Video games are sorted into many categories depending on the content. Going by that rule, many games fit into multiple categories. Nevertheless, we can understand the type of almost all games, by a description of the type, which they closely match. Here, a list of the popular game categories is given. However, there are still more games out there which do not fall into this listing.



Action (First Person Shooting):

This is by far one of the most popular computer games. The player acts as a character and he looks either through the character's eyes or over his shoulder. The player/character moves through a series of obstacles, killing or avoiding enemies and over to the next level. The games generally have a time limit to complete a task and may lose a life or fail the level if the objective can not achieved within the time limit. The settings for the games vary from historical wars to fantasy universe wars.

Action games can further be classified as Stealth Games. While enemies are killed in Action games, Stealth Games require that enemies should be avoided or if necessary killed without attracting attention.

Driving Games:

Racing and driving games are another popular type of games. Both Motor Bike racing and Car racing games are available. The player gets to drive and has to compete against other drivers. Circuits as in reality racing, modification and choosing of vehicles are some of the specialties of this type of game.

Role Playing Game:

This is more or less like the First Person Shooting game. However, unlike the first person game, the game may be played as long as the story line is completed.

Fighting Games:

As the name suggests the player gets to play a character, which fights with other computer controlled, or player controlled characters. The aim is to win as in all types of games.

Strategy Games:

This is a mix and match of FPS (First Person Shooting) and RPG (Role Playing Game). The majority of games in this type are war games.

Sports Games:

Players get to play group sports like rugby and basketball or single participant games like skate boarding. Players may get to control the team as a whole or a single character that is on the field.

Simulation Games:

As the name suggests, this is simulating, for instance, piloting an airplane, building a city etc.

Puzzle Games.

This type of games requires more of the brain than brawn. It requires a level of thinking and understanding to solve the puzzles.

Casual Games:

This type of games is for those people who are not serious gamers. It has no story or strategy and when one has time to kill, these games are played. Cell phone games are categorized into this list.

Platform Games:

Games where the player has to jump on to or from suspended platforms or obstacles can be termed as platform games.

Multiplayer Games:

Where two or more players play a game simultaneously, competing against each other or playing as a team to achieve a goal is called multiplayer gaming.

Online Games:

Video games played over the internet are called online games.

Massive Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game (MMORPGs):

This is a combination of Role Playing Games (RPG) and Online games, where people from all over the world play games hosted by the publishers.