List of video game genres

A video game genre is a specific category of games related by a similar gameplay characteristic. Genres are not usually defined by the actual content of the game or its medium of play, but by its common challenge.

Genres may encompass a wide variety of games, leading to even more specific classifications called subgenres. For example, an action game can be classified into many subgenres such as platform games and fighting games. Some games, most notably browser and mobile games, are commonly classified into multiple genres.

The following is a list of all commonly defined video game genres, with short descriptions for individual genres and major subgenres.

Action games emphasize physical challenges that require eye-hand coordination and motor skill to overcome. They center around the player, who is in control of most of the action. Most of the earliest video games were considered action games; today, it is still a vast genre covering all games that involve physical challenges.

Action games are classified by many subgenres. Platform games and fighting games are among the best-known subgenres, while shooter games became and continue to be one of the dominant genres in video gaming since the 1990s. Action games usually involve elements of twitch gameplay.

Platform games (or platformers) are set in a vertical or three-dimensional (3D) environment. Players guide a character through obstacles, jumping on platforms and battling enemies in order to advance. They often involve unrealistic physics and special movement abilities.

Donkey Kong was one of the earliest and best-known platformers; the American gaming press classified it using the term climbing game at the time.Super Mario Bros. was one of the best-selling games of all time; more than 40 million copies were sold (excluding Game Boy Advance and Virtual Console sales).Jumping Flash! was the first console platformer to incorporate 3D graphics.

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