusPlayer game that is quick and easy to pick up and play. Mostly consists of WebGames with many having a [[MobilePhoneGame mobile app version]] as well.
81* MazeGame: A game that takes place in a maze, and the player must either get from one side of the maze to the other, or clear it of every item that won't kill the player. (ex: the original ''VideoGame/PacMan'')
82** MadMarbleMaze: A game in which the player rolls a round object of some kind from the beginning to the end of a level. (ex: ''VideoGame/SuperMonkeyBall'' series)
83* MedicalGame: A game in which the player takes the role of a doctor or medic and has to treat patients. (ex: ''VideoGame/{{Trauma Center|Atlus}} series ''VideoGame/ThemeHospital'' series)
84* MinigameGame: A game that has a series of puzzles, challenges and games with very different requirements for defeating them. (ex: ''VideoGame/WarioWare'' series)
85** PartyGame: A Minigame Game in which two to four players compete against each other in a board game-like environment. (ex: ''VideoGame/MarioParty'' series)
86* [[{{Mon}} Mon Game]]: A game that allows the player to befriend or capture various creatures to fight on their behalf. Also happens to be a genre of {{anime}} and {{manga}}. (ex: ''Franchise/{{Pokemon}}'' mainline series, ''Franchise/ShinMegamiTensei'' series)
87* PuzzleGame: A game that requires mental skill as well as, or instead of, dexterity and quick reflexes. (ex: ''VideoGame/ProfessorLayton'' series)
88** BizarrePuzzleGame: A Puzzle Game that is so weird and mind-defying that trying to label it with a genre is a puzzle in and of itself. (ex: ''VideoGame/KatamariDamacy'')
89** BreakingOut: A game in which a paddle at the bottom of the screen bounces a ball to destroy blocks, and missing the ball results in the player losing a life. (ex: ''VideoGame/{{Breakout}}'')
90** MatchThreeGame: A game in which the player must match three objects of similar color/shape/species to eliminate said objects from the playing field. (ex: ''VideoGame/{{Bejeweled}}'', ''VideoGame/CandyCrushSaga'')
91** ProgrammingGame: A game in which the player has little to no direct control over the game's events, and must set up the solution, then hit a "go" switch to activate the solution and see if it accomplishes the task correctly. (ex: ''VideoGame/TheIncredibleMachine'')
92** TeamworkPuzzleGame: A game in which the player controls a group of characters, and progress frequently depends on puzzles making use of this fact. (ex. ''VideoGame/{{Trine}}'', ''VideoGame/{{Snipperclips}}'')
93** {{Tilesweeper}}: A game usually based on ''VideoGame/{{Minesweeper}}'' involving a tile-based board on which you uncover clues and use them to reach the goal while avoiding threats or satisfying some other condition.
94** FallingBlocks: A game in which blocks fall from the top of the screen, requiring the player to move and flip them so that they'll be arranged in a way to make them disappear, and if the blocks reach the top of the screen then the game ends. (ex: ''VideoGame/{{Tetris}}'', ''VideoGame/PuyoPuyo'' series)
95* RhythmGame: A game that will flash commands, and the player has to input the same, synchronized to a beat or melody. (ex: ''VideoGame/GuitarHero'' series, ''VideoGame/HatsuneMikuProjectDiva'')
96* RisingUpTheFoodChainGame: A game in which the player must eat creatures smaller than himself and become bigger, which allows him to eat more creatures. (ex: ''VideoGame/FeedingFrenzy'')
97* RolePlayingGame (RPG) -- see also TabletopGames (Tabletop RPG): A game in which the player controls a character or party of characters in a statistically abstracted way.
