Before creating a game, we first must fairly understand what makes an application a game. Why is not every application like Microsoft Word a game? There are several considerations to have in mind when defining a game design, such as the type of game, the intended audience, resources, challenges, rewards, effects, and the overall purpose for playing a game in the first place: Safety and Fun!
Much can be said for the type of games available out there. After an exhaustive research on the internet and using my own experience, I have managed to summarise most of the game types in the table below:
Types of games
Action Games
Role Playing
Adventure
Real time strategy
Fast pace, good reflexes, player is a screen recognisable character.
e.x Red Dead Redemption
Fantasy world, character plays a role based on a story line.
e.x Sims
Mostly singe player, character completes the challenges - back story
e.x The Last of Us
Players take turns in real time building inventories of items and armies.
e.x Starcraft
Sports
Combat
First Person Shooters
Puzzle
FIFA is the first one that comes to mind
Close up one on one fighting against an opponent.
e.x Mortal Combat
Shoot’ em up style game
e.x Call of duty & DOOM
Usually time based on logical thinking challenges.
e.x Candy Crush
Simulations
Educational games
Massive Multiplayer
… Flight simulator!!!
Makes learning fun...?
e.x Reading Eggs
Play against other internet players.
e.x Runscape