Games & Virtual Worlds Series

Game Genres & Tropes

Understanding Games: How Video Games & Board Games Work

Michael Filimowicz, PhD

Published in

Understanding Games

18 min readJan 3, 2023

Genres

A game’s storyworld will typically have limitations imposed on it by the game’s genre. Genres categories are based on shared conventions in terms of form, subject matter, and techniques amongst works, not just in games but commonly works of literature, film, and music. There are two main categories of game genres, based on both narrative and gameplay. Story genre is used to classify stories into broad categories, such as fantasy, history, science fiction, war, and so on. A game can also be classified by the type of gameplay that it offers — this aspect of a game’s genre describes the gameplay itself, and not the visual style or narrative. So, when talking about game genres, the gameplay and narrative categories are kept distinct from each other even as the game encompasses both.

Some video games place a strong emphasis on storytelling, with richly detailed characters, complex plots, and immersive environments. These games might be described as story-driven. Other games focus more on gameplay mechanics and challenges, with less emphasis on narrative. These games might be described as gameplay-driven.

Single-player vs. multiplayer: Some video games are designed to be played by a single person, with the player controlling all of the characters and interacting with the game world through the use of a controller or keyboard and mouse, while other games are designed to be played with multiple people, either locally or online. These games are called “multiplayer” games.

Many video games don’t fit neatly into just one of these categories. For example, a game might be both story-driven and multiplayer, or it might be gameplay-driven and single-player.

Genres are used to organize and classify games based on their gameplay mechanics, setting, themes, and other elements. Some common video game genres include action, adventure, role-playing, simulation, strategy, and sports.

Video game genres can be broad and inclusive, encompassing many different types of games, or they can be specific and narrowly defined. For example, the “action” genre is a broad category that includes many different sub-genres, such as first-person shooters, hack and slash games, and platformers. In contrast, the “role-playing” genre is more specific and typically refers to games that involve character creation, progression, and decision-making in a fantasy or science fiction setting.

The concept of genre is useful for both players and developers because it helps people to understand the key features and expectations of a game, and to find other games that are similar in style or content. However, it’s important to note that the boundaries between genres can be blurry, and many games defy easy classification by combining elements from multiple genres.

Popular Game Genres

Action games are a broad genre of video games that are characterized by fast-paced gameplay and a focus on physical challenges, such as hand-eye coordination and quick reflexes. Action games often involve combat, whether it be with guns, swords, fists, or other weapons, and may also include elements of puzzle-solving and exploration.

Action games can be played from a variety of different viewpoints, including first-person, third-person, or side-scrolling perspectives. They may be set in a variety of settings, such as fantasy worlds, science fiction universes, or realistic environments.

Some examples of sub-genres within the action genre include first-person shooters, hack and slash games, platformers, and fighting games. Popular action games franchises include Doom, Uncharted, and Devil May Cry.

Arcade games are typically played in public spaces, such as arcades, amusement parks, and malls. They are designed to be easy to pick up and play, with simple controls and short, challenging levels or rounds. Arcade games often have a reputation for being fast-paced and high-energy, with bright, colorful graphics and sound effects.

One of the defining characteristics of arcade games is their use of a coin-operated payment system, which requires players to insert coins or tokens in order to play. This business model was originally used to generate revenue for the arcade operator, but with the rise of home console systems, many arcade games can now be played on personal computers or game consoles for free or at a lower cost.

Some classic examples of arcade games include Pac-Man, Space Invaders, and Street Fighter. Today, the term “arcade game” can also be used to describe any game that has a similar style or gameplay to these classic games, even if it is not played in a physical arcade.

Adventure games focus on narrative and exploration. They typically have a strong emphasis on story and character development, and often involve solving puzzles and making decisions that affect the outcome of the game.

Adventure games can be played from a variety of viewpoints, including first-person, third-person, and side-scrolling perspectives. They may be set in a variety of settings, such as fantasy worlds, science fiction universes, or realistic environments.

In adventure games, players typically control a single character and must explore their surroundings, interact with non-player characters (NPCs), and gather items and information that will help them progress through the game. The player may also have to solve puzzles or make decisions that affect the story.

Adventure games can be further divided into different sub-genres, such as point-and-click adventure games, text adventure games, and visual novel games. Some classic examples of adventure games include the Monkey Island series, the Myst series, and the King’s Quest series.

