Game Genres: Main Genres and Characteristics
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
Electronic games are a source of entertainment that use electronic devices, connected or not, to create diverse experiences. From the first arcade games to current versions with artificial intelligence features, the industry in this field has evolved significantly over the years.
In this context, far from being just a pastime, it has become a highly profitable business, generating billions of dollars annually, with research teams engaged in making the user experience increasingly immersive.
For those who want to explore more about this universe, this guide presents some of the most well-known genres and their characteristics.
What are Electronic Games?
Electronic games are those that use some kind of device to interact between the user and the graphical interface. Various types of platforms can be used for this, such as:
- Video game consoles, like Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo;
- Mobile devices;
- Computers;
- Virtual environments, through augmented reality.
In each of these modes, the player performs commands to execute actions, using a controller, keyboard, or touch screens. This way, they can navigate maps, move the character or avatar they control, and capture rewards.
Interactivity
One of the distinguishing features of games compared to other forms of entertainment, such as movies or books, is the user’s ability to make decisions that can change the story’s outcome. Additionally, many of them allow for multiplayer mode, with multiple players, either in a team with a common objective or in competitions against each other.
This also allows the creation of communities around a game, with interaction among users to share experiences and tips to overcome the most challenging levels.
What are the Main Genres of Electronic Games?
Electronic games are classified into many genres based on the narrative style, the way users interact, and the types of missions, which can be exploratory or score-based, for example.
In one style, there may be branches, as many titles combine various characteristics. However, generally speaking, it is worth mentioning:
- MMORPG;
- Battle Royale;
- MOBA;
- FPS;
- FPA;
- RTS;
- PvP.
MMORPG
This acronym stands for Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game. In summary, it is a type of game where multiple users interact simultaneously in a virtual universe. This genre brings elements of traditional RPGs, as the player creates a character to represent them and chooses their characteristics, skills, and appearance.
As they complete missions or win battles, which can be individual or group-based, the character gains experience and new skills. Additionally, there can be an internal trade system, with the acquisition of artifacts or item trading with other players. Some examples of games in this style are World of Warcraft and Final Fantasy.
Battle Royale
In this type of game, numerous players compete until only one winner or team remains. It is characterized by extensive maps and constant combat between players, with options to collect weapons and rewards along the journey. Fortnite is an example of this game category.
MOBA
The acronym stands for Multiplayer Online Battle Arena, a type of game with multiple users in teams trying to destroy an opponent’s base. In this context, it combines elements of action, strategy, and RPG, as seen in titles like League of Legends.
To achieve the goal of reaching and neutralizing an enemy base, competitors must plan a route, encountering challenges such as creatures or defense barriers. There may also be rewards that provide some temporary advantage in combat.
FPS
FPS stands for First Person Shooter games. The player has a view of the avatar’s hands, as if facing opponents and game scenarios directly, providing an immersive experience. Classic examples include Call of Duty and Counter-Strike.
This is a more dynamic genre, where the player has various types of weapons to choose from, depending on the mission or opponent they face. They can also unlock more options as they reach new levels.
FPA
First Person Adventure is similar to FPS in terms of the character’s perspective but focuses on an adventure narrative. In it, the user can explore maps, solve puzzles, and complete missions.
Notable examples in this genre include Metroid Prime, The Forgotten City, and Firewatch.
RTS
Real-Time Strategy games require players to have agility and quick decision-making skills. In this scenario, they need to manage resources and units, strengthen their defenses, and adapt to new configurations in each scenario.
Titles like Age of Empires II and Warcraft III are good examples of this format.
PvP
PvP stands for Player versus Player, where a direct duel between two players occurs. This can happen in an arena or in large battles using a personal army. This genre encourages competitiveness and also values each user’s strategy.
Among the standout titles in this segment are names like Destiny 2 and Overwatch. World of Warcraft, while fitting into the MMORPG category, also offers player combat options.
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The Importance of Variety in Electronic Games
The variety of electronic game options is beneficial to cater to different player profiles. Some prefer the adrenaline of shooting and action games, while others value building their characters on a long journey in an alternate universe.
At ExitLag, you can find various options and play with more connection stability.
These variations also allow developers to stay constantly updated. As a result, many titles combine more than one genre, such as RPG and character battles.
It is no wonder that the gaming market generates significant revenue, serving as a form of relaxation for some and a source of stimulation for skills like logical reasoning and strategy for others.