98** ActionRPG: A game that combines parts from Role Playing Games and Action Adventure Games together. Either a sub-genre of the Role-playing Game or a genre modifier, depending on who you ask. (ex: ''[[VideoGame/KingdomHeartsI Kingdom Hearts]]'' series, ''VideoGame/{{Diablo}}'' series)
99** HuntingRPG: A game where a customizable PlayerCharacter (and an optional party) tackles various quests by taking on progressively-nastier monsters within a time limit, only using weapons, armor and items created via ItemCrafting. (ex: ''VideoGame/MonsterHunter'' series)
100** MascotRPG: A Role Playing Game that uses pre-established characters (or mascots) either in a MassiveMultiplayerCrossover or as a spin-off from a non-RPG video game franchise. (ex: ''VideoGame/NamcoXCapcom'')
101** MultiUserDungeon ({{MUD}}) and [=MOO=]: An Interactive Fiction that allows multiple (perhaps thousands) players to play at the same time.
102*** MassivelyMultiplayerOnlineRolePlayingGame (MMORPG): A game that has hundreds of players interacting with each other in the same world in real-time, while completing quests and leveling up. (ex: ''VideoGame/WorldOfWarcraft'', ''VideoGame/MapleStory'')
103*** {{MUCK}}: A Multi-User Text-Oriented Game that emphasizes role-playing and player intervention.
104*** {{MUSH}} (MultiUserSharedHallucination): A MUD that is just a series of rooms, with players given the bare minimum of interaction systems and let loose to create and manage their own role playing.
105** {{Roguelike}}: A game that features procedurally generated environments randomly stocked from a huge list of monsters and items, {{Permadeath}}, AntiGrinding and is NintendoHard. Named after ''VideoGame/{{Rogue}}'', the GenrePopularizer. Traditional roguelikes are [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roguelike#Berlin_Interpretation officially classified]] as being primarily [[DungeonCrawling dungeon crawler]] turn-based [=RPGs=] that emphasizes EmergentGameplay and resource management. (ex: ''VideoGame/NetHack'', ''VideoGame/DungeonsOfDredmor'')
106** SoulsLikeRPG: A game that emphasizes dodging attacks during combat, with tough mooks, even harder bosses and very few checkpoints. Named and inspired after Creator/FROMSoftware's usual output starting from ''VideoGame/DemonsSouls'' and then beyond, particularly ''VideoGame/DarkSouls''. (ex: ''VideoGame/{{Nioh}}'', ''VideoGame/{{Bloodborne}}'')
107** StrategyRPG (SRPG): A game that is a Role Playing Game, but it plays like a Turn-Based Strategy or Real-Time Strategy. (ex: ''[[VideoGame/FireEmblemShadowDragonAndTheBladeOfLight Fire Emblem]]'').
108** WesternRPG: A usually North American or European game that features a customizable featureless protagonist. (ex: ''VideoGame/MassEffect'' series, ''Franchise/TheElderScrolls'' series)
109** EasternRPG: A usually Japanese game that tends to have a linear plot and a party of predefined characters written into said plot. (ex: ''[[VideoGame/FinalFantasyI Final Fantasy]]'' series, ''VideoGame/DragonQuest'' series)
110* RomanceGame: A game in which the primary goal is to establish a romantic relationship between the Player Character and one or more of the [=NPCs=].
