Video game genres

Ø FPS (First-Person Shooter) - game interaction is by first-person perspective, armed with a weapon. E.g. Battlefield, Call of Duty, Medal of Honor.

Ø RPG (Role-Playing Game) - the player takes on the role of a character in a fictional story and has actions to complete in order to pass or fail the game.  E.g. Final Fantasy series, Fallout series, Dungeons and Dragons.
 - Sub-genre of RPG - MMORPG (Massively Multiplayer Online Roe-Playing Games) - players interact online in a common world with real players as well as non-player characters (NPCs).

Ø Simulation -  the player is in control of 'real-time' simulation of 'real' activities - i.e. building a city,m flying and aeroplane.  E.g. The Sims, Flight Simulator, SimCity, Rollercoaster Tycoon, Theme Park, Railroad Tycoon, The Simpsons games.

Ø Strategy - the player uses logic, skill and decisions to complete a game to its end. E.g. Civilisation, Age of Empires, Diplomacy.

Ø Racing - very similar to simulation-type game, the player may be driving a racing car and entering competitions.  E.g. F1, Nascar, Need for Speed.

Ø Puzzle - the player has to interact with a puzzle to find a solution.  E.g. Tetris, Bejeweled, Mahjongg, Solitaire.

Ø Platform - involves controlling a character which has to perhaps jump or run between platforms, avoiding obstacles while following a pathway to meet an objective.  E.g. Sonic, Super Mario, Rayman, Little Big Planet, Crash Bandicoot.

Ø Sports - can be similar to simulation games, in that the player will control a player or team involved in various sports.  E.g. FIFA, Championship Manager, Pro Evolution Soccer, The Ashes, Grand Slam Tennis.

Ø Trivia - usually involves knowing facts and having knowledge on a particular topic.  May be competing against other people or just the computer.  E.g. SongPop, Who Wants to be a Millionare?, Logo Quiz.

Ø Rhythm/Exercise - games where the player can actually physically interact with action - they can play virtual sports, dance and get fit.  E.g. Wii Sports, Wii Fit, Dance Central.

Ø Music - allows the player to interact with a controller in the form of a musical instrument which simulates the actual instrument, and play along with songs.  E.g. Rock Band, Guitar Hero, Just Dance, SingStar.

Ø Education - the player will be able to learn by interacting with various types of game.  These could be school subjects or language courses.  E.g. Big Brain Academy, Cooking Mama.