Video games have been around for decades, and they have come a long way since the early days of Pong and Space Invaders. Today, gaming is a multi-billion-dollar industry, with millions of players around the world. One of the reasons for the success of video games is the diversity of genres and gameplay experiences they offer.
In the fast-paced world of video gaming, different genres have come and gone, and some have remained popular through the years. Based on the most recent data available, shooter and action-adventure games were the most popular video game genres across the globe in 2022.
Shooter games, in particular, have been the most-played gaming genre for virtually all age groups except for online users aged 45 to 54 and 55 to 64 years, where it ranked second. This is not surprising since games of shooting offer fast-paced action and adrenaline-pumping gameplay that appeal to younger audiences. With the rise of first-person shooter games like Call of Duty and Battlefield, it’s no wonder that this genre has dominated the gaming industry for years. However, it’s worth noting that shooter games have also evolved to include other sub-genres, like tactical shooters and hero shooters, that cater to different play styles and preferences.
Action-adventure games, on the other hand, ranked as the second-most popular gaming genre across almost all age groups. This genre is a combination of action and exploration elements, where players are usually tasked with solving puzzles, exploring vast worlds, and engaging in combat. Games like Grand Theft Auto, Assassin’s Creed, and The Legend of Zelda have been iconic in this genre and continue to attract players of all ages.
While shooter and action-adventure games dominate the overall gaming market, it’s interesting to note that different age groups have different preferences when it comes to video game genres. For instance, online users aged 16 to 24 years were the only age group to have battle royale games in their top gaming genres. Battle royale games like Fortnite and PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds have taken the gaming world by storm, offering a unique twist on shooter games by introducing survival elements and multiplayer battles.
Moreover, older age groups also tend to play online board games, indicating a preference for more strategic and cerebral gameplay. Games like Settlers of Catan and Risk have gained a following among older players who enjoy the challenge of planning and outsmarting their opponents.
It’s important to note that while certain genres may dominate the gaming industry, individual preferences vary greatly. Some players may enjoy the fast-paced action of shooter games, while others may prefer the immersive storytelling of role-playing games like Final Fantasy and The Elder Scrolls. Additionally, some players may prefer casual games like Candy Crush and Farmville, which offer simpler gameplay and are accessible to players of all ages.
As technology continues to advance and new gaming experiences emerge, it will be interesting to see how video game genres evolve to meet the changing needs and preferences of players around the world.