Genres

A genre is the classification assigned to a game based on its gameplay mechanics rather than visual or narrative elements. A game could be associated with one or more genres depending.

Genre	Definition
Adventure	Any game that features an interactive story driven by exploration and puzzle-solving gameplay mechanics
Arcade	Any game that features fast paced gameplay mechanics typically requiring great hand-eye coordination skill
Card & Board Game	Any game that features traditional card and board game gameplay mechanics
Fighting	Any game that features gameplay mechanics of close combat between a limited number of characters on a stage with fixed boundaries
Hack and slash/Beat ‘em up	Typically synonymous with brawlers, any game that features gameplay mechanics of close combat against multiple opponents where the boundaries are usually scrolling.
Indie	TBD
MOBA	Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA) is any game that features gameplay mechanics of the player controlling a single character with unique abilities that contributes to a strategic victory of a larger team
Music	Any game that features gameplay mechanics that challenges the players sense of rhythm
Pinball	Any game that features gameplay mechanics where the player uses flippers to keep a ball in motion in order to increase a score or progress
Platform	Any game that features gameplay mechanics of jumping and climbing to navigate the player’s environment to reach their goal
Point-and-click	Any game that features gameplay mechanics of a point and click interface typically played at a casual pace for accessibility. This genre frequently crosses over with the Adventure genre.
Puzzle	Any game that features gameplay mechanics of logic puzzles, mazes or tile-matching. This genre frequently crosses over with the Adventure genre.
Quiz/Trivia	Any game that features gameplay mechanics of having the player answer questions with the goal of obtaining points
Racing	Any game that features gameplay mechanics of the player competing against time or opponents using some means of transportation
Real Time Strategy (RTS)	Any game that features gameplay mechanics where the player is selecting multiple units to perform tasks leading to a strategic victory
Role-playing (RPG)	Any game that features gameplay mechanics where the player controls the actions of a character (and/or several party members) immersed in some well-defined world
Shooter	Any game that features gameplay mechanics which often tests the player’s spatial awareness, reflexes and speed by engaging in combat with a weapon that shoots projectiles
Simulator	Any game that features gameplay mechanics generally designed to closely simulate real world activities.
Sport	Any game that features gameplay mechanics that simulate the practice of real life sports
Strategy	Any game that features gameplay mechanics that emphasizes skillful thinking and planning to achieve victory.
Tactical	Any game that features gameplay mechanics similar to those of a traditional tabletop role-playing game.
Turn-based strategy (TBS)	Any game that features gameplay mechanics with strategic elements and players taking turns
Visual Novel	Any game that features gameplay mechanics where the player is interacting with a text-based story. The player may control the outcome of the story depending on decisions made throughout.