As gaming fast outstrips both cinema and music to become the most lucrative entertainment industry in the world, it is gaining plenty of new fans by the day. Even people who traditionally have not been interested in gaming at all are now finding that there is a gaming style that suits them.
Historically, video gaming has been associated almost exclusively with young men; however, Statista found that, in 2022, 48% of gamers in the US identified as women. Additionally, older generations are also more likely to enjoy playing video games these days. Whereas the majority of gamers are still between 18-34 years old, there has been a marked increase in older gamers over recent years.
Whether you’re already an established gamer or a newbie still trying to find your niche, figuring out your favourite gaming style can be a helpful exercise. Once you’ve identified your style, you’ll find it much easier to discover new titles to play and become part of a community that feels the same way as you. Learn from MTGA Historic Matches Replay Analysis to become the best player in the arena.
Here, we’ve identified some common and popular gaming styles, along with a few of their most successful titles.
iGaming
The term iGaming encompasses online casinos, sports betting and other types of wagering which take place online. Since the 1990s, online casino platforms have boomed in popularity and can now offer players a whole host of different gaming options, from VR experiences to live dealer games. Although online slots are the most popular subgenre, there is plenty of choice to explore within the sector.
Blackjack is one of the best loved and, arguably, most straightforward casino games. It is also one of the titles which has made a very successful leap into the online world. Many online platforms now offer a wide range of variants for different people and their playing styles. For those who want to stick to traditional gameplay, there’s Classic, and for those who prefer a game with higher stakes, there’s Premium and High Roller.
Cosy Gaming
The phrase “cosy gaming” can be defined in several different ways, but essentially it is the opposite of many action-packed FPS and MOBA games that are popular within esports circles. Cosy gaming focuses on a slower pace, gentler storylines, and building community rather than fighting battles or surviving harsh conditions.
Some of the most famous cosy titles include Animal Crossing New Horizons, Stardew Valley, and The Sims. Each of these games lets players build their own virtual life in a fantasy environment, presenting them with challenges such as farming crops, making friends, or even climbing the career ladder. However, the sense of peril is always low stakes, and the aim is to feel relaxed and calm whilst playing.
FPS Gaming
In the (relatively new) world of esports, FPS titles rule supreme. Monumentally successful games like CS: GO, PUBG: Battlegrounds and Apex Legends have helped create the careers of celebrated esports heroes like s1mple, ZywOo, and ImperialHal.
FPS stands for First Person Shooter, which goes some way to explaining what this gaming genre is all about. Perhaps one reason why this style is so well loved is down to the playing style; gamers embody their character on screen, operating from a first-person perspective and overcoming challenges as one being rather than from a removed third-person viewpoint. Seeing the action unfold through the character’s eyes adds an extra dimension of immersion and excitement.
MOBA Gaming
Of course, the other gaming genre dominating the esports scenes is MOBA gaming. MOBA stands for multiplayer online battle arena, and it refers to titles such as League of Legends and DOTA 2. In these games, a player must team up with others to do battle against rival teams and defeat them.
Many games add in extra features such as navigating complex maps and alien terrain, capturing enemy base camps, or launching surprise attacks. Players enjoy these games in particular for the sense of camaraderie they inspire and the opportunity they provide to easily communicate with other gaming enthusiasts on the same team.
