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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.

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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!

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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

 
 
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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

 
 
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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

 
 
Scene from Pokémon Legends: Arceus game.

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

 
 
Scene from the Mario Party Superstars game.

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

 
 
Scene from Just Dance 2022 game.

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

 
 
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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

 
 
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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

 
 
Screen from Big Brain Academy: Brain vs. Brain game.

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

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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. 

 

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