U72&74 - As1 - Game Genres

GAME GENRES

Computer games are organised into a plethora of different genres depending on their content and sometimes can become a part off two different genres intertwined.

Action

The action genre requires players to have quick reflexes in order to overcome obstacles in the game at a fast pace. Games in the action genre are arguably the most popular because of their gameplay that has a heavy emphasis on combat as well as a relatively enticing plot. The Action genre is subject to multiple sub genres such as platform games, fighting games and first-person shooters meaning that theres a game in this genre available for anyone regardless of their likes and dislikes. An example of an action game would be the Grand Theft Auto franchise because of the consistent fast paced story lines, the constant fighting as well as the quick reflexes demanded for the gameplay.

Adventure 

Adventure games are set in worlds where the obvious isn't normally what it seems, these elements include connected or hidden rooms and more complex objectives than those of the action genre but may contain similar elements, the action genre also allows more development for both characters and plot.  The legend of Zelda is an example of an adventure game because of the consistent problem solving featured throughout as well as the overt inclusion of character development and the emphasis on objectives and plots which make it hard for any adventure game to be multiplayer. The game also incorporates elements of the action genre due to the platform subgenere it holds which has resulted in a heavy debate over whether or not the game should be classified as that as the games had a strong influence over both genres.

Combat

Combat games involve multiple players, controlled with either a remote or a computer, who engage in battle against each other whether physical or through shooting projectiles. An example of a combat game would be any from the Mortal Kombat franchise. Although originally starting off as a physical fighting game, the franchise has evolved to include weapons as well resulting in the increase in popularity for the franchise that never falters due to consistent adaptation the Mortal Kombat series  adopts when announcing new games.

Educational

Education games are designed to aide players in learning something while making it an enjoyable experience.  Generally, educational games include puzzles of varying varieties to increase the player knowledge. Big Brain Academy, published by Nintendo, is an example as an educational game. In the video game, tests are taken by the players to measure their brain mass in order to calculate how smart the player is, further tests can be taken to increase the players brain mass as well. 

Role-Playing

These games involve players creating or controlling characters who often have developed personas and are represented with various statistics. Examples of these games include Skyrim, the Fallout franchise and World of Warcraft as the player of each character adopts the role of an imaginary figure who engages in scenarios the player is in full control of.

Sports

Sports games revolve around existing sports (or variations of them) in which players control those playing the sports. The FIFA franchise along with the Mario and Sonic Olympic Games are examples of this genre as both include players participating in existing sports however contrast with each other as the FIFA Franchise solely focuses on a singular sport whereas the latter incorporates a variety of sports in to their game.

Simulation

These games rely on players being able to balance limited resources that make aide the player in making and expanding their own world, an example of this would be the Sims franchise as the game focuses on the player creating various worlds and characters and keeping those things they invented thriving in the society they've made. Another example of simulation would be Rollercoaster Tycoon as the game revolves around sharing limited resources around until your theme park is thriving as well as keeping computer controlled people alive.

Strategy

Strategy games emphasise the importance of planning ahead as opposed to action games which rely on quick thinking and reflexes which aren't deemed necessary in these games. An example of strategy games are Plants vs. Zombies or Clash of Clans as both games revolve around players strategising attacks and setting up for battle, contrasting with previous game genres that rely on quick thinking and reflexes.