The World of Games

Games are a big part of our lives! Whether you play for fun or competition, video games bring people together and help us relax!

There are so many ways to play games now with technology. You can play on your phone, console, or computer. According to Statista, over two billion people play video games worldwide!

No matter what kinds of games you enjoy, whether casual games on phones or competitive esports, there is a wide variety to try

In this article I'll look more closely at some popular genres and franchises that millions of gamers around the world play. By learning about some of these, I hope it gives you a taste of what gaming has to offer and why it's worth exploring. Keep reading to find out more about the fun world of games!

Table of Contents

• Definition of Video Games
• How to Play Video Games
• Video Game Genres List
• Popular Games
• Popular Platforms and Websites
• Why Play Games
• Tips and Tricks
• History of Video Games

Definition of Video Games

Video games are electronic games that are played on devices like computers, consoles, mobile phones, and tablets! They allow players to interact with a virtual world through graphics and sound.

Some key points about video games:

• Players use controllers, keyboards, mice or touchscreens to control characters and navigate environments in the games.
• The goal is usually to complete levels, solve puzzles, overcome obstacles and challenges, or compete against other players.
• Popular genres include action, adventure, racing, role-playing, shooter, sports and strategy games.
• They can be played single player against the computer or online/locally with other people in multiplayer mode.
• Graphical capabilities and technology have advanced over the decades from simple 2D graphics to highly detailed 3D virtual worlds.

How to Play Video Games

Finding Games

The first step is to find games that interest you! You have several options to browse games:

• Online: Popular websites like Steam, GameTop Nintendo eShop, PlayStation Store, Xbox Live let you browse new and top-selling games by genre, platform, reviews and more.
• Retail Stores: Check your local big box retailers or specialty stores for physical copies of games across various consoles and PC. Browse sales racks for deals.
• Friends: Ask other gamers you know what they're playing currently and get personal recommendations tailored to your tastes.

Getting Specific Recommendations

If you need help narrowing it down further:

• Review Websites: Sites like IGN, GameSpot, Metacritic aggregate reviews from critics. Read a range of opinions on gameplay, graphics, story and more.
• Online Communities: Subreddits, forums and Discords can provide specific suggestions from a knowledgeable community. Describe games you've liked before.
• Gameplay Videos: Watch trailers and Let's Play videos on YouTube to see actual raw footage and get a sense of graphics, mechanics and pace before buying.

Playing the Game

When you start a new game, be sure to:

• Read tutorials and instructions to learn basic and advanced controls.
• Experiment with different control schemes if offered.
• Start on the easiest difficulties when learning mechanics and story.
• Consult online guides if you get stuck without spoiling the story.
• Have fun exploring the game world at your own pace! Take breaks when needed.

Video Game Genres List

Action Games

• Shooting Games
• First-Person Shooter (FPS): Players experience the game from a first-person perspective and the primary goal is often to navigate through levels and shoot enemies.
• Third-Person Shooter (TPS): Similar to FPS but with a camera view from behind the player character, allowing for better visibility of the environment.
• Twin-Stick Shooter: Action games where players use one joystick or key for movement and another for aiming and shooting.
• Fighting Games: Players control characters in one-on-one combat scenarios, often with special moves and combos.
• Beat 'em up Games: Players move through levels, fighting against waves of enemies with hand-to-hand combat or melee weapons.
• Stealth Games: Focus on avoiding detection by enemies and using stealth to overcome challenges.
• Survival Games: Players are tasked with surviving in a hostile environment, gathering resources, and managing their character's needs.

Adventure Games

• Text Adventures/Interactive Fiction: Games where the environment and gameplay are conveyed through text.
• Graphic Adventures: Players interact with the environment using a graphical interface.
• Visual Novels: Interactive games that primarily use text and static graphics to tell a story.
• Point-and-Click Games: Players use a mouse to interact with objects and solve puzzles.
• Escape Room Games: Puzzle games where players find clues and solve puzzles to "escape" from a confined space.

