Game Genres
Ongoing coverage on Game Genres.
Latest coverage
Game Categories Should Tell Us What We’ll Actually Do
The article argues that current game library categories like 'popular' or 'featured' are insufficient for helping players choose their next experience. It suggests that more useful categories should describe the actual gameplay loop, such as whether it involves careful planning, quick reactions, or following a hosted round, thereby reducing player uncertainty and aligning with user intentions.
Lucasfilm wants to do more Star Wars games like Zero Company and Galactic Racer: 'We’ve tried to be more flexible about who we’re willing to take pitches from'
Lucasfilm Games is adopting a more flexible approach to Star Wars titles, seeking pitches from smaller studios for offbeat games like the tactics title Zero Company and arcade racer Galactic Racer. While large AAA games remain essential, Vice President Douglas Reilly stated the company is open to double-A experiences and prioritizing the fulfillment of player fantasies across various genres. This marks a shift from previous strategies, including the exclusive deal with Electronic Arts.
Weekend Discussion - October 17, 2026
This Weekend Discussion covers various topics including the arcade version of Street Fighter: The Movie: The Game, an exploration of 'god words', tips for surviving horror movies, and a mention of Grand Theft Auto. The article also touches on the author's personal gaming history and preferences.
Why is Star Wars suddenly so good at video games? - Reader's Feature
A reader argues that the Star Wars license is currently excelling in video games, revitalizing genres that are otherwise neglected. While acknowledging past quality issues with licensed games, the author praises recent titles like Zero Company and Galactic Racer, attributing their success to Lucasfilm Games' quality control and a focus on diverse genres.
September 2026 Nintendo Direct predictions
This article speculates on potential announcements for upcoming Nintendo Direct presentations, focusing on predictions for the September 2024 events. It covers potential reveals for remakes like The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, new entries in series like Metroid, and updates for existing titles such as Pikmin 4, while also discussing rumors and leaks.
The Daily Grind: Do you play MMOs exclusively, sporadically, or as part of a balanced gaming diet?
This article discusses player habits regarding MMORPGs, posing questions about whether players engage with them exclusively, sporadically, or as part of a balanced gaming diet alongside other genres. It encourages readers to share their personal gaming approaches.
How do I Pick the Right Game?
This guide helps prospective Game Masters select the right tabletop role-playing game by prompting self-reflection on preferred playstyles, genres, tones, and rule complexity. It suggests considering available community support and provides examples of various RPGs like Dungeons & Dragons, Call of Cthulhu, and Blades in the Dark. The article emphasizes finding a game that aligns with both the GM's and players' enjoyment.
What game genres are women allowed to play?
This article discusses the prevalent stereotype that women exclusively play 'cozy games' and challenges the notion of gendered game genres. It highlights barriers women face in gaming, including community judgment and marketing that historically excluded them, with insights from the G+RLS podcast featuring Anna Koselke, Jasmine Gould-Wilson, Catherine Lewis, and Sam Loveridge.
The Friendslop Genre Needs A New Name
The article argues that the term "friendslop" is reductive and inaccurate for games like Big Walk, which offer thoughtful, calming experiences rather than chaotic, low-effort gameplay. It suggests alternative names like "bro-ops" and discusses how the "friendslop" label can unfairly pigeonhole and misrepresent well-designed indie co-op titles.
Why does nobody like racing video games anymore? - Reader's Feature
A reader explores the decline of the racing game genre, noting the shift from popular arcade titles like Need For Speed and Burnout to more niche simulators. While Forza Horizon remains a success, the author questions why the genre has lost mainstream appeal, suggesting it may be overshadowed by open-world games or a general lack of innovation.
Playing different video game genres is so important for everyone - Reader's Feature
This reader feature argues for the importance of playing a wide variety of video game genres, highlighting the diverse experiences available. The author discusses recent games like Mixtape and The Artful Escape, emphasizing that gamers' tastes are more eclectic than in other media. The piece concludes that embracing different genres leads to a richer gaming experience.
At last, The Bullet Heaven genre - popularised by hits like Vampire Survivors - has been sanctioned by Steam
Steam has officially added the 'Bullet Heaven' genre tag, a subgenre popularized by games like Vampire Survivors. This update, released by Valve, introduces 17 new tags and removes 28 to improve game discovery and recommendations on the platform. The 'Singleplayer' tag remains the most popular on Steam.
Valve Updates Steam Tags With New Genres, Themes, and Major Removals
Valve has updated Steam's official store tag system, introducing 17 new tags and removing or revising dozens of older ones to improve game browsing and recommendations. New tags include genre-specific ones like Bullet Heaven and theme-based ones like Wuxia, while removed tags include NSFW and Masterpiece. Several existing tags were also renamed or merged for consistency.
"I think it’s unfair to kind of geofence the genre": Original Stalker designer talks Eurojank in not-so-Euro games
Original S.T.A.L.K.E.R. designer Andrii Verpakhovskyi argues against geofencing the 'Eurojank' genre, stating that ambitious but imperfect games share a common soul regardless of their origin. He believes terms like 'Eurojank' can be unfairly used to categorize games and suggests a broader appreciation for the inherent imperfections in many beloved titles.
Steam's new "golden age" is special because so many genres are popping off at once, indie expert says: "It's almost like the player base was drinking and their inhibitions lowered"
Indie game advisor Chris Zukowski believes Steam is experiencing a "golden age" due to a simultaneous boom across multiple genres, including idle games, friendslop, horror, and Survivors-likes. This trend reduces the barrier to entry for developers and caters to PC gamers' appetite for new experiences, contrasting with the stricter console market. Zukowski emphasizes that while not a "gold rush," specific genres offer opportunities for developers willing to target them.
Vi älskar indiespel – men vad är ett indiespel?
This article discusses the ambiguity surrounding the definition of 'indie games,' questioning what criteria such as budget, genre, graphics, or number of developers should be used to classify them. It highlights the difficulty in drawing a clear line for what constitutes an indie game.