Action-adventure games combine elements of both action games and adventure games. They are characterized by fast-paced gameplay that includes a mix of combat, exploration, and puzzle-solving challenges.

Action-adventure games often have a strong emphasis on story and character development, with richly detailed environments and characters. They may be played from a third-person or first-person perspective, and may be set in a variety of settings, such as fantasy worlds, science fiction universes, or realistic environments.

In action-adventure games, players typically control a single character and must navigate through a series of levels or environments, battling enemies and solving puzzles along the way. The player may have access to a variety of weapons and abilities, and may be able to upgrade their character’s skills and equipment as they progress through the game.

Some examples of popular action-adventure games include the Legend of Zelda series, the Uncharted series, and the Tomb Raider series.

Augmented reality (AR) games combine elements of the real world with computer-generated graphics and sound. These games are played using a device, such as a smartphone or a tablet, that has a camera and sensors that can track the player’s movements and location.

In AR games, the device’s screen displays a live view of the real world, with additional graphics and information overlaid on top. The player interacts with the game by moving around and interacting with their surroundings. For example, an AR game might ask the player to find and collect virtual objects that are hidden in the real world, or to battle virtual monsters that appear to be present in the player’s environment.

AR games are designed to be played in a specific location, and the game’s challenges and objectives are often tied to the player’s physical location and movements. Some popular examples of AR games include Pokémon Go, Ingress, and Harry Potter: Wizards Unite.

Educational games are designed to teach players about a specific subject or skill. These games are often used in classrooms or other educational settings as a way to engage students and make learning more interactive and fun. Educational games can be used to teach a wide variety of subjects, including math, science, history, language arts, and more.

There are many different types of educational games, ranging from simple, single-player games that teach basic concepts, to more complex, multiplayer games that simulate real-world scenarios and require players to apply what they have learned. Educational games may be designed for specific age groups or grade levels, and may be tailored to meet the learning goals and standards of a particular curriculum.

Educational games can be effective teaching tools because they can help to motivate and engage students, and can provide an interactive and immersive learning experience. They can also be a useful supplement to traditional teaching methods, helping students to learn and retain information in a way that is interactive and fun. Serious games often appear to be similar to educational games, but with a broader focus on social issues, but the genre actually encompasses a much wider range of games. Some uses for “serious games” include education, promotion, and making games as art.

Fighting games focus on one-on-one or group combat. These games typically involve characters with their own unique abilities and moves, and players must use these abilities to defeat their opponents.

Fighting games may be played in a variety of settings, such as fantasy worlds, science fiction universes, or realistic environments. They are often played using a game controller or arcade-style joystick, and may be played against a computer-controlled opponent or another player.

Fighting games typically involve fast-paced, action-packed gameplay, and may include a variety of different modes, such as single-player campaigns, arcade modes, and online multiplayer modes. Players may be able to choose from a roster of different characters, each with their own strengths and weaknesses, and may be able to unlock new characters, moves, and equipment as they progress through the game.

Some popular examples of fighting games include Street Fighter, Mortal Kombat, and Super Smash Bros. By contrast, since they attempt to simulate real-world boxing techniques, serious boxing games are more appropriately classified as sports titles than action titles.

You can further categorize fighting games by whether the fights take place between two characters (a mêlée game) or between one or two characters and a large group of enemies (an arena game). Swords, staves, and other close-combat and close-range weapons are common in these games.

Party games are designed to be played with a group of people, usually in a social setting. These games are typically easy to learn and play, and are designed to be enjoyable for players of all skill levels.

Party games may involve a variety of different gameplay mechanics, such as trivia, physical challenges, or strategy. They may be played on a game console, computer, or mobile device, and may support local or online multiplayer modes.

Party games are often designed to be fast-paced and energetic, with simple controls and easy-to-follow rules. They may include mini-games or challenges that are quick to play and easy to understand, and are often suitable for players of all ages.

Some popular examples of party games include Mario Party, Rock Band, and Just Dance.

Platform games, also known as platformers, involve navigating a character through a series of levels or environments, using jumping and other physical abilities to overcome obstacles and defeat enemies. Platformers are often characterized by their fast-paced, side-scrolling gameplay, and may be set in a variety of settings, such as fantasy worlds, science fiction universes, or realistic environments.

In platformers, players typically control a single character and must navigate through a series of levels, using the character’s jumping and other physical abilities to avoid obstacles and defeat enemies. The player may also have access to a variety of weapons and power-ups that can help them progress through the game.