Casual Games

• Hidden Object Games: Requires players to find objects from a list that are hidden within a picture. They often come with a storyline and can include mini-games or puzzles to solve in addition to finding objects.
• Match 3 Games: A subgenre of puzzle games where players swap pieces on a grid to form a line of three or more matching items, which then disappear, and new pieces fall into place.
• Puzzle Games: They typically involve solving logic puzzles or completing abstract patterns.
• Time Management Games: Challenge players to manage resources and time effectively to achieve specific goals. Often set in restaurants, farms, or other businesses, players must multi-task to keep their operation running smoothly.
• Word Games: Can be played solo or competitively and often test the player's vocabulary, spelling, and sometimes even general knowledge.
• Card and Board Games: Digital versions of classic card and board games like "Solitaire," "UNO," or "Monopoly".
• Endless Runners: Players navigate their characters through an infinite, usually procedurally generated, obstacle course like "Temple Run" and "Subway Surfers".
• Idle Clickers: Incremental games involve simple gameplay where the primary action is to click or tap the screen repeatedly to earn points or currency. 
• Platform Games: Simple controls and level design that allows for short bursts of play. Games like "Super Mario Run" take the classic platforming concept and adapt it for a casual gaming audience with one-touch controls and quick levels.

Role-Playing Games (RPG)

• Action RPG: Combines real-time action with RPG elements like character progression and inventory management.
• MMORPG (Massively Multiplayer Online RPG): Online RPGs where players interact with each other in a virtual world.
• Sandbox RPG: Players have a large open world to explore with less structured gameplay.
• Tactical RPG: Focuses on strategic gameplay, often incorporating turn-based combat on grid-like maps.
• Roguelike: RPGs with procedurally generated levels, turn-based gameplay, and permanent death of the character.

Simulation Games

• Life Simulation: Simulate aspects of life, allowing players to control characters or ecosystems.
• Construction and Management Simulation: These games simulate real-world activities and often focus on building, managing, and organizing complex systems or projects.
• Racing Simulation: Realistic racing games that simulate vehicle racing with a focus on physics and real-world variables like tire wear and fuel management.
• Flying Simulation: Simulates the experience of flying an aircraft.

Strategy Games

• Tower Defense: Players must stop waves of enemies by building and upgrading defensive towers along their path.
• Real-Time Strategy (RTS): Players manage resources and deploy units to defeat opponents in real-time.
• Real-Time Tactics (RTT): Similar to RTS but with a focus on battlefield tactics rather than resource management and base building.
• Turn-Based Strategy (TBS): Players take turns to make strategic decisions, move units, and engage in combat.
• Turn-Based Tactics (TBT): Focuses on tactical movement of units on a grid or map, usually with turn-based gameplay.
• Grand Strategy Wargame: Involve managing a country or empire, where the focus is on strategic decision-making over a long period, often in a historical setting.

Horror Games

• Survival Horror: Players are placed in a scary environment with limited resources, and they must survive against monsters or other terrifying elements. The focus is often on evasion and stealth rather than combat.
• Psychological Horror: These games aim to disturb or unsettle players with complex emotional or psychological experiences, often relying on atmosphere, storytelling, and psychological manipulation rather than jump scares or gore.

Sports Games

• Team Sports: Simulate playing sports like basketball, football where players control a team.
• Racing: Simulate racing competitions, which can include cars, bikes, motorcycles, boats, etc.
• Combat Sports: Focus on simulating combat sports such as boxing, wrestling, mixed martial arts.
• Extreme Sports: Simulate activities like BMX, skateboarding, snowboarding.

Music & Rhythm Games

These games challenge players to keep up with the rhythm or beat of the music. Players may need to hit notes at the correct time, mimic dance moves, or play instruments in sync with the music. Examples include rhythm-based tapping games, dance mat games, and instrument simulation games.

Educational Games

Designed to teach or inform players about a specific subject, skill, or concept. These games can cover a wide range of topics, from language learning and science to history and math. The gameplay mechanics are often integrated with educational content to make the learning process engaging and interactive.

It's also important to note that as the gaming industry evolves, new genres and subgenres may emerge, and existing ones may evolve or merge!

