A video game genre is a specific category of games related by similar gameplay characteristics. Unlike movies or books, where genres often revolve around themes or settings, video game genres focus on player interaction. For instance, a first-person shooter (FPS) remains an FPS whether it’s set in a sci-fi world, a historical battlefield, or a fantasy realm. The defining elements are the first-person perspective and combat mechanics involving ranged weapons.

Genres often branch into subgenres, offering more specific classifications. For example, action games include platformers, fighting games, and beat ’em ups, each with unique mechanics. Some titles, particularly in browser-based and mobile gaming, blend multiple genres to create hybrid experiences.

In this article, AntGames lets you dive into the most popular video game genres, their subcategories, and what makes them stand out. Whether you’re a hardcore gamer or just starting out, this guide will help you explore the diverse and ever-evolving world of gaming.

Action

Action games rank among the most popular video game genres, offering fast-paced challenges that test reflexes, precision, and coordination. These games center around a player-controlled character who must jump, fight, or shoot through obstacles to advance. Success relies on quick decision-making and hand-eye coordination, making action games both thrilling and competitive.

This genre includes various subgenres, each with its own unique mechanics. Platform games and fighting games are some of the most recognizable, while shooter games have dominated the gaming landscape since the 1990s.

Platform games

Platform games, or platformers, focus on jumping and climbing mechanics to navigate complex environments. Players must overcome obstacles, enemies, or intricate jumping puzzles to progress.

A defining trait of platformers is the enhanced jumping ability of characters, often allowing them to leap multiple times their height. Players also have midair movement control, adjusting jump height and distance for precision-based gameplay. These mechanics create a dynamic experience that challenges both timing and spatial awareness, making platformers a beloved subgenre in gaming history. Notable games include:

• Gun Mayhem
• Superhot
• Stick Fight – The Game

Discover More: Best action games you should try

Shooter games

Shooter games, often just called shooters, are a genre of video games where the main focus is on aiming and firing weapons—typically guns, though sometimes lasers, bows, or other projectiles—to defeat enemies, complete missions, or stay alive. Shooters can be classified not only by subgenres but also by perspective. In first-person shooters (FPS), players experience the game from the protagonist’s viewpoint, often with a heads-up display (HUD) showing vital stats like health and ammo. Third-person shooters (TPS), on the other hand, position the camera behind the character, offering a wider view of the environment. Some games integrate both perspectives, allowing players to switch between first-person and third-person views for strategic gameplay. Notable games include:

• Stick Merge
• Funny Shooter
• Gun Mayhem Redux
• Stick Defenders
• Skibidi Shooter
• Time Shooter 2
• Archery World Tour

Discover More: Best shooting games

Fighting games

Fighting games are a genre of video games where the focus is on one-on-one (or sometimes small-group) combat between characters, typically in a structured, competitive setting like an arena or stage. Players control a fighter each with their own unique moves, combos, and special abilitie and battle opponents using a mix of punches, kicks, throws, and flashy techniques, often requiring precise timing and skill to master. Notable games include:

• Super Smash Flash 2
• Rooftop Snipers
• Super Smash Bros.

Beat ’em up games

Beat ’em ups, or brawlers, are a distinct subgenre of action games that emphasize close-range combat against large waves of enemies rather than one-on-one battles. Unlike fighting games, which focus on competitive duels, beat ’em ups often feature cooperative multiplayer gameplay, allowing players to team up against enemies.

These games frequently incorporate mechanics from other action genres, blending platforming, RPG elements, and weapon-based combat. The genre saw a decline in the early 1990s with the rise of fighting games, but 3D beat ’em ups have helped keep it alive. A notable subgenre, hack and slash, refers to weapon-based beat ’em ups, where players use swords, axes, and other melee weapons to defeat foes. Classic games include:

• Double Dragon
• Streets of Rage
• Castle Crashers

Stealth games

Stealth games are a genre focused on avoiding detection, executing stealth tactics, and strategically navigating through environments without alerting enemies. The primary objective in stealth games is often to complete missions or objectives while maintaining a low profile. These games typically emphasize patience, precision, and clever manipulation of the environment to outsmart adversaries. Classic games include:

