Sandbox
Perhaps people are more familiar with the term “sandbox” from its use in technology or perhaps from an open-ended mode found in some games. It frequently has open surroundings, non-linear gameplay, and player choice as themes. The sandbox genre has expanded from a little niche to include a vast array of games.
Players in these games frequently have fewer defined objectives and possible storylines. You might have to complete a range of chores that you can complete in a variety of ways in addition to defeating the boss and rescuing the princess. Players are drawn into more immersive experiences as a result, which promotes experimenting with potentially new mechanics.
Sometimes, sandbox games are quite conceptual, and they may even be devoid of some of the most identifiable gameplay components. Elite from 1984 is a prime example, with its straightforward design and gameplay centred on trading, exploration, and fighting. Additionally, it displayed an early use of procedural generation.
Real-time planning (RTS)
Real-time strategy games were existing for years before the majority of players were aware of the genre; the word was initially created as a marketing technique for Westwood Studios’ Dune II. RTS video games continue to stand out in the video game industry due to their enduring appeal and the development of new subgenres.
In Dune II, the prototypical RTS game, human and AI players control several factions and engage in simultaneous, “real-time” combat against one another. This is how real-time strategy, as opposed to turn-based strategy, came to be. These games frequently have a top-down perspective and typically involve resource and map management.
The most well-known RTS games include Warcraft, Age of Empires, and Command & Conquer, but the list goes on. Fans of turn-based strategy games also like the Civilization series and other well-known brands. Other games, like the Total War series, purposefully combine parts of both gameplay philosophies. Visit our list of the top RTS games to learn more about further games.
Shooter (FPS and TPS) (FPS and TPS)
Another enduring genre is shooter, which has given rise to the first-person shooter (FPS) and third-person shooter subgenres after developing various early offshoots (TPS).
There is a lot of room for overlap here as well, given that many modern games let you switch between first- and third-person perspectives. Additionally, the majority of battle royale games, a distinct sub-genre, such as Fortnite and PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds, are first- or third-person shooters.
The main variation is in perspective. In games like Half-Life, Call of Duty, and DOOM, an FPS simulates a conventional human viewpoint by displaying what your in-game character essentially sees. As in the Gears of War and Tom Clancy’s The Division series, a TPS pulls the perspective back and highlights your complete character and surrounding setting.