Popular Games

1. Cyberpunk 2077 - A story-driven, open-world RPG of the dark future from CD PROJEKT RED, creators of The Witcher series of games.
2. League of Legends - A competitive MOBA (Multiplayer Online Battle Arena) where two teams of powerful champions battle to destroy the other's base.
3. Minecraft - A sandbox game where players can build, mine, battle mobs, and explore endless terrains.
4. Counter-Strike: Global Offensive - A first-person shooter with a strong competitive scene, where players join either the terrorist or counter-terrorist team.
5. Dota 2 - Another hugely popular MOBA where players control heroes with special abilities and collaborate to destroy the opposing team's "Ancient."
6. World of Warcraft - A seminal MMORPG that has players create heroes to explore Azeroth, undertake quests, and band together to raid large dungeons.
7. Fortnite - A battle royale shooter that includes a building mechanic, where 100 players fight until only one stands.
8. Apex Legends - A character-driven, squad-based Battle Royale shooter where teams fight to be the last one standing.
9. The Sims 4 - A life simulation game where players control the daily activities of virtual people called "Sims."
10. Overwatch - A team-based multiplayer first-person shooter with a diverse cast of heroes that battle across futuristic earth settings.

Online Games

1. Goodgame Big Farm - A farming simulator where players manage their farm, grow crops, raise animals, and sell products to develop their agricultural empire.
2. Goodgame Empire - Become the ruler of your own castle, building your empire from scratch and leading your armies to conquer new territories. Strategize your way to the top of the leaderboards by forging alliances, defending your kingdom, and fighting epic battles.
3. Krunker.io - A fast-paced first-person shooter that has simplistic graphics to run smoothly on most hardware.
4. Diep.io - An online multiplayer tank game where players control tanks and earn points by destroying shapes and killing other players.
5. 8 Ball Pool - A virtual pool game where you can play billiards against other players online.
6. Skribbl.io - A drawing and guessing game where players have to guess what the sketching player is drawing.
7. Hole.io - A game where you control a black hole, moving around an urban area, consuming various objects to grow in size.
8. Neopets - A virtual pet website where users can own, take care of, and play various games with their virtual pets.
9. Agar.io - An addictive multiplayer game where you control a small cell and grow by eating smaller cells and dodging larger ones.
10. Cookie Clicker - An incremental game where the player's goal is to produce as many cookies as possible by clicking on a giant cookie.

Console Games

1. Red Dead Redemption 2 (PS4, Xbox One) - An epic tale of life in America at the dawn of the modern age, following Arthur Morgan and the Van der Linde gang.
2. God of War (PS4) - Follows Kratos and his son in a deep and reflective story, a departure from the series' traditional hack-and-slash roots.
3. Spider-Man (PS4) - An action-adventure game that lets players swing through New York City as the iconic superhero.
4. Breath of the Wild (Nintendo Switch) -An installment in the Zelda series where Link explores a large open world with complete freedom.
5. Super Mario Odyssey (Nintendo Switch) -A platformer that follows Mario as he travels across various worlds to rescue Princess Peach from Bowser.
6. Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice (PS4, Xbox One) -A third-person, action-adventure game with RPG elements, focusing on stealth, exploration, and combat in a reimagined late 1500s Sengoku period Japan.
7. Forza Horizon 4 (Xbox One) -An open-world racing game set in a fictional representation of the United Kingdom.
8. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate (Nintendo Switch) -A crossover fighting game that includes characters from different Nintendo franchises and third-party series.

Mobile Games

1. Clash of Clans -A strategy game where you build a base, protect it from other players, and raid other players' bases for resources.
2. Candy Crush Saga -A match-three puzzle game where you combine candy pieces to clear each stage with different objectives.
3. Monument Valley -An indie puzzle game where players manipulate impossible architecture and guide a silent princess through a stunningly beautiful world.
4. Clash Royale -A real-time strategy game combining elements from collectible card games, tower defense games, and multiplayer online battle arena games.
5. Among Us -A party game of teamwork and betrayal where players must keep their spaceship together by completing tasks and figure out who the impostors are.
6. Mobile Legends: Bang Bang -A multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game designed for mobile phones.
7. Pokemon GO -An augmented reality (AR) mobile game where you capture and collect Pokémon by physically navigating the real world.
8. Roblox Mobile -A platform that allows users to create and play games created by other users, featuring a wide variety of genres and experiences.
9. Asphalt 9: Legends -An arcade racing game that lets you race with top hypercars from renowned car manufacturers.

Popular Platforms and Websites

You can find, download, and play a variety of new and old games online or offline on platforms like the Apple App Store, Google Play, GameTop, Microsoft Store, Amazon Kindle, or Facebook. These games range from being recent (from years 2022, 2023) to those developed in the 2010s and 2020s. Online platforms such as MSN offer a range of games ready for play without download requirements.

