This document defines and discusses various video game genres. It explains that genres can be defined by gameplay theme, graphical theme, game structure, or mechanics. Common genres include action, adventure, role-playing games, sports, simulation, platform, and puzzle. Each genre is then discussed in more detail, providing examples of subgenres and representative game titles. Students are assigned a poster activity to define and provide examples for the listed genres.

1. Unit 14 Deconstructing Computer
Games
Game Genres

2. Definition of Game Genres
• Categorisation or classification of
games into different types
• Can be done by:
– Gameplay theme
– Graphical theme
– Game structure
– Game mechanics
• However the classification of games is not
always consistent.

3. Game Mechanics/Play
• A game genre can be defined by:
– A common set of game mechanics and interface
standards that a group of titles share.
• games structure themselves around core game
mechanic e.g
– a simple repetitive activity – make a line of blocks to
score points (Tetris)
– A complex activity: solve a puzzle to get a treasure /
open a new level (Zelda games, Half Life)

4. Graphical Theme & Game Structure
• A genre can also be defined by looking at a number of
elements such as structure and theme.
• Examining a game’s graphical theme, aesthetics and
game structure may help to classify a game….
– e.g. it has weapons so it must belong to the FPS genre
– e.g. structured across levels, as one is completed another opens
may be a platform game
– Free roaming, expansive maps may be an adventure or RPG
• …this is not always an accurate way of classifying
games

5. Game Genres
• There are a variety of game genres e.g.
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
Action
Adventure
Role-playing games (RPG)
Sport
Simulation
Platform
Puzzle
• These can be broken down into smaller groups e.g.
– Action genre includes:
• Fighting
• Platform
• Action adventure

6. Action Genre
• A very broad genre
• Often characterised by game mechanics with
emphasis on combat.
• Sub groups include:
– Action-adventure
• Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, Metroid Prime
– Fighting
• Virtual Fighter 4, Tekken
– Platform
• Ratchet and Clank, Super Mario Galaxy
– Shooting
• Call of Duty 4, Ghost Squad

7. Adventure Genre
• Adventure genre is characterised by game
mechanics with a focus on solving
puzzles by interacting with people or the
environment.
• Sub groups include:
– Text adventure / Interactive fiction
• Enter command e.g “look”, “open the door”
• Colossal cave, Zork
• Graphical adventure
• Point and click, use a mouse, controller Wii Remote
• Zak and Wiki, King’s Quest series

8. Role-Playing Games (RPG)
• The Role-Playing Game genre is characterised by game
mechanics similar to those from traditional role-playing games like
Dungeons & Dragons:
– Players are adventurers with specific skills (magic users, fighters,
thieves)
– Explore worlds and dungeons
– Can be turn based
• Sub groups include:
– Action role-playing
• Final Fantasy series, Elder Scrolls: Oblivion, Champions of Norrath
– Massively multiplayer online role-playings (MMORPG)
•
World of War craft, EVE Online
– Tactical Role Playing
•
•
Final Fantasy Tactics
Disgaea

9. Poster Activity
• In your groups create a poster presentation that
describes each of the following genres:
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
Action
Adventure
Simulation
Role play
Sports
Strategy
Puzzle
Management
• Include examples of games for each type of
genre you have described

10. Poster Activity
• In your groups create a poster presentation that
describes each of the following genres:
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
Action
Adventure
Simulation
Role play
Sports
Strategy
Puzzle
Management
• Include examples of games for each type of
genre you have described