• Metal Gear
• Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake
• Metal Gear Solid

Survival games

Survival games immerse players in harsh, open-world settings with minimal resources. The goal is simple: survive as long as possible. Players must gather resources, craft tools, weapons, and shelter to stay alive. Most of these games feature procedurally generated worlds, making each experience unique. There are often no clear objectives, leaving the player to navigate challenges at their own pace. Notable games include:

• Among Us Online
• Warriors: Battle for Survival
• Little Alchemy 2
• Zombs Royale

Rhythm games

Rhythm games, also known as rhythm action games, test a player’s sense of rhythm. In these games, players must press buttons at exact moments to match the beat. The screen displays which button to press, and points are awarded based on accuracy and how well the player syncs with the music’s rhythm. Notable games include:

• Geometry Dash
• Friday Night Funkin’
• Piano Tiles 2
• Osu!

Battle Royale games

A battle royale game combines survival, exploration, and scavenging with last-man-standing gameplay. Players start with minimal equipment and must search for weapons and armor to eliminate opponents. As time progresses, the playable area shrinks, forcing players into tighter spaces. The winner is the last remaining competitor. Popular battle royale games include:

• Krunker.io
• War Brokers.io
• Battle Royale 2
• Shooter Arena

Adventure

Adventure games are a genre of video games that emphasize exploration, puzzle-solving, story-driven experiences, and character interactions rather than combat-focused gameplay. These games typically place you in a rich, immersive world where you interact with characters, solve mysteries, and uncover narratives. The gameplay can vary from being linear with a fixed storyline to open-ended worlds where your choices affect the outcome.

Graphic Adventures

Graphic Adventure Games are a subgenre of adventure games that combine traditional adventure elements (such as exploration and puzzle-solving) with graphical storytelling. These games typically have detailed visuals, with the story told through both images and text (or voice acting), making them more visually immersive than text-based adventure games. Notable examples include:

• The Silent Age
• Blacksad
• Sherlock Holmes

Text Adventures

Text Adventure Games (also known as Interactive Fiction) are a subgenre of adventure games where the story and gameplay are conveyed entirely or predominantly through text. Instead of using visuals, players interact with the game by typing commands or making choices to navigate through the narrative, solve puzzles, and explore different environments.

These games rely heavily on imagination, logic, and problem-solving. Many of them focus on storytelling, world-building, and exploration. While the graphics may be minimal or nonexistent, the depth of the narrative and the challenges of interpreting text-based clues make them an immersive experience. Notable examples include:

• Zork (Series)
• The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy
• Anchorhead
• Colossal Cave Adventure

Visual Novels

Visual novels blend elements of traditional literature with interactive gaming mechanics. Distinguished by:

• Static artwork with character portraits
• Dialogue-driven storytelling
• Multiple narrative paths
• Choice-based progression
• Character relationship systems

Popular in Japan and gaining worldwide recognition, visual novels offer deep storytelling experiences with meaningful player choices.

Notable titles include:

• Zero Escape series
• Ace Attorney franchise
• Steins;Gate

Interactive Movie

Interactive movies bridge the gap between films and games, offering players the chance to influence the story through their choices. Characteristics include:

• Live-action or high-quality animated scenes
• Choice-based gameplay
• Multiple story paths
• Cinematic presentation

Examples:

• Batman: The Telltale Series
• Detroit: Become Human
• Late Shift

Role-playing Game

Role-playing games (RPGs) let players take on the roles of characters, making choices that influence the story and gameplay. In video games, RPGs involve exploring rich worlds, completing quests, customizing characters, and advancing through a narrative shaped by decisions. These games combine strategy, creativity, and personal interaction with virtual environments.

Action RPG

Action RPGs combine traditional RPG elements with real-time combat mechanics. Instead of turn-based battles, players actively control their character’s movements and attacks. Notable examples include:

• The Witcher series
• Diablo franchise
• Dark Souls games
• Path of Exile

These games emphasize player skill alongside character progression, creating an engaging blend of action and role-playing elements.