Platform games may be played from a variety of viewpoints, including side-scrolling, top-down, and third-person perspectives. They may be played using a game controller or keyboard and mouse, and may include single-player or multiplayer modes.

Some popular examples of platform games include Super Mario Bros., Sonic the Hedgehog, and Rayman.

Puzzle games challenge the player’s problem-solving skills. These games may involve a variety of different gameplay mechanics, such as matching, logic, and spatial reasoning. Puzzle games are often designed to be challenging but also satisfying to play, with clear goals and a sense of progress as the player solves more and more difficult puzzles.

Puzzle games can be further subdivided into different sub-genres, such as logic puzzles, match-3 puzzles, and physics puzzles. Some popular examples of puzzle games include Tetris, Candy Crush, and The Room.

Rhythm games challenge the player’s sense of timing and coordination. These games typically involve following a series of prompts or cues, such as visual or audio signals, and performing actions in time with the rhythm or beat of the game. They may be played using a variety of controllers, such as game pads, keyboards, or special rhythm game peripherals, and may involve a variety of different themes and settings.

In rhythm games, players may be asked to press buttons or keys in time with the music, or to move their body or a controller in time with the rhythm. Some rhythm games may involve singing or playing musical instruments, and may include a variety of different difficulty levels.

Some popular examples of rhythm games include Dance Dance Revolution, Rock Band, and Elite Beat Agents.

In Role-playing games (RPGs), players assume the role of a character and interact with the game world and other characters as that character. RPGs often have a strong emphasis on character development and story, and may involve making decisions that affect the outcome of the game.

In RPGs, players typically control a single character and must navigate through a series of levels or environments, interacting with non-player characters (NPCs) and making decisions that affect the story. The player may also have access to a variety of weapons and abilities, and may be able to upgrade their character’s skills and equipment as they progress through the game.

RPGs can be further divided into different sub-genres, such as action RPGs, tactical RPGs, and massively multiplayer online RPGs (MMORPGs). Some popular examples of RPGs include the Final Fantasy series, the Elder Scrolls series, and the World of Warcraft series.

Shooter games involve shooting and combat. There are many different types of shooter games, including 2D and 3D games, and they may be played from a variety of viewpoints, such as first-person, third-person, or top-down perspectives.

2D shooter games are played on a two-dimensional plane, with characters and objects moving left, right, up, or down on the screen. These games may be played using a game controller or keyboard and mouse, and may involve a variety of different themes and settings. Some classic examples of 2D shooter games include Space Invaders and Galaga.

3D shooter games are played on a three-dimensional plane, with characters and objects moving in all directions on the screen. These games may be played using a game controller or keyboard and mouse, and may involve a variety of different themes and settings. Some popular examples of 3D shooter games include Doom, Call of Duty, and Halo.

Shooter games may be played in a variety of different modes, such as single-player campaigns, arcade modes, and online multiplayer modes. Players may have access to a variety of weapons and abilities, and may be able to upgrade their character’s skills and equipment as they progress through the game.

Simulation games replicate real-world systems, processes, or environments for the purpose of training, education, or entertainment. These games may involve simulating a variety of different systems or scenarios, such as business management, city planning, or space exploration.

Simulation games may be designed to be realistic or fantastical, and may be set in a variety of different time periods or settings. They may be based on real-world systems and processes, or they may involve fictional elements or scenarios.

Some popular examples of simulation games include The Sims, SimCity, and Kerbal Space Program.

Construction and simulation games, also known as construction and management simulation games, involve building and managing virtual systems or environments. These games may involve constructing and maintaining buildings, roads, and other structures, or managing and growing virtual businesses or communities.

Construction and simulation games may be based on real-world systems and processes, or they may involve fictional elements or scenarios. They may be set in a variety of different time periods or settings, and may involve a wide range of themes, such as city building, farming, and resource management.

Some popular examples of construction and simulation games include Minecraft, RollerCoaster Tycoon, and Cities: Skylines.

Sports games simulate real-world sports, such as soccer, basketball, football, and more. These games may involve playing as a team or as an individual athlete, and may involve a variety of different modes, such as exhibition matches, tournaments, and career modes.

Sports games may be further divided into different sub-genres, such as sports management games, also known as manager games. In these games, players assume the role of a team or league manager, and must make decisions about team strategy, player acquisitions, and other aspects of team management.