These games are available for a variety of operating systems including Windows 7, 10, and 11, MacOS, and Chromebook. They come in versions that are free, freemium, or purchasable, and offer full-screen and story-based experiences.

Here are some popular platforms and websites for playing games!

PC gaming

1. GameTop - Offers many free full-version games for Windows PCs. You can download unlimited games to your computers, laptops, and play without ads. They also have online games to play without downloading.
2. Steam - Steam is one of the largest digital distribution platforms for PC gaming. Launched in 2003, it has grown to accommodate hundreds of games and account for a significant share of the PC gaming market.
3. Epic Games Store - A newer competitor to Steam that was launched in 2018. It aims to take market share from Steam by offering developers a more favorable revenue split and occasionally giving away free games to users
4. GOG.com - Good Old Games, also known as GOG.com, distributes older classic PC games that are optimized to run on modern systems without issues. Many titles are distributed DRM-free.
5. Battle.net - Launcher and online service for Blizzard games like World of Warcraft, Overwatch, Diablo, Hearthstone and more. Integrates game updates, chat, cloud saves and companion apps.
6. Ubisoft Connect - Ubisoft's PC platform for titles like Assassin's Creed, Far Cry, Rainbow Six. Handles game downloads, progress syncing, in-game rewards and more.
7. Origin - EA's digital storefront for games published under their labels including titles from franchises like Battlefield, FIFA, The Sims. Integrates game updates and in-game transactions.

Online gaming

1. Roblox - Massively popular sandbox platform where users can create their own games and worlds or explore player-made content. Strong community aspect with voice/text chat.
2. Addicting Games - one of the largest ranges of free online games including action games, sports games, puzzle games, IO games, mobile games and many more.
3. Poki - Offers a wide variety of web-based games that can be played directly in the browser without downloading anything. Genres include puzzles, arcade, adventure and more. Great for quick sessions on any device.
4. CrazyGames - Offers a wide variety of web-based games that can be played directly in the browser without downloading anything. Genres include puzzles, arcade, adventure and more. Great for quick sessions on any device.
5. MSN Games (Zone.com) - Operating from 1996 to 2014, MSN Games is a casual gaming website, with single player, multiplayer, PC download, and social casino video games. Games are available in free online, trial, and full feature pay-to-play versions.
6. Armor Games - Another large collection of web games catering to different interests. Known for flash-based classics from the 2000s as well as newer browser titles.
7. Facebook - Games on Facebook encourage social engagement through leaderboards, challenges with friends, and supported by the larger Facebook community.
8. Newgrounds - Long-running site focused on flash animations and games created by independent artists. Known launch pad for many popular web franchises over the decades.

Console gaming

1. PlayStation (Sony) - The PlayStation brand includes home consoles like the PS4 and PS5 as well as the PlayStation Portable and PlayStation Vita handhelds. PlayStation consoles are known for their exclusive, story-driven single-player games from developers like Naughty Dog, Sony Santa Monica, and Guerilla Games. Popular franchises include God of War, Uncharted, Horizon, and more.
2. Xbox (Microsoft) - Microsoft produces the Xbox consoles like the Xbox Series X/S competing directly with PlayStation. Xbox is focused on delivering a premium online gaming experience through services like Xbox Live, Game Pass, and backward compatibility across generations. Popular exclusive franchises include Halo, Forza, and Gears of War.
3. Nintendo - As the oldest console gaming company still in business, Nintendo makes family-friendly consoles like the Nintendo Switch for both home and portable play. Iconic franchises like Mario, Zelda, Pokémon and more are synonymous with Nintendo. Their consoles also attract many popular Japanese role-playing games and exclusive indie titles.

Mobile gaming

1. Android (Google Play Store) - The Google Play Store is the largest app store for Android devices, with over 3 million games available. Both free and paid games can be found across many genres. Android supports a variety of control methods from touchscreens to game controllers via Bluetooth. High-end devices provide robust processing power for graphic-intensive titles.
2. iOS (Apple App Store) - As the sole distribution channel for iOS devices, the Apple App Store also hosts millions of games optimized for the iPhone and iPad. Support for game controllers is limited, so most iOS games rely on touch-optimized control schemes. Latest devices like iPhone 15 offer powerful hardware for visually stunning mobile games.
3. Amazon Appstore - While a smaller store than Google Play or Apple, the Amazon Appstore provides a choice for Android games alongside content from Amazon like ebooks, movies and more.