CRPG

CRPGs represent the digital evolution of tabletop role-playing games, offering deep character customization and complex storytelling. Key features include:

• Extensive dialogue systems
• Turn-based combat
• Party management
• Meaningful choices and consequences

Classic examples include Baldur’s Gate, Planescape: Torment, and more recently, Divinity: Original Sin 2.

MMORPG

MMORPGs create vast persistent worlds where thousands of players can interact, collaborate, and compete. These games feature:

• Persistent online worlds
• Social interaction and cooperation
• Regular content updates
• Complex in-game economies

World of Warcraft, Final Fantasy XIV, and The Elder Scrolls Online are prominent examples of this genre.

Expore More abou MMORPGs: What is MMORPGs – All things should need to know

Roguelikes

Named after the 1980 game “Rogue,” these games feature:

• Procedurally generated levels
• Permadeath mechanics
• High difficulty
• Random item generation

Modern examples include Hades, Dead Cells, and Enter the Gungeon, which have popularized the “roguelite” subgenre by incorporating permanent progression systems.

Tactical RPG

Tactical RPGs combine strategic combat with role-playing elements. Key characteristics include:

• Grid-based movement
• Turn-based combat
• Squad management
• Position-based advantages

Popular series include Final Fantasy Tactics, Fire Emblem, and XCOM (though the latter crosses into strategy gaming).

Sandbox RPG

These games offer unprecedented freedom in how players approach their adventures. Features include:

• Open-world exploration
• Multiple solution paths
• Emergent gameplay
• Character freedom

The Elder Scrolls series, particularly Skyrim, exemplifies this subgenre, along with games like Fallout New Vegas.

First-person party-based RPG

Also known as dungeon RPGs or “blobbers,” these games feature:

• First-person perspective
• Party-based exploration
• Grid-based movement
• Complex dungeon design

Classic examples include Wizardry and Might & Magic, with modern titles like Legend of Grimrock carrying the torch

Monster Tamer

These RPGs focus on collecting, training, and battling with creatures. Key elements include:

• Creature collection
• Training systems
• Evolution mechanics
• Competitive battling

The Pokémon series defines this subgenre, while games like Monster Hunter Stories and Shin Megami Tensei offer unique takes on the formula.

Simulation

Simulation Games are a genre where players manage or mimic real-world or fictional scenarios. These games aim to replicate certain aspects of life or systems, often giving players control over activities that require strategy, management, and decision-making. Simulation games can be based on real-life experiences (such as running a business, managing a farm, or piloting a vehicle) or on fantastical environments (such as city-building or space exploration).

Construction and management simulation

Construction and Management Simulation (CMS) games focus on the player’s ability to build, manage, and maintain systems or structures. These games often require strategic planning, resource management, and problem-solving to ensure that the projects succeed. They typically feature complex economic and logistical systems, where you must balance costs, staff, materials, and time. Popular examples include:

• SimCity BuildIt: Create and manage your own thriving metropolis
• Construction Simulator Pro: Experience realistic construction operations
• City Builder: Design and develop urban landscapes

Life simulation

Life Simulation games focus on replicating aspects of human life or everyday activities, allowing players to control and interact with characters, communities, and virtual environments. These games often blend creativity, management, and relationship-building, offering players an immersive experience where they can guide virtual lives, explore social dynamics, and make decisions that affect the course of the game. Life simulation games can range from highly realistic representations of daily life to more fantastical and whimsical scenarios.

The most renowned example is The Sims series, where players can create and guide virtual characters through their lives, making decisions about careers, relationships, and living situations.

Vehicle simulation

Vehicle Simulation games allow players to control and operate various types of vehicles, such as cars, trucks, planes, boats, and more. These games often focus on providing a realistic experience, with detailed physics, driving mechanics, and vehicle management. Vehicle simulators can range from realistic driving or flying experiences to arcade-style games with exaggerated physics and fast-paced gameplay. The best game to try is Drift Hunters.

See More: Top driving games

Sports

Sports Simulation games replicate various sports in a virtual environment, allowing players to compete in realistic or arcade-style representations of their favorite athletic activities. These games often feature real-world teams, players, and venues, providing a detailed and immersive experience. Some focus on strategic management, while others emphasize action and control in a more arcade-like fashion.

