Choosing a Video Game

Video games fall into many different genres, including action, role-playing, strategy, and sports. There are games geared toward children, as well as those with a more mature focus, for adults. There are even those that entire families can thoroughly enjoy. Some games are exclusive to specific platforms, such as the PlayStation or Xbox, while other titles are available on multiple consoles.

Genres of Video Games

There are many different video game genres out there, from adventurous role-playing games to exciting sports-based games.

• Action Video Games: Action video games are exciting and fast-paced, and they allow you to control a character—sometimes multiple characters. If you like intense gameplay, an action game is a great choice.
• Role-Playing Games: Role-playing games (RPGs) are all about the story. As the name suggests, players take on the role of a specific character and complete various quests. RPGs often mix puzzles, action, and open-world maps that allow free range.
• Simulation Games: Simulation games allow players to experience realistic settings or environments like cities, or even empires.
• Sports Games: The sports genre lets you jump in with your favorite teams, such as Real Madrid or the New England Patriots. The popular FIFA series allows you to recreate the most iconic Champions League games.
• Multiplayer Games: Multiplayer games are especially popular, and you can play with your friends from anywhere in the world. Multiplayer shooting games are very competitive and action-packed. These titles offer “battle royale” modes or team-based battles. Some games have both single-player and multiplayer modes, while others are exclusively online and multiplayer. Examples of online-only games are massively multiplayer online games, or MMO games, and massively multiplayer online role-playing games, or MMORPGs.

Video Game Platforms

While some titles are universal across numerous platforms, some are exclusive to one or more platforms. Here are the biggest platforms:

• PlayStation: This is a gaming console developed by Sony. Newer versions feature Blu-ray capabilities and advanced streaming/sharing functions.
• Xbox: Microsoft developed this platform, and it features advanced media features, such as an Ultra HD Blu-ray player.
• PC: Unlike consoles, you can upgrade and customize PCs over time. You can also easily use a keyboard and mouse in place of a controller to play PC games.
• Nintendo: In addition to the original versions, Nintendo also has a unique console featuring both portable and stationary capabilities.

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