A game is basically a structured form of activity, often undertaken for fun or entertainment, and at times used as an educational resource. Games are very different from work, which often is performed for remuneration, and even from writing, which is essentially an expression of personal or aesthetic ideas. Work and games often have distinctly different goals and effects. However, the goals of both play and work are often the same, and both lead to the achievement of some useful end.
In video games, the player can manipulate objects and other aspects of the game environment through a combination of visual cues and game mechanics. The player’s perception of these objects, their placement on the screen, their orientation, and even the speed of them being moved, are all a result of the interaction with these objects. This interactive process is carried out using a set of specialized and limited techniques. It can be controlled by the player themselves, or by some sort of external agent. The player’s interactions with the game’s objects and landscapes are the basis of its gameplay. Different genres of video games contain different kinds of gameplay, but the structure of these games is generally shaped by the presence of different types of gameplay elements.
Most video game genres fall under the category of action/adventure games, meaning that they provide the player with some sort of interactive challenge through the means of combat, puzzle-solving, or other similar activities. The main reason behind this is that the players of these games have to find a way to beat the enemies they face, while dealing with puzzles, collect items, or other tasks. There are also adventure games that explore alternative approaches to gaming, resulting in a greater freedom and creativity within the player’s control. These are usually considered the more traditional type of game, as well as the most popular type of game.
Another fun fact about video gaming is the fact that each genre requires a unique set of game mechanics in order for it to function. Despite this, most video game mechanics are standard enough to be adapted to nearly any type of game genre. Some examples of these mechanics include the action/adventure genre, as well as the role-playing genre. However, a common theme between all of these genres is the presence of characters interacting with each other, using a variety of tools and techniques in order to overcome challenges.
Adventure games are typically action-adventures. As the name suggests, these games involve a plot or story, requiring the player to discover a specific item or piece of information within a certain context (i.e. story within a game). A typical adventure game will involve exploring a particular location, solving puzzles, fighting enemies, or other actions, in order to achieve an objective. Although there is no real “main” plot in an adventure game, most of them are designed in such a way that the player is continually forced to progress through the game’s storyline.
Role-playing games (rpg) generally involve the player taking on the persona of a character within the game world. Playing a different character provides the player with the opportunity to get into situations where they can choose which action to take and which actions to avoid, as they work to complete quests and make choices that affect the plot of the game. A great example of a rpg would be Final Fantasy, which has garnered critical acclaim and popularity over the years due to its interesting and unique story and gameplay.