Team Sports

Team Sports games simulate sports that require multiple players working together as a team to compete against another team. These games can range from realistic simulations with detailed mechanics to more arcade-style experiences with fast-paced, accessible gameplay. In team sports games, players are often responsible for controlling individual players, setting strategies, and making decisions in real time to outplay the opposing team. Here are some notable Team Sports Games:

• FIFA series (soccer)
• NBA 2K series (basketball)
• Madden NFL (American football)

Racing

Racing Games simulate the experience of driving vehicles in competitive races. These games often focus on speed, control, and the thrill of navigating different tracks, environments, and challenges. Racing games come in various styles, from realistic simulations with detailed car physics to arcade-style experiences with exaggerated speeds and fun power-ups. Here are some notable games:

• Forza Horizon
• Gran Turismo
• Mario Kart

Esport Competitive Games

Esports Competitive Games are multiplayer video games that are played professionally in organized tournaments and competitions, often with large cash prizes and significant fan followings. These games are known for their strategic depth, skilled gameplay, and ability to attract competitive players and teams worldwide. Here are some notable games:

• League of Legends – MOBA competition
• Counter-Strike – Tactical shooter esports
• Rocket League – Competitive sports-action

Sports-based fighting

Sports-Based Fighting Games are a unique genre that combines the competitive elements of sports with the intense, strategic action of fighting games. These games often take real-world sports and add fighting mechanics, allowing players to engage in matches with additional combat techniques, special moves, or exaggerated mechanics for a fun, over-the-top experience. Here are some notable games:

• UFC 4 – Mixed martial arts
• Fight Night – Boxing simulation
• WWE 2K – Professional wrestling

Individual Sports

Individual Sports-Based Fighting Games focus on one-on-one combat or competition, where players take control of a single character or athlete, competing in combat or fighting mechanics that simulate real-world individual sports. These games often emphasize personal skill, strategy, and precision. Here are some notable games:

• Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater – Skateboarding
• PGA Tour – Golf simulation
• Steep – Winter sports
• Archery World Tour

Puzzle

Puzzle Games are a genre that focuses on logic, pattern recognition, and problem-solving. Players are tasked with solving various types of challenges that may involve manipulation of objects, logic puzzles, matching colors or shapes, and more. Puzzle games often stimulate the mind and encourage creative thinking while providing fun and engaging gameplay.

Matching puzzles

Matching Puzzle Games are a subgenre of puzzle games that focus on matching like-items to achieve goals or progress through levels. These games often involve matching colors, shapes, numbers, or patterns in order to clear them from the board or make room for more elements. They typically feature simple, addictive mechanics and are popular for both casual and more serious gamers.

Here are some notable Matching Puzzle Games:

• Candy Crush Saga
• Bejeweled Series
• Jewel Quest
• Tetris Blitz

Logic Games

Logic Games are puzzle games that challenge players to apply reasoning and critical thinking skills to solve problems. These games require players to think strategically, plan ahead, and sometimes use abstract or unconventional approaches to find solutions. Logic games are great for exercising the brain and improving problem-solving skills.

Here are some notable Logic Games:

• Sudoku
• The Witness
• Nonograms (Picross)
• Rubik’s Cube

Others sub-genre in Puzzle games

These sub-genres showcase the versatility of puzzle game design principles, often incorporating interactive storytelling and narrative-driven puzzles to create more engaging and multifaceted gameplay experiences.

• Hidden Object Games: Players search for specific items in cluttered scenes
• Physics Puzzles: Games like Cut the Rope that use realistic physics mechanics
• Word Puzzles: Games focused on vocabulary and language skills

Strategy

Strategy Games are a genre of games that emphasize skillful thinking and planning to achieve victory. They involve long-term decision-making, resource management, and tactical maneuvers. Players must outsmart their opponents by using their resources, managing units, and making decisions that shape the flow of the game. There are several subgenres of strategy games, including turn-based strategy (TBS), real-time strategy (RTS), and others.

Tower defense

Tower Defense (TD) games are a subgenre of strategy games where players are tasked with defending a particular area or base from waves of enemies by placing defensive structures or “towers” along their path. These towers automatically attack enemies that come within range, and the goal is to prevent the enemies from reaching a designated point or target. Tower defense games require careful placement, resource management, and strategic planning to succeed.