Some popular examples of sports games include FIFA, NBA 2K, and MLB The Show. Some popular examples of manager games include Football Manager and Out of the Park Baseball.

There are some sports games that fall into the category of “fantasy” like Electronic Arts’ Mutant League Football. Some, like Midway’s NFL Blitz football series, make a sport seem more extreme than it actually is for enhanced drama. The same can be said for games centered around skateboarding.

Strategy games challenge the player’s ability to make decisions and plan ahead. These games may involve a variety of different gameplay mechanics, such as resource management, unit deployment, and territory control.

Strategy games may be further divided into different sub-genres, such as real-time strategy games, in which players must make decisions and take actions in real-time, and turn-based strategy games, in which players take turns making decisions and taking actions. Strategy games may be set in a variety of different settings, such as fantasy worlds, science fiction universes, or historical periods.

Some popular examples of strategy games include Starcraft, Civilization, and Fire Emblem.

Vehicle simulation games simulate the experience of operating a vehicle. These games may involve driving cars, trucks, or other ground vehicles, or piloting aircraft, boats, or other watercraft.

Driving games are a sub-genre of vehicle simulation games that focus on simulating the experience of driving a ground vehicle. These games may involve a variety of different types of vehicles, such as cars, trucks, or motorcycles, and may be set in a variety of different environments, such as city streets, off-road terrain, or racing tracks. Driving games may be played from a variety of viewpoints, including first-person, third-person, and top-down perspectives. Some popular examples of driving games include Gran Turismo, Forza Motorsport, and Need for Speed.

Flying games are another sub-genre of vehicle simulation games that focus on simulating the experience of piloting an aircraft. These games may involve a variety of different types of aircraft, such as planes, helicopters, or space craft, and may be set in a variety of different environments, such as Earth’s atmosphere, outer space, or fantastical worlds. Flying games may be played from a variety of viewpoints, including first-person, third-person, and cockpit perspectives. Some popular examples of flying games include Microsoft Flight Simulator, Ace Combat, and Elite Dangerous.

Traditional games, as a video game genre, are based on analog games, such as card games, board games, and gambling games, and are designed to replicate the experience of playing the original analog game, and may involve a variety of different gameplay mechanics and rules.

Card games are a sub-genre of traditional games that are based on games played with playing cards. These games may involve a variety of different card game types, such as poker, solitaire, and blackjack. Some popular examples of card games include PokerStars, Solitaire, and Spider Solitaire.

Board games are another sub-genre of traditional games that are based on games played with physical game boards, pieces, and dice, such as Chess, Scrabble, and Monopoly.

Gambling games are a sub-genre of traditional games that are based on games of chance that are played for money, such as slot machines, roulette, and craps, and Slotomania.

Whew, So Many Genres!

This is by no means an all-inclusive list of game genres above, but it does cover a number of the main categories. Not only are there numerous popular genres, but there are also numerous hybrid genres. Note the many possible combinations of game and story genres, such as the fantasy-action, science-fiction-action, and historical-action genres. As a result of the narrative and world-building elements present in video games, they are able to successfully hybridize gameplay with elements from other media.

Game Tropes

Game tropes are conventions, themes, or elements that are commonly found in video games. They can be found in various forms, including gameplay mechanics, character types, plot elements, and level design.

Free health: This is a trope in which the player can restore their health without using any items or resources. This can be done by finding health pickups scattered throughout the game world, completing certain objectives, or by visiting certain locations or characters.

Stealing stuff: This is a trope in which the player is able to take items or objects from non-player characters or the environment without any consequences. This can be done through pickpocketing, looting, or simply taking items that are not guarded or owned by anyone.

Crates: This is a trope in which crates or boxes are scattered throughout the game world and can be broken or opened by the player to find items or resources. These items may include health pickups, ammunition, or other useful items. Crates are often used as a way to reward the player for exploring the game world and can be found in a variety of locations, such as hidden areas or enemy bases.

The hero’s journey: This is a common plot trope in which the protagonist goes on a journey to defeat the main antagonist and save the day.

Damsel in distress: This is a trope in which a female character is captured or otherwise put in a perilous situation and must be rescued by the male protagonist.

The silent protagonist: This is a character type that is commonly found in video games and is characterized by their lack of dialogue or personality.

The tutorial level: This is a level or section of a game that is designed to teach the player how to play the game.

The final boss: This is the main antagonist of a game and is typically the most difficult enemy that the player must defeat in order to complete the game.

