Video game genres define gameplay mechanics, influence character design, and inspire captivating storylines.
At Voice123, where you can choose from thousands of video game voice actors, we’ll explore what video game genres are with a comprehensive video game genres list, and we’ll explain how to match the right voice over style with the right types of video games!
What are video game genres?
Video game genres are categories that classify games based on gameplay elements, objectives, and mechanics to provide a blueprint for developers. For example, the action genre focuses on high-energy gameplay, so developers would create advanced weaponry and combat sequences, while developers for puzzle games would create analytical puzzles that challenge a player’s problem-solving skills. Over time, game genres have evolved and even merged into hybrids that combine elements of multiple genres like battle royale games or action RPGs.
Video game genres list
1. Action
Action games are adrenaline-driven, often featuring combat, shooting, or intense physical challenges. Characters in these types of games are bold and dynamic, with a powerful or commanding voice style that enhances the fast-paced gameplay. Sub-genres of these action games include:
- First-person shooters (FPS) like Call of Duty allow players to experience the game from their chosen character’s perspective.
- Survival games like Valheim feature an environment where players must gather resources, think quickly, and make tough decisions.
2. Adventure
Adventure games focus on exploration and narrative, with players navigating exciting worlds to uncover compelling stories. These game categories usually require narrative-style voice overs that evoke emotion and mystery. Sub-genres include:
- Western adventure games are set in the Wild West, and players can become cowboys or outlaws like Red Dead Redemption.
- Point-and-click adventure games involve players interacting with objects and characters in a virtual world like Monkey Island.
3. Action-Adventure
Action Adventures are a hybrid video game genre that combines combat and puzzles with a compelling narrative arc. Voice actors use a dynamic tone that balances intensity with versatility to create an immersive experience with diverse gameplay. The main sub-genres are:
- Open-world games like Star Wars feature large, expansive game worlds for players to explore and play.
- Survival games put players in terrifying situations where they must fight and survive against enemies, like in Silent Hill 2.
4. Puzzle
Puzzle games challenge players’ logic and problem-solving abilities. They often include secret levels, side quests, or bonus content with challenges that get progressively harder. These games usually include an NPC (Non-Playable Character) with a calm, encouraging voice style to guide players through the challenges. These different types of games include:
- Logical puzzles require players to use logic and reasoning to solve puzzles. The Witness has over 500 challenging puzzles.
- Hidden object puzzles are when players find specific items hidden in a cluttered scene like Mystery Case Files.
5. Role-Playing
RPGs immerse players in character-driven worlds, offering choices that impact the story. Video games like Batman Arkham allow players to fight criminals as Batman in Gotham City. These video game genres require a dramatic, character-driven voice style, and the different game categories include:
- Action RPG combines action with RPG mechanics. In Dark Souls, players must survive in a harsh, unforgiving world.
- Tactical RPG requires players to strategize and make decisions in turn-based combat like Final Fantasy Tactics.
6. Simulation
Simulation games replicate real-world activities or situations like businesses, lifestyles, or fantasy worlds. Video game voice actors with a conversational or instructional voice are used to bring depth to these games. Additional video game genres include:
- Racing simulators like Gran Turismo provide a realistic driving experience with accurate car and track simulations.
- City building simulators like SimCity let players design and manage their cities with zoning, infrastructure, and budget.
7. Strategy
Strategy games test players’ tactical thinking and resource management, designed to challenge their decision-making and tactical skills. Voice actors for this video game genre need an authoritative style to convey strategy and command. These different types of games are:
- Turn-based strategy (TBS) games allow players to plan and lead missions. In XCOM 2, players fight an alien invasion.
- Real-time strategy (RTS) games like StarCraft II require quick decision-making and multitasking skills.
8. Sports
Sports games recreate real-world competitions and athletic challenges, allowing players to compete as their favorite athletes. These types of video games often use virtual reality and energetic voice overs to create an immersive experience. Sports game categories are:
- Racing games like Forza Horizon 5 immerse players in high-speed experiences as they race against opponents.
- Fighting games like Street Fighter V allows players to combat hand-to-hand against rivals.
9. MMO (Massively Multiplayer Online)
MMOs involve large communities of players in expansive online worlds, allowing thousands of players to interact, collaborate, and team up. Voice styles for this video game genres list are engaging and tailored for individual characters. These types of video games include:
- Fantasy games allow players to create and customize their characters in mythical worlds, such as World of Warcraft.
- Sandbox video games, like Minecraft, create a virtual world where players can explore, build, and interact with each other.
10. Platformer video game genres
Platformers challenge players to navigate a character through various obstacles and puzzles within unique physical environments. Voice styles for these types of video games are usually playful and lively to match the energy and pacing of the game. Sub-genres include:
- Side-scrolling games allow players to move across a 2D landscape by jumping, running, and climbing like Donkey Kong.
- Shooter platformers like Metal Slug combine platforming and shooting elements, creating action-packed gameplay.
Final thoughts on video game genres
Video game genres are more than game categories—they’re powerful tools to shape storytelling, character development, and audience engagement. Ready to bring your vision to life?
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FAQs on video game genres
There are over ten main video game genres, including action, adventure, RPG, strategy, and simulation, with numerous subgenres and hybrid genres.
The action genre is the most popular, thanks to its fast-paced gameplay, exciting challenges, and widespread appeal in games like Call of Duty and Fortnite.
A game’s genre is determined by its core gameplay mechanics, objectives, and player experience.
The four main types of video game players are Achievers (goal-oriented), Explorers (love discovering secrets), Socializers (enjoy multiplayer interactions), and Killers (focus on competition and domination).