Which Gaming Genre Is For You Guide

Mar 20, 2024

By Charlotte Bolton

Are you just getting started in the realm of gaming and have no idea what type of game is the one for you? There are so many different genres within gaming that it can be difficult to find the perfect one for you. So instead of spending hours playing video games you know you won’t enjoy, take a look through our quick guide explaining all the most popular gaming genres, providing you with examples of video games that fit in the genre that you may enjoy. There are plenty of video games to check out, so let’s see which gaming genre is for you.

How many gaming genres are there?

First-person/third person shooting game
Simulation
Role-playing
Puzzle
Action-adventure
Party
Survival
Horror
Sports
Multiplayer
Platformer

First-person/third-person shooting game.

Ideal for: Those who love adrenaline based gameplay

Similar genre: Action-Adventure

The first genre we are going to check out is First-Person (fps) and Third-Person (tps) shooting games. In these game types, players can game from the character's perspective and when in fps they can play through the eyes of the characters. In this game genre, both the character and player morph into one, as we see things the second the character sees them. This helps to create an extra layer of immersion which is great as we can also explore the world with as much freedom as possible, all whilst trying to avoid those enemies!

Examples:

Alan Wake 2
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II
Resident Evil Village

What is the meaning of simulation games?

Ideal for: Great for those with a creative touch

Similar genre: Role Playing

Next up is Simulations games which is when a game attempts to copy various activities from real life in a video game. This can range from extremely realistic video gameplay to cartoonish life-like actions. Simulation games can be great because the realistic gameplay options provide the gamer with real-world experiences which can be extremely immersive. There are many Xbox simulator games, PS5 simulator games and Nintendo Switch simulation games available that you have probably played before, you’d just never know!

What are examples of simulation?

Rocket League
Animal Crossing
F1 23

What defines a role-playing game?

Ideal for: Storyline, decision-making gamers

Similar genre: Simulation

The role-playing genre is very popular within gaming. It is when the player controls the actions of a character immersed in their well-defined world. Almost like following a story, where the player can control their character's own fate these games are great as there is more interaction between the character and the player which just makes players feel much more engaged when playing. A great positive about role-playing games which sets them aside from the rest is that because these games focus on the character rather than the world we are exploring, the AI is usually a lot more improved and character choices are a lot more dynamic.

What is an example of a role-playing game?

Star Wars Jedi: Survivor
Elden Ring
God of War Ragnarök

What makes a puzzle game?

Ideal for: Individuals wanting to play video games without the complex storyline aspect

Similar genre: Party

Maybe you want to play a video game but aren’t that bothered on the storyline and want it a bit more relaxed? The puzzle genre is brilliant for anyone interested in decision-making, problem-solving and concentration skills. There are so many puzzle games available, and what’s better is that they range in difficulty and puzzle-to-game ratio. Some puzzle games offer a storyline within the game to follow, so you aren’t continually challenging your brain, it gives your puzzling a purpose.

What are the different types of puzzle games?

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown

What is the meaning of adventure action?

Ideal for: Anyone interested in adrenaline, storyline-based gaming

Similar genre: Survival

Another very popular game genre is action-adventure, 2 genres put into one. These games are great for storytelling, decision making and puzzle-solving and contain engaging gameplay. Again, like the puzzle genre, this one can vary. Some action-adventure games are a lot more difficult than others which is great for individuals who are just starting and want simple challenges and pro players who have been gaming for years.

What is an example of an action-adventure game?

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
Spider-Man 2
God of War Ragnarök

What defines a party game?

Ideal for: Younger gamers and families

Similar genre: Multiplayer

Party video games are great for families and big friendship groups, or of course… if you’re having a party! With competitive yet simple gameplay, and exciting but no specific storylines, these video game party options are great for gamers of younger ages.

What is considered a party game?

Just Dance
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Mario vs. Donkey Kong

What is the meaning of survival game?

Ideal for: Horror fans who don’t want too many jumpscares

Similar genre: Horror

Moving onto the more challenging and adrenaline-based video games, next up we have the Survival genre. These games offer open-world nature settings which are great for exploration and offer some horror elements but not too extreme. If you are considering playing the horror genre but aren’t completely sure if it's right for you, these survival games are a great starting point.

What is the best survivor game?

Alan Wake 2
Dead Space
Undying

What makes a horror game?

Ideal for: Fans of horror films and frights

Similar genre: Survival

And of course, for the horror fans out there, the Horror genre is packed with jump scares, tension-building and complete immersion. These games offer great interactive experiences that keep playing and coming back for more. And what better is that the horror genre creates video games often based on horror movies, so you can experience your favourite horror movie through video game form!

What is the most loved horror game?

Resident Evil Village
Resident Evil 4
The Outlast Trials

What defines a sports game?

Ideal for: Gamers/families interested in sports

Similar genre: Party

Another very competitive genre is the Sports genre. These games are perfect for anyone who is a fan of a specific sport but doesn't want to play the game in real life! There are plenty of sports gaming options to play including basketball-themed, golf-themed, football-themed and more, these are great for getting the family around and playing as a group.

What is an example of a sports game?

Rocket League
FIFA 23
NBA 2K24

How do you describe multiplayer?

Ideal for: Gaming in a group or with friends

Similar genre: Party

Multiplayer games are (as you can guess) games that are specifically designed for 2+ players in mind. Usually, these cannot be played without another player, and if that option is available, gamers will play with a computer-generated Player 2. There are a lot of online multiplayer video games meaning you can play with similar people online, which is a great positive as you can make new friends with similar interests!

What is the most fun multiplayer game?

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II
Diablo IV
Street Fighter 6

What defines a platformer game?

Ideal for: Gaming beginners

Similar genre: Role Playing

And finally, another popular video game genre that you probably never realised you’ve played before is the Platformer genre, where the core objective is the move the player character between points in a certain environment. These games are very simple and are perfect for anyone just starting on their gaming adventures.

What is the most popular platformer?

Super Mario Bros. Wonder
Elden Ring
Celeste

Conclusion:

Still not found a video game you’re a fan of? We have some video games available on Custom Controllers you could check out, from the latest and the greatest there is something for everyone. Go take a look!