111** DatingSim: A game in which the player courts at least one potential lover, and the player must keep track of every character's feelings about them and giving out presents, which will feel like a Role Playing Game. Essentially, RomanceGame meets SimulationGame. (ex: ''VisualNovel/TokimekiMemorial'' series)
112* SimulationGame (Sim): A game that simulates parts of a reality, fictional or real. (ex: ''VideoGame/SimCity'', ''VideoGame/FootballManager'' series)
113** BreedingSim: This type of game focuses on breeding creatures to get specific traits. (ex: ''VideoGame/{{Creatures}}'', ''VideoGame/FlightRising'')
114** BureaucracySimulator: This type of game casts the player as a government bureaucrat. (ex: ''VideoGame/PapersPlease'')
115** ConstructionAndManagementGames: This type of game focuses on elements like gathering and management of resources, construction, expansion, research and exploration. (ex: ''VideoGame/RollerCoasterTycoon'' series)
116*** FactoryBuildingGame: Games where the player constructs a factory that automatically takes care of the gathering and refining of resources. (ex: ''VideoGame/{{Factorio}}'')
117** DisasterReliefGame: A game where players have to cooperate in order to prevent, survive or rescue people from a disaster event. (ex: ''VideoGame/DisasterReport'' series)
118** ImmersiveSim: A game that simulates a consistent lived-in world, facilitates EmergentGameplay, and rewards creative problem solving. (ex: ''VideoGame/DeusEx'')
119** LifeSimulationGame: A game in which the player plays as, or at least has control over the lives, of living beings and goes through their life. (ex: ''VideoGame/TheSims'' series, ''VideoGame/AnimalCrossing'' series)
120*** FarmLifeSim: A sub-genre of life simulations focused on the overall life of a farmer, including not only the farming but also their relationships with others (ex: ''VideoGame/StoryOfSeasons'' series, ''VideoGame/RuneFactory'', ''VideoGame/StardewValley'')
121** RaisingSim: A game in which schedules for a game to process are applied, which in turn affects characters in the game, who then develop 'on their own' without constant user interference. (ex: ''VideoGame/TheIdolmaster'' series)
122*** VirtualPet: A game where the player interacts with a digital pet, with the goal of caring for it like a real one. (ex: ''Toys/{{Tamagotchi}}'')
123** SpaceManagementGame: A game in which the player is the head of some organization or business, and receives a set amount of resources (sometimes abstracted to money or generic points) with which to construct a facility. (ex: ''VideoGame/CityState'')
124* StockMarketGame: A game in which the player buys and sells stocks on the stock market to make a profit. (ex: ''VideoGame/WallStreetKid'')
125* SportsGame: A game that simulates playing a traditional physical sport. (ex: ''VideoGame/NBAJam'' series, ''VideoGame/MaddenNFL'' series)
126** WrestlingGame: A game that simulates Professional Wrestling, with grapples, holds and throws. (ex: ''VideoGame/WWEVideoGames'')
127* StrategyGame: A game in which the player's strategical and/or tactical thinking is required in order to achieve victory.
128** FourX (4X): A game that has four simple goals, which are eXplore, eXpand, eXploit and eXterminate. Sub-genre of a Strategy Game. (ex: ''VideoGame/{{Civilization}} series'')
129** ArtilleryGame: A game that tasks the player with successfully aiming at an opponent with a ballistics trajectory under various conditions. (ex: ''VideoGame/{{Worms}}'' series)
130** GrandStrategy: A strategy game where you control a country or empire, but with the complexity toned up. (ex: ''VideoGame/CrusaderKings'')
131** MultiplayerOnlineBattleArena (MOBA): A game that has teams of players competing with each other, typically using the point-and-click interface of a Real Time Strategy; but, unlike RTS games, players control only one Hero Unit instead of a military-industrial complex. (ex: ''VideoGame/LeagueOfLegends'')
132** PoliticalStrategyGame: A game that simulates a conflict over influence, policy, and ideology, rather than territory, trade, or production.
133** RealTimeStrategy (RTS): A game that focuses on construction and control of a fighting force in battle that takes place in real-time. (ex: ''VideoGame/StarCraft'', ''VideoGame/{{Pikmin}}'' series)
134** TowerDefense: A game in which the player defends a building from enemies using other buildings, sometimes with a unit or two as back-up. (ex: ''VideoGame/PlantsVSZombies'' series)
135** TurnBasedStrategy (TBS): A game that is about abstract mechanics of efficiently waging war, exploiting resources and controlling huge groups of combatants all at once. (ex: ''VideoGame/TotalWar'' series)
136** TurnBasedTactics: A game in which the player must control individual soldiers or vehicles. (ex: ''VideoGame/ValkyriaChronicles'' series, ''VideoGame/XCom'' series)
137* ToysToLifeGame: A game involving physical toys interacting with the game. (ex: ''VideoGame/{{Skylanders}}'' series, ''VideoGame/DisneyInfinity'')
138* TypingGame: A game that requires the player to write various words quickly and skillfully. Often used as edutainment, but not always. (ex: ''VideoGame/{{Clockwords}}'', ''VideoGame/MarioTeachesTyping'')
139[[/folder]]
140
141[[folder:Aesthetic game genres]]
142Non-gameplay genres that can be found in other mediums, related to the game's story, setting, tone, etc.