The collectible hunt: This is a gameplay mechanic in which the player must collect a certain number of items or objects in order to progress through the game.

The open world: This is a type of game level design in which the player has the freedom to explore a large, open environment and interact with non-player characters and objects.

The X Button: The use of the X button on a controller to perform a vertical jump is a common gameplay mechanic in many video games. This trope is often used in platforming games, in which the player must navigate their character through a series of obstacles and challenges by jumping between platforms and avoiding hazards.

The X button is typically used to initiate the jump, while the direction of the jump is controlled by the player’s movement or by pressing other buttons on the controller. Some games may also allow the player to perform additional actions while jumping, such as attacking or interacting with objects in the environment.

Using the X button to jump is a simple and intuitive control scheme that has been used in many different types of games, and it is often chosen for its ease of use and familiarity to players.

Bibliography & Further Reading

A Game Design Vocabulary: Exploring the Foundational Principles Behind Good Game Design by Anna Anthropy and Naomi Clark
A Theory of Fun for Game Design by Raph Koster
Advanced Game Design: A Systems Approach by Michael Sellers
An Introduction to Game Studies by Frans Mayra
Basics of Game Design by Michael Moore
Blood, Sweat, and Pixels: The Triumphant, Turbulent Stories Behind How Video Games Are Made Blood, Sweat, and Pixels: The Triumphant, Turbulent Stories Behind How Video Games Are Made by Jason Schreier
Board Game Design Advice: From the Best in the World vol 1 by Gabe Barrett
Building Blocks of Tabletop Game Design: an Encyclopedia Of Mechanisms by Geoffrey Engelstein and Isaac Shalev
Character Development and Storytelling for Games by Lee Sheldon
Chris Crawford on Game Design by Chris Crawford
Clockwork Game Design by Keith Burgun
Elements of Game Design by Robert Zubek
Fundamentals of Game Design by Ernest Adams
Fundamentals of Puzzle and Casual Game Design by Ernest Adams
Game Design Foundations by Brenda Romero
Game Design Workshop by Tracy Fullerton
Game Mechanics: Advanced Game Design by Ernest Adams and Joris Dormans
Game Writing: Narrative Skills for Videogames edited by Chris Bateman
Games, Design and Play: A detailed approach to iterative game design by Colleen Macklin and John Sharp
Introduction to Game Systems Design by Dax Gazaway
Kobold Guide to Board Game Design by Mike Selinker, David Howell, et al
Kobold’s Guide to Worldbuilding edited by Janna Silverstein
Level Up! The Guide to Great Video Game Design, 2nd Edition by Scott Rogers
Narrating Space / Spatializing Narrative: Where Narrative Theory and Geography Meet by Marie-Laure Ryan, Kenneth Foote, et al.
Narrative Theory: A Critical Introduction by Kent Puckett
Narrative Theory: Core Concepts and Critical Debates by David Herman, James Phelan, et al.
Narratology: Introduction to the Theory of Narrative, Fourth Edition by Mieke Bal
Practical Game Design by Adam Kramarzewski and Ennio De Nucci
Procedural Storytelling in Game Design by Tanya X. Short and Tarn Adams
Professional Techniques for Video Game Writing by Wendy Despain
Rules of Play by Salen and Zimmerman
Storyworlds Across Media: Toward a Media-Conscious Narratology (Frontiers of Narrative) by Marie-Laure Ryan, Jan-Noël Thon, et al
Tabletop Game Design for Video Game Designers by Ethan Ham
The Art of Game Design, 3rd Edition by Jesse Schell
The Board Game Designer’s Guide: The Easy 4 Step Process to Create Amazing Games That People Can’t Stop Playing by Joe Slack
The Cambridge Introduction to Narrative by H. Porter Abbott
The Grasshopper, by Bernard Suits
The Routledge Companion to Video Game Studies by Bernard Perron and Mark J.P. Wolf
The Routledge Encyclopedia of Narrative Theory by David Herman
The Ultimate Guide to Video Game Writing and Design by Flint Dille & John Zuur Platten
Unboxed: Board Game Experience and Design by Gordon Calleja
Video Game Storytelling: What Every Developer Needs to Know about Narrative Techniques by Evan Skolnick
Writing for Video Game Genres: From FPS to RPG edited by Wendy Despain
Writing for Video Games by Steve Ince
100 Principles of Game Design by DESPAIN