Why Play Games

1. It's fun! Games are designed to be entertaining.
2. Relax and unwind. After a long day of work or school, games can help you relax and forget about stress for a while.
3. Social activity. Many games can be played with friends and family, providing a fun social experience. Whether online or in-person.
4. Mental challenges. Puzzle games, strategy games, and problem-solving games can exercise your brain. Some research even shows games may help delay mental decline.
5. Creativity and self-expression. Some games let you design levels, characters, worlds, and tell your own stories. A fun way to tap into creative skills.
6. Stress relief. Playing action-packed or puzzle games releases dopamine and endorphins, reducing stress and anxiety. Blast away baddies or solve puzzles to feel better!
7. Learn something new. Many games teach history, problem-solving, geography, and more, making learning fun. Strategy games improve planning and multitasking too.
8. Escape from reality. Get totally immersed in a fantasy game world, rather than thinking about real life problems for a bit.

Tips and Tricks

1. Take breaks periodically. Playing games intently for long periods of time can be tiring. Taking short breaks every 30-60 minutes helps reduce eyestrain and keeps you fresh.
2. Use in-game hints or walkthroughs if needed. Many games provide hints or optional walkthroughs to help you progress if you get stuck. These can save a lot of frustration.
3. Adjust game settings if needed. Games often let you tweak graphics, controls, difficulty and more. Adjusting settings can optimize your experience. 
4. Save often. Regularly saving your progress prevents losing gameplay if you experience crashes or power outages.
5. Try different strategies. If one approach isn't working, experiment with alternate tactics, weapons, abilities or playstyles.
6. Communicate and cooperate with teammates. For multiplayer or cooperative games, working as a team increases your chances of success.
7. Practice and learn from mistakes. Repetition helps you master mechanics and skills. Don't get discouraged from failures, view them as learning experiences.
8. Seek hints from online communities if needed. Game forums and wikis can provide valuable clues or strategies from other players.
9. Have fun! Games are meant to be an enjoyable pastime. Don't stress over perfection - relax and focus on enjoying the experience.

History of Video Games

Early Games (1940s-1970s)

• In 1947, Thomas T. Goldsmith Jr. and Estle Ray Mann invented a cathode ray tube amusement device. This is considered one of the earliest electronic games.
• In the 1960s, games started appearing on mainframe computers at universities and labs. Popular games included Spacewar!, Galaxy Game, and Tennis for Two. 
• The first arcade game was Computer Space released in 1971. It was one of the earliest vector-based video games. 

Golden Age of Arcades (late 1970s-early 1980s)

• In 1972, the first hit arcade game was released - Atari's Pong. It became a huge success and helped launch the golden age of arcades.
• Space Invaders in 1978 was a landmark game that caused a phenomenon known as "Space Invader Fever." It helped cement arcades as the place to play games.
• Pac-Man in 1980 became one of the best-selling arcade games of all time and further boosted the arcade craze. 

Nintendo Entertainment System (mid 1980s)

• The NES was released in North America in 1985 after the video game crash of 1983 and helped revive the struggling industry.
• Super Mario Bros. from 1985 was a key launch title that showed what the NES was capable of and became one of the best-selling games ever.
• The Legend of Zelda from 1986 introduced open-world concepts and helped define adventure games. 

Rise of 3D Games (1990s)

• The Sony PlayStation launched in 1994 and used 3D graphics made possible by its powerful CPU and GPU. Games like Ridge Racer showed off what 3D could do.
• Nintendo 64 launched in 1996 and also featured 3D capabilities. It was home to classics like Super Mario 64 and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.
• Tomb Raider from 1996 helped popularize 3D action-adventure games starring strong female leads.

Modern Era (2000s-present)

• PlayStation 2 released in 2000 became the best-selling console ever thanks to its ability to play DVDs and massive library of games. 
• Grand Theft Auto 3 from 2001 proved open-world action could work in 3D. Its influential sandbox model influenced many later games.
• Online multiplayer took off with hits like Halo 2 in 2004, Call of Duty 4 in 2007, and League of Legends in 2009, now defining huge esports scenes.