143----
144* ArtGame: A game that has artistry as its motto.
145* ComedyVideoGames: A game with heavy focus on humor, that seldom ever takes itself seriously.
146** ParodyVideoGames: A game that spoofs other games.
147* DeconstructionGame: A game that {{deconstruct|ion}}s a common gameplay element or plot device.
148* EdutainmentGame: A game that educates players as well as entertains them.
149* FantasyVideoGames: A game that features magic and mythology in a supernatural setting.
150* {{Iyashikei}}: A game that promotes calm and happiness, soothing its audience.
151* HorrorVideoGames: A game that exploits the fears of players to cause anxiety, fear, and ultimately thrills.
152** MascotHorror: A particular type of indie horror game popular since the mid-2010s, starring a corrupted children's mascot.
153* MechaGame: A game that focuses on HumongousMecha for combat.
154* MilitaryAndWarfareVideoGames: A game that revolves around soldiers or warriors fighting in a military conflict.
155* RetrauxGames: Games using intentionally outdated graphics for a nostalgic effect.
156* ScienceFictionVideoGames: A game that explores a concept that does not exist at the present time, but it someday might.
157* [[SuperheroStories/VideoGames Superhero Video Games]]: A game which centers on the adventures of a {{superhero}} battling {{supervillain}}s.
158* {{Utsuge}}: Games designed to make you cry.
159[[/folder]]
160
161
162[[folder:Gameplay modifiers]]
163There are several modifiers that can be applied to the genre of a game, as a twist on the standard formula.
164----
165* ActionRTS: An RTS style game with some action sprinkled in, in the form of controlling a unit directly; either in first- or third- person style. Whether the unit being controlled is a mook or a HeroUnit is irrelevant.
166* AsymmetricMultiplayer: A multiplayer mode in which different players have totally different roles and capabilities.
167* BattleRoyaleGame: A multiplayer mode in which players (often a very large number of them) eliminate each other until only one remains.
168* CompetitiveMultiplayer: A multiplayer mode in which players compete against each other as players or teams.
169* CoOpMultiplayer: A multiplayer mode in the main game in which every player is on the same team and playing against the computer.
170* GameplayRoulette: A scenario in which games within a franchise switch from one Video Game Genre to another in an attempt to continue appealing to fans.
171* IsometricProjection: A graphical projection that squishes the vertical axes, thus forcing perpendicular angles to look wider and more three-dimensional.
172* MassiveMultiplayerCrossover: A Crossover with at least three different continuities.
173* MetaMultiplayer: A multiplayer mode in which players are playing their own game at a time, but other players are doing this as well.
174* {{Minigame}}: A separate game present inside the main game. May or may not be relevant to progressing through the main game itself.
175* MuseumGame: A game that is primarily about paying tribute to or heavily referencing a franchise or company's past.
176* PopUpVideoGames: A game in which clicking on background items results in cute animations.
177* [[WreakingHavok Physics Based]]: A game that is primarily about the developers showing off applications of physics.
178* RealTime: When one minute of game play equals one minute in game time.
179* RPGElements: A game that isn't exactly a RolePlayingGame, but the player character is gaining experience points and levels like in an RPG.
180* SideView: A perspective that views all objects from the side and nowhere else.
181* ThreeQuartersView: A perspective that is a tilted bird's eye view perspective in which both the top and front of an object is seen at the same time, and the vertical axis indicates both height and depth.
182* TopDownView: A perspective that views all objects straight and nowhere else.
183* Turn-Based: When the player and the computer take turns in making moves.
184* TurnBasedCombat: A game that isn't an all-out turn-based strategy/tactics but switches to turns whenever combat starts.
185* TurnBasedStrategyRealTimeCombat: A TBS game where the combat sections take place in RealTime, meaning no TurnBasedCombat.
