What are the Most Popular Online Game Genres in 2021?

Video games have been gaining popularity since their initial release more than fifty years ago. Online gaming is now a vast industry making billions. As the industry progressed and diversified, developers began to create more and more content with niche ideas, which is why there are so many genres of games.

 The market is saturated with concepts; if you have an idea for a specific story, the likelihood is that it has already been done. In 2021 a few genres began to dominate the market over all the others. Read on to find out which ones.

 Why is Gaming Popular?

Before the most popular genres of the year are revealed, it is first important to recognise why gaming is so popular. Firstly, gaming is accessible. There are many ways people can game via consoles, PCs or mobiles; there are also games for every skill level. They range in price; some games are free to play, and some cost money, but there are plenty of options to suit every budget. Also, as touched on above, the choice of game is vast. The modern gamer has more choice than ever before. There is something for everyone. The social aspect of gaming is also intrinsically linked to its popularity. You can play remotely with friends and family or with strangers from around the world. This aspect has been a lifeline to many over the last year, helping to dispel the isolation felt during the pandemic.

 First-person Shooters

This genre first gained popularity in the 90s, and the interest has only snowballed since then. First-person shooters as a genre continues to evolve, much to the delight of its audience. This genre owes its popularity to the immersive experience it provides game players. There are literally hundreds of thousands of first-person shooter games out there, and so there is something for everyone, but one thing is for sure this genre will dominate this year.

 Online Casinos

Gambling online is not a new concept; however, its interest has increased dramatically over the last year. Placing bets online is excellent for people who crave excitement because the stakes are higher than with traditional video games, as you are gambling with real money. More and more people are choosing to log in to online casinos either as seasoned players honing their skills or novices wanting to take up a new hobby. These novices have also been utilising online review sites to help them pick the best casino for their needs, aiding their chances of success.

 Battle Royale

This genre is arguably one of the most popular for 2021. Almost every company in the gaming industry has either put out a product that first within the battle royale genre or utilises elements from it within the last couple of years. They are multiplayer and intensely competitive, making the wins extremely rewarding.

 Role-playing Games

This genre is perhaps one of the most creative within the industry, both for the developers when making the game and the players. A whole world is constructed that players can move about freely. They also get to customise their characters fully. RPGs allow players much more freedom than other genres. Gaming platforms offer dozens of games from this genre to the player upon signing up, simply showing their popularity in 2021.

 Action and Adventure

This genre is all about adrenaline and living vicariously through your game character. This genre is mainly about narrative. It brings a story to life, and as the protagonist, you must complete tasks and solve puzzles to progress. It has gained popularity in the last year as people have been craving this escapism through the pandemic, and it shows no sign of slowing down now that we are approaching the other side of this pandemic.

 Strategy and Tactic

This genre is more cerebral. It relies on a player to use their mind. The player is tasked with managing all battle aspects, such as harvesting energy sources and building defensive bases whilst also manoeuvring troops and planning combat elements.These games can be more involved as there are more components to consider. If any are forgotten or not managed correctly,the player can lose the game.

 Horror

This genre remains consistently popular. People enjoy the thrill of being scared, even if they don’t know it themselves in the moment. This genre offers a form of escapism that resonates more deeply with its player than most other games can. The pride from overcoming and facing fears is still potent, even if they are simply pixels on a screen. Survival horror games entice the player into becoming emotionally invested in the characters and their survival.

 Sports

These games offer players a chance to live their dreams. Be that in football, basketball – even cricket. These games benefit from the names they can attach to them; when a game is endorsed or features the likeness of someone’s favourite player, they are more likely to want to play themselves. Some sports games are household names; take Fifa as an example. These games also have a better social aspect than some other genres as they have more of a universal appeal.

 Casual Gaming

2021 is also expected to see a rise in casual gamers. These games target mass audiences and often do not require as much skill on the players’ behalf. They have more straightforward rules, shorter sessions and require less dedication on the player’s behalf. This genre got its start on social media sites such as Facebook. They are often free to play but do usually have in-game purchases available. This genre is perhaps less respected, but that hasn’t dampened its popularity.

 Summing Up

Video games are everywhere, and they have an appeal that transcends age, race, gender and even language. With millions of games in hundreds of genres, there truly is something for everyone. As the gaming industry continues to expand rapidly, none of these genres are guaranteed a spot on next year’s list as there is truly no telling what new fads and trends could emerge.