List of computer and video games by category
This article gives a list of computer games and video games by category, i.e. arranged alphabetically by genre. Some categories/genres are briefly defined at the beginning of
their respective sections. For an alphabetical list of games sorted by title, see list of computer and video
games by name.
Action-Adventure
Action-adventure games are those where action is the predominant aspect of gameplay, but puzzle-solving and the exploration
of, and interaction with, the environment are also key to gameplay; as opposed to "pure" adventure games, where action sequences are the exception rather than the rule. With technological limitations on gameplay
becoming less of an issue to game designers, more action games are overlapping into this category. (see also survival horror.)
(see also action-adventure and puzzle games)
Game-controlled environment
This category includes games where the player's point of view does not
change, and those where the player's movements are (usually) entirely predetermined by the game design ("rail shooters")
Player-controlled environment
Games played over the Internet with other human players in a shared environment.
The gameplay is coordinated by a game
server. While many games can be played in a computer network.
Online games are characterized by the game environment being persistent and shared amongst a significant number of players. The
genre developed since 1995 when the internet became popular. Not all games types lend
themselves easily to online gaming. The most typical ones are.
Platformers, also called side-scrollers, view the game area
from a side or "cutaway" perspective. In these games, the background or playing area smoothly scrolls as the player moves about,
hence the name. These games are traditionally 2D, but some
have employed 3D computer graphics effectively. Traditional
elements of these games include running, jumping and some fighting. Side-scrollers were some of the first types of video games
and are still popular today, usually with younger players.
Many games in the adventure and maze genres could
arguably fit into this category as well. See list of puzzle-based computer and video games for a listing of puzzle games
by type.
Simulation style
Arcade style
(See also List of dance games, List of drumming games)
Shooters
Simulation
Some do not consider simulations to be games at all, but rather "digital
toys" or "software toys". Indeed, this is how Will Wright, the designer of the most popular video game of all time, The Sims, describes his games. These games aim to similate a specific activity (such as flying an airplane) as realistically as practically possible, taking into account physics and other real-world limitations. Some require a great deal of reading before the
game can even be attempted, while others include a simple tutorial. Some of these types of games, such as flight simulators, have
a limited following, while others, such as The Sims have an enormous following, including those who don't consider
themselves "gamers."
Space simulations tend to be much like flight simulations but generally have to take many liberties to adapt the "true"
physics of spaceflight to be more player-friendly.
Sports
Stealth Action
Strategy
General Strategy
Survival Horror
Survival Horror games focus on fear and attempt to scare the
player via traditional horror elements such as atmospherics, death, the undead, blood and gore. Most of these games include third- or first-person shooter
elements.
Third-Person Shooters/Third-Person Action
Third-person shooters (TPS) employ a specific
perspective for the player. This is normally just behind and above the game character, but it is sometimes an isometric perspective.
Miscellany
Collectible Card Game
Notable People
See list of computer and video game industry people.
Traditional
Most popular board games, card
games, and the like have been computerized to some degree or another. For example, more than 600 freeware board games are available written in Zillions. Computer game programs can be worthy opponents and can help you improve your skill at
traditional games.
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