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Gaming has become a universally popular form of entertainment and has drawn billions of players over the years. However, even though gaming is enjoyed almost everywhere on the planet, certain genres are more popular in specific regions due to social, technological, and cultural factors. Here, we explore eight broad genres that are popular all over the world and highlight which countries enjoy them the most.
1. Role-Playing Games (RPGs) – Japan
Japan has become synonymous with the RPG genre as the country has developed some of the most influential and beloved RPGs in gaming history. These range from games like Persona to Dragon Quest and Final Fantasy, which are famous for their storytelling, world-building, and character development.
What has made this genre successful in Japan is that this country’s culture places a lot of emphasis on fantastical elements, narrative depth, and personal growth that we often see in the mangas and animes that come from it.
2. First-Person Shooters (FPS) – United States
The FPS genre is very popular among players in the US due to its ability to immerse them in various virtual worlds from the game’s protagonist’s point of view. That’s why we’ve seen big titles such as Halo, Doom, and Call of Duty gain a lot of traction here, where they also often set standards in storylines, graphics, and multiplayer experiences for games in this genre.
What has made FPS games appealing is that Americans love action-packed narratives, and the country has a huge market for competitive online multiplayer gaming. Also, beyond the action and competitive nature of FPS games, many players love them because of the social interaction they offer through multiplayer modes and their strategic gameplay.
3. Slot Games – New Zealand
In New Zealand, and the wider Oceania region for that matter, iGaming is becoming extremely popular. Among its many offerings, slot games or pokies, as they are known in New Zealand, are usually among the favorite games to play on online casinos. In the famous island nation, slot games have become a staple of gaming culture, as they are found everywhere from casinos to bars.
However, regardless of the options, online pokies in New Zealand have become massively famous and drive most of the gaming revenue generated in some parts of the nation. According to gambling expert Vlad Grindu, the popularity of slot games there stems from the many different types they come in. These include everything from simple timeless classics to titles that incorporate advanced bonus features in their gameplay to those platforms that enable faster payouts and all manner of other great perks.
However, the popularity of slot games in New Zealand cannot solely be attributed to their entertainment value alone. The country’s laid-back reputation often sees it become a favorite among the country’s leisure culture as New Zealand is a place where simplicity is often valued.
4. Massively Multiplayer Online Games (MMOs) – South Korea
The MMO genre is big in the South Korean gaming culture, which has a preference for online multiplayer experiences. That’s why games like Lineage, MapleStory, and World of Warcraft have drawn millions of players in this country who spend hours on exploring huge virtual worlds, creating characters, and engaging in massive player-versus-player (PvP) battles.
However, what has played a huge role in the popularity of MMOs in South Korea is that most of the country’s citizens have access to high-speed internet, which allows players to enjoy data-intensive games without lagging. Furthermore, there’s a vibrant eSports community in South Korea, which has made MMOs both a viable career and a popular pastime.
5. Sports Games – United Kingdom
Sports games have found a loving home in the UK as the nation’s love for sports, especially soccer, has made this genre popular. This is why we’ve seen titles like FIFA, eFootball (formerly Pro Evolution Soccer), and F1 game series gain traction as they offer players realistic simulations of their favorite sports.
Another factor that has made this genre popular is its long history of offering multiplayer modes even before the rise of online options with split-screen modes and dual joystick gaming. This factor made these games able to offer friends and family members a pastime they can enjoy together that emphasizes competitive but friendly gameplay.
6. Strategy Games – Germany
Strategy games are another globally popular genre that is a favorite among German players, who love them because they allow them to exercise skills like tactical decision-making, careful planning, and resource management due to the cultural significance of strategic board games in the country.
This history is why German gamers appreciate the complexity and intellectual challenge that titles like Age of Empires, Civilization, and StarCraft have to offer. These games also test their wits in various scenarios, such as navigating different political landscapes, waging futuristic wars, and surviving in ancient times.
7. Battle Royale Games – China
In China, there’s been a huge upsurge in the popularity of the battle royale genre, which is famous globally due to its high-stakes survival gameplay and vast multiplayer environments. These factors are why millions of Chinese gamers have been attracted to titles like Fortnite, PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG), and Apex Legends.
However, what has made the battle royale genre so attractive in China is the excitement its games bring through their last-man-standing gameplay, the accessibility of their mobile versions, and the competitive nature of this country’s gaming community.
8. Puzzle Games – India
India’s gaming scene has seen a rise in the popularity of mobile puzzle games as titles such as Clash of Clans, Ludo King, and Candy Crush Saga are now household names and are appealing to players of all ages.
What has made the puzzle game genre successful in India is the availability of affordable internet access, widespread smartphone usage, and the simplicity of this genre’s gameplay, which makes it accessible to casual gamers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, we hope that you now have a clearer idea of how the diversity of the gaming world has led to certain genres not only capturing the hearts of gamers globally but also differences in various regions have led to players enjoying some even more. However, as new gaming genres emerge and technology evolves, we can expect to see these preferences shift, but the universal appeal of video games is here to stay.