186* UnexpectedGameplayChange: When the genre in a game suddenly changes to a different genre with little warning.
187* [[VideoGame3DLeap 3D]]: When a video game series goes from having two-dimensional sprites to having three-dimensional polygons.
188* WideOpenSandbox: When the massive open world and optional material outweigh the actual, goal-oriented game play.
189[[/folder]]
190
191[[folder:Other categories]]
192There are also a number of particularly distinctive ways a game can be marketed or categorized.
193----
194* ThirtyDayFreeTrial: Software which you're allowed to use for a fixed, limited amount of time without paying for it. Once that time expires, you must send money to continue using it.
195* AdvertisementGame: A video game created to advertise a product such as a food or store. They're often stealth ads.
196* AllegedlyFreeGame: A game that you can play for free, but you will have to pay money to access other game areas or get particular abilities and items.
197* UsefulNotes/BetaTest: A development version of the game, built to test how the various components of the program interact with one another and the computer. Some developers have an "Open Beta" process, giving access to a pre-release version of the game to the general public (or play testers selected from a public pool) for more extensive testing.
198* DownloadableContent: Additional, optional content provided by the developer via digital distribution and purchased separately from the main game.
199* EpisodicGame: A game that is divided into separate episodes, and allows for cheaper prices, shorter wait times, and shorter development times.
200* ExpansionPack: Additional content released after the original game that is purchased separately and (usually) requires the original game to run.
201* {{Freemium}}: A game that you can play for free, but if you pay premium then you'll get full access to features that you couldn't get for free and remove advertisements.
202* FreewareGames: A game that can be downloaded and distributed legally for free.
203* GameMaker: Software focused on creating whole games from the ground up with preexisting assets. Sometimes, the software itself is a game. (ex: ''VideoGame/LittleBigPlanet'', ''VideoGame/SuperMarioMaker'')
204* GameMod: Third-party modifications applied to an existing game. Can range from cosmetic improvements to additional fan-created content to full-on total conversions that only share an underlying game engine.
205** GameModIndex: This is where you'll find Game Mods listed in one place.
206* HGame: A game that features sex or heavy fan service.
207* IndieGame: A game that is developed without the backing of a publishing company, thus making it independently developed.
208* LicensedGame: A game based on an existing property, usually a movie, TV series or comic book.
209** LicenseAddedGame: A specific type of Licensed Game in which the license is added to a new version of an existing video game franchise.
210* {{Microtransactions}}: A game that has individual, one-off payments for accessing additional content in a game.
211* MissionPackSequel: A sequel with so few changes from its predecessor that it feels more like an Expansion Pack than a "true" sequel.
212* ObviousBeta: An unfinished game (often {{JustForFun/egregious}}ly so) marketed as a finished one, for whatever reason.
213* OnlineGames: Video games that require an {{Internet}} connection for some, most, or all of its features. While many games nowadays have some sort of online multiplayer mode, there are some games which ''only'' exist on the Internet itself.
214** WebGames: An online game is that is played on a website via your web browser.
215* PerpetualBeta: A game which undergoes a long process of bug fixes, tweaks, and re-balancing even after its official release. So named because the developers seem to be "outsourcing" their beta testing to the player base without telling them the game's not really finished.
216* {{Shareware}}: A game that can be played to a certain extent without purchasing it. Buying the game will allow the player to play it to completion, instantly picking up exactly where they left off upon purchase without the need to install anything.
217* {{UsefulNotes/Shovelware}}: Software that is normally sold in bundles of several products, but it can refer to lowest-common-denominator software in general.
218* UnlicensedGame: A playable ShoddyKnockoffProduct.
219* VideoGameLongRunners: A franchise that has at least six games in its main series and spans ten years.
220* {{Virtual Reality|Index}}: A game that makes use of a headset display to make the player feel as though they are physically present in the game's setting.
221* And lastly, MiscellaneousGames: A page that contains games that nobody could identify the genre of. It really should be cleaned out.
222[[/folder]]
223
224[[/index]]

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