Three Broad Video Game Genre Categories (Action, RPG, Strategy/Sim)

Games defy a strict three-genre taxonomy, but most fit into these super-categories:

1. Action (Reflex & Execution)

• Shooters (FPS/TPS): Call of Duty, Overwatch
• Platformers: Mario, Celeste
• Fighting: Street Fighter, Tekken
• Character Action: Devil May Cry, Bayonetta
• Battle Royale: Fortnite, PUBG

2. Role-Playing (Progression & Choice)

• Traditional/JRPG: Final Fantasy, Dragon Quest
• Action RPG: The Witcher 3, Elden Ring
• CRPG: Baldur's Gate 3, Divinity: Original Sin 2
• MMORPG: World of Warcraft, FFXIV
• Roguelike/Deckbuilder: Hades, Slay the Spire

3. Strategy & Simulation (Planning & Systems)

• 4X / Grand Strategy: Civilization VI, Crusader Kings III
• RTS: StarCraft II, Age of Empires IV
• Management/Builder: Cities: Skylines, Factorio, RimWorld
• Life Sim: The Sims, Animal Crossing
• Sports/Racing Sim: FIFA, iRacing, Assetto Corsa

Hybrids abound (Action-RPG, Strategy-RPG, Immersive Sim). Genres are lenses, not boxes.