7 most popular video game genres in 2024

Video games are no longer a mere time-killing activity, but they have become the go-to entertainment mode for the masses. A few video game genres are widely loved by both new gamers and seasoned grinders.

From the heart-pounding thrills of action adventures to the strategic challenges of real-time strategy games, video games have become a dominant form of entertainment, captivating players of all ages. These are the 7 popular video game genres, their defining characteristics, and the unique experiences they offer.

Action games

Action games are all about putting players in the thick of the action. These fast-paced titles emphasize reflexes, quick thinking, and skillful combat. Common subgenres within the action genre include:

• Platformers: Players navigate side-scrolling or 3D environments, jumping over obstacles, collecting items, and defeating enemies. Examples include the iconic Super Mario Bros. and the challenging Celeste.
• Shooters: Players test their marksmanship in first-person (FPS) or third-person (TPS) perspectives, engaging in gunfights with enemies. Popular options include the military-themed Call of Duty and the hero-shooter Overwatch.

Related | The best rhythm games to start playing in 2024

Casino games

Casino games offer a digital recreation of popular casino table games, slots, and card games, and they can be easily found at a non-GamStop casino. These titles allow players to experience the thrill of gambling from the comfort of their homes, placing virtual bets, and enjoying the potential for virtual rewards.

While not traditionally considered a “pure” video game genre due to the element of chance involved, casino games have become a popular choice for players seeking a different kind of challenge and excitement. Here’s a closer look at some of the subgenres within casino games:

• Slots: These fast-paced games involve spinning reels adorned with symbols. Matching symbols across pay lines results in payouts, offering a blend of excitement and potential for quick wins. Video slots with elaborate themes, bonus features, and progressive jackpots dominate this subgenre.
• Table Games: Digital versions of classic casino table games like Blackjack, Roulette, Baccarat, and Poker are available. These games require a combination of strategy and luck, offering players the opportunity to test their skills against the virtual dealer.
• Live Dealer Games: These games provide the closest experience to a real casino setting. Players interact with live dealers streamed from a casino studio, placing bets and experiencing the excitement of real-time gameplay through video feeds.

Adventure games

Adventure games emphasize exploration, puzzle-solving, and story progression. These titles often involve interacting with characters and the environment, uncovering secrets, and overcoming challenges to advance the narrative. Subgenres within adventure games include:

• Point-and-Click Adventures: Players interact with the environment and characters by clicking on objects and dialogue options. Classic examples include the Monkey Island series and the mind-bending puzzles of Myst.
• Action-Adventures: These games combine elements of action and adventure, featuring exploration, combat, and puzzle-solving. The Legend of Zelda series and the recent Tomb Raider reboot are prime examples.

Role-playing Games (RPGs):

RPGs allow players to create and customize their characters, embarking on epic quests in fantastical worlds. Players develop their characters’ stats, skills, and equipment throughout the game, making choices that can impact the story and their in-game world. RPG subgenres include:

• Action RPGs (ARPGs): These games blend RPG elements like character development with real-time action combat. The popular Diablo series and the open-world exploration of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt are examples.
• Massively Multiplayer Online RPGs (MMORPGs): MMORPGs offer vast online worlds where thousands of players can interact, explore, and complete quests together. World of Warcraft and Final Fantasy XIV are titans of this subgenre.

Strategy games

Strategy games challenge players to think critically, plan meticulously, and manage resources to outsmart their opponents. These titles can be categorized as:

• Real-Time Strategy (RTS): Players gather resources, build bases, and command armies in real time to defeat their enemies. Classics like StarCraft and the complex Age of Empires series fall into this category.
• Turn-Based Strategy (TBS): Players take turns making decisions and executing actions, offering a more methodical approach to strategy. The Civilization series and the chess-like battles of Fire Emblem are popular examples.

Simulation games

Simulation games allow players to experience the complexities of managing real-world or fictional scenarios. These games can focus on various aspects like:

• City Building: Players build and manage cities, balancing resources like housing, infrastructure, and economic development. Cities: Skylines and the classic SimCity series are well-known examples.
• Life Simulation: Players manage the lives of virtual characters, making decisions that impact their careers, relationships, and overall well-being. The Sims series is the most recognizable life simulation game.

Puzzle games

Puzzle games test players’ logic, problem-solving skills, and spatial reasoning. These titles come in a variety of forms, including:

• Match-3: Players swap adjacent tiles to create lines or rows of matching colors, clearing the board to progress. Candy Crush Saga is a popular example of this subgenre.
• Physics-Based Puzzles: Players manipulate objects and elements within the environment, utilizing physics and logic to solve challenges. The Portal series and the charming physics puzzler Human: Fall Flat are well-regarded examples.

The popularity of casino games within the video game landscape highlights the diverse range of experiences players seek. While some gamers crave the strategic depth of RPGs or the challenge of real-time strategy, others enjoy the thrill and potential rewards offered by casino games. Ultimately, the vast world of video games caters to a variety of preferences, offering something for everyone.