Video games typically fall into certain categories, or genres. Understanding the differences can help you make informed decisions about which games are right for your kids.
Lesson 1: Intro to game categories
What’s the difference between adventure and strategy? What does RPG stand for? What’s an education game? Read on to find out!
Puzzle & strategy games
Learn to solve problems, identify patterns, find hidden objects, and more.
Skills required: Problem solving, hand-eye coordination, reading
Example: Captain Toad™: Treasure Tracker
Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker
ESRB Rating: Everyone with Mild Cartoon Violence
Action & adventure games
Control a character through the events of a story.
Skills required: Problem solving, hand-eye coordination, reading
Example: The Legend of Zelda™: Link’s Awakening
The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening
ESRB Rating: Everyone with Mild Fantasy Violence
First-person action games
See the action from your character's point of view.
Skills required: Hand-eye coordination
Example: Splatoon™ 2
Splatoon 2
ESRB Rating: Everyone 10+ with Cartoon Violence
Role-playing games (RPG)
Progress through the story of a game while completing special tasks.
Skills required: Reading, problem solving, decision making
Example: Pokémon™ Legends: Arceus
Pokémon Legends: Arceus
ESRB Rating: Everyone with Mild Fantasy Violence
Party games
Work with other or compete against one another in minigames and more.
Skills required: Hand-eye coordination, familiarity with game rules
Example: Mario Party™ Superstars
Mario Party Superstars
ESRB Rating: Everyone with Mild Cartoon Violence
Music & fitness games
Games that get you moving, singing, and playing.
Skills required: Hand-eye coordination
Example: Just Dance® 2022
Just Dance 2022
ESRB Rating: Everyone 10+ with Comic Mischief, Lyrics, Mild Suggestive Themes
Sports & racing games
Compete in your favorite sports, or race vehicles.
Skills required: Hand-eye coordination
Example: Mario Kart 8™ Deluxe
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
ESRB Rating: Everyone with Comic Mischief
Simulation games
Freely control a character through a real or fictional reality.
Skills required: Reading, problem solving
Example: Animal Crossing™: New Horizons
Animal Crossing: New Horizons
ESRB Rating: Everyone with Comic Mischief
Education games
Learn new skills in a fun environment.
Skills required: Reading
Example: Big Brain Academy™: Brain vs. Brain
Big Brain Academy: Brain vs. Brain
ESRB Rating: Everyone with Mild Cartoon Violence
Lesson 2: Encourage exploration
As your child grows and develops, encourage them to explore different genres to match their skill levels. See the list above to learn which skills may be needed to fully enjoy a game.