Types of Video Games
Types of Video Games
Types of Video Games
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Types of Video Games
Get informed about the major video game categories.
Articles within this series
Overview
Types of Video Games
How Computer and Video Games Are Rated
Are There Benefits to Video Games?
Detriments of Video Games
5 Mistakes That Can Turn Your
Child Into a Video Game Junkie
How to Choose Video Games Wisely
Hooked! The Addictive Power of Video Games
8 Signs Your Child is a Video Game Addict
Safeguards for Video Gameplay
Next Steps / Related Information
by Vicki Caruana, Chris Caruana and Olivia Bruner
Action
Action games tend to have a large amount of violence due to their fastpaced nature. This is the category that most "M" (maturerated)
games fall under which are inappropriate for children. Some games are milder but may contain suggestive themes. Action games may pit
person against person or person against animal/alien. Some examples of such problematic games include Halo, Star Wars: Jedi Knight
and Enter the Matrix.
Arcade
Arcade games can be almost anything from the violent Street Fighter to the classic Pacman. This category includes games that cover the
entire spectrum of ratings. Many older arcade games have been updated and turned 3D. Some examples are Pacman, Soul Caliber 2 and
Frogger.
Strategy
Strategy games most often involve tactical movement of troops and/or players. These games may be warfare based or may be as simple as
chess. The content of many of these games can be appropriate for children but they tend to be difficult to play. Combat is often slower
paced and allows time for strategic thinking. Some examples are Advanced Wars I & II and Chessmaster® 2000.
Simulation
Simulation games are often aircraft simulations. You get to fly a jet or a helicopter. Most have nothing more to them other than the
destruction of enemies; rarely they use excessive language. Some games in this category include Secret Weapons Over Normandy and
SimCity.
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Types of Video Games Page 2
Driving
Driving games are most often racing, but some are also crash derby or missionbased. Players usually get a choice of car and get better and
better cars over time. Some of these games are Project Gotham Racing, ATV Offroad Fury, and the highly offensive Grand Theft Auto.
Puzzle
Puzzle games are almost never rated higher than ‘E’ (for everyone). They all take thinking and logic skills. A common puzzle game is
Tetris. Many others are Tetrislike or involve color matching skills. Many games incorporate puzzle aspects but are not true puzzles. Some
of the puzzleincorporating games fall under Action or RolePlaying.
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How Computer and Video Games Are Rated
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