Here are some notable Tower Defense Games:

• Bloons Tower Defense
• Merge Cannon: Chicken Defense
• Kingdom Rush
• Plants vs. Zombies

Wargame

Wargames are a genre of strategy games that simulate warfare and military operations, typically involving tactical and strategic decision-making. They focus on combat scenarios, where players control military units, plan maneuvers, and attempt to outsmart their opponents in battle. Wargames can be set in various time periods, including historical, modern, or futuristic settings, and they can range from abstract simulations to highly detailed representations of real-world warfare.

Here are some notable Wargames:

• Hearts of Iron
• Total War
• Command & Conquer

Others sub-genre in Strategy games

• 4X Games: Focus on eXploring, eXpanding, eXploiting, and eXterminating
• Real-Time Strategy (RTS): Fast-paced strategic combat like StarCraft
• Auto Battlers: Tactical games where combat plays out automatically

MMO

MMO games create persistent online worlds where thousands of players can interact simultaneously. These games emphasize social interaction and long-term progression.

• World of Warcraft: The defining MMORPG that shaped the genre
• Final Fantasy XIV: Story-focused MMO with regular content updates
• Black Desert Online: Action-combat MMO with extensive life skills
• EVE Online: Player-driven space MMO with complex economy

Other notable genres

Sports Games

Sports games simulate athletic competition:

• FIFA series: The premier soccer simulation
• NBA 2K: Basketball with deep franchise modes
• Rocket League: Unique sports-action hybrid

Racing Games

From arcade-style to serious simulation:

• Forza Horizon: Open-world racing
• Gran Turismo: Realistic racing simulation
• Mario Kart: Fun-focused kart racing

Fighting Games

Competitive one-on-one combat:

• Street Fighter: Technical fighting game series
• Super Smash Bros: Platform fighter with Nintendo characters
• Mortal Kombat: Known for its intense combat and fatalities

Sandbox / open world games

True Sandbox Games

Games with complete creative freedom:

• Minecraft: The ultimate building and survival sandbox
• Terraria: 2D exploration and crafting
• Garry’s Mod: Physics-based creative playground

Open World Adventures

Games with vast explorable environments:

• Grand Theft Auto V: Urban open-world action
• The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild: Fantasy exploration
• Red Dead Redemption 2: Historical western setting

Which is a trustworthy website for playing video games?

If you’re looking for a reliable website to play video games, AntGames is the answer. AntGames is one of the top platforms for free, browser-based games, offering a wide range of genres for all types of players. Whether you’re into action games, arcade games, driving games, shooting games or skill games, AntGames has something for everyone. The platform ensures a safe, secure gaming environment with no hidden fees or harmful content. You can jump into the action directly in your browser—no downloads or complicated installations are required.

AntGames stands out not only for its diverse game selection but also for its focus on enhancing cognitive skills, hand-eye coordination, and social interaction. Many of the games are designed to challenge your mind, improve problem-solving, and boost critical thinking. Action-packed games sharpen reflexes and coordination, while multiplayer options let you connect and compete with friends or players worldwide, promoting teamwork and communication. Plus, AntGames is constantly updated with new titles, ensuring there’s always fresh content to enjoy. Whether you’re gaming on a PC, laptop, or mobile device, AntGames provides a smooth and seamless experience across all platforms.

What game genre is suitable for boys?

While gaming interests vary individually, boys often enjoy:

• Action and Adventure Games: Offering excitement and exploration
• Sports Games: Providing competitive gameplay
• Strategy Games: Challenging tactical thinking
• Racing Games: Testing reflexes and competition

What game genre is suitable for girls?

It’s important to note that any genre can appeal to any gender. However, some popular choices among girls include:

• Life Simulation Games: Offering creative expression
• Puzzle Games: Providing mental challenges
• Adventure Games: Featuring strong storytelling
• Social Games: Encouraging interaction and cooperation

Whether you’re new to gaming or an experienced player, AntGames offers a safe and engaging environment to explore different game genres and find your favorites. Start your gaming journey today and discover the incredible variety of experiences available across different video game genres.