📚 Video Game Genres Taxonomy

The world of gaming is incredibly diverse and complex. Unlike film or literature which are categorized by setting or plot elements (Sci-fi, Thriller, Romance), Video Games are strictly categorized based on Gameplay Mechanics.

The list below gathers the 40 purest mechanical branches originating from the root foundation of the Steam Store.

1. Action

• First-Person Shooter
• Third-Person Shooter
• Hack & Slash
• Arcade & Rhythm
• Platformers & Runners
• Shoot ‘em up
• Fighting & Martial Arts

2. Adventure & Casual

• Hidden Object
• Casual
• Metroidvania
• Puzzle
• Visual Novels
• Story-Rich

3. RPG (Role-Playing Games)

• Action Role-Playing
• Strategy & Tactical Role-Playing
• Japanese Role-Playing
• Rogue-Likes & Rogue-Lites
• Turn-Based Role-Playing
• Party-Based

4. Simulation

• Building & Automation Sims
• Hobby & Job Sims
• Dating Sims
• Farming & Crafting Sims
• Space & Flight Sims
• Life & Immersive Sims
• Sandbox & Physics Sims

5. Strategy

• Turn-Based Strategy
• Real-Time Strategy
• Tower Defense
• Card & Board
• City & Settlement Builders
• Grand Strategy & 4X
• Military Strategy

6. Sports & Racing

• Sports Sims & Sports Managers
• Racing
• Racing Sim
• Fishing & Hunting
• Team Sports
• Individual Sports
• Sports