Gaming Genre

Gaming genres

How to classify genres in gaming?

There are many characteristics that make a game genre. We can briefly classify a genre of a video game by identifying these characteristics – game-play, art, narrative. To classify a genre of a video game we spot out traditional conventions used in particular genres. For example, in an action genre, generic conventions used are, fighting, shooting, and explosions (Basically a lot of action). But things are complicated when the audience is included. “Video game genre study differs markedly from literary or film genre study due to the direct and active participation of the audience” (The Medium of the Video Game, Mark J. P. Wolf)

What are some challenges? Tensions?

A challenge when trying to classify a genre of a video game is the direct and active participation of a player – interactivity. The interaction of a player tends to complicate matters making it harder to classify a specific genre. For example, the video game Pac-Man “In order to so successfully, the player-character must avoid the pursuing ghosts, and also navigate a maze. Thus while Pac-man may be primarily classified as a “Collecting game”, we may also classify it as “Escape” or “Maze” game, albeit secondarily.” (The Medium of the Video Game, Mark J. P. Wolf) Because of the billions of creative minds out in the world, game genres do cross each other creating sub-genres.

Platform

A Platform genre video game is a 2D side scrolling video game. The setting is 2D and your character is 2D too. A typical main objective in platform genres is advancing levels. To advance level, the player must manoeuvre around objects, fight monsters, and sometimes collect things.

Donkey Kong

Super Mario Bros

Escape

An Escape genre video game involves “escaping pursuers or getting out of some form of enclosure” (The Medium of the Video Game, Mark J. P. Wolf). The player must escape whoever may be chasing them or escape a room using whatever is necessary to escape or enter a haven from pursuers.

Pac-Man

Driving

A driving genre video game is based on a player’s driving skills. This includes steering, speed control, manoeuvrability, and fuel conservation. Note that this is not the same genre as Racing and driving is solely based on a player’s driving skills. A main objective in this genre is a how fast a course is completed.

 

Gran Turismo