The video game industry has grown by leaps and bounds over the course of the last 12 years and it does not show any signs of slowing down any time soon. Gaming technology has advanced in sophistication and ability at the same time that more people than ever before have gained access to computers, consoles and mobile devices.
As games have grown in popularity, certain gaming genres have risen to the top as the most popular types of games currently being played. While this is the list for 2022, you can be sure that next year the list will change as the gaming industry is incredibly fast-paced and changing all the time.
Open world
Open world games are certainly some of the most popular video games ever made. Games such as Minecraft allow players to create their own world and reality, completely from scratch. They can also explore, meet other players and create whatever they please.
This sense of freedom and world building is incredibly exciting for many players. Some find that the open world process of exploration and creation is incredibly creative while others enjoy the sense of possibility which set, scripted and plot-driven video games just do not offer.
Online gambling and betting
The online gambling and betting industry is arguably the biggest gaming genre of the last few years in terms of popularity and profitability. The industry has essentially exploded in popularity and market analysts are predicting at least another 10 years of growth.
There are now thousands of different online casinos for gamblers to choose from, all of which have their own distinct value propositions. To stand out from the crowd, the best online casinos offer competitive registration bonuses, extensive game libraries and recurring promotions.
Arcade classics
You may have noticed that “the kids” are starting to dress in the same way that many of us dressed in the 80s and 90s – the fashion and aesthetics are back, and so are the arcade games. Whether it is the nostalgia which the games provide, the funky aesthetics or the genuine entertainment that is to be had, vintage arcade games are becoming more and more popular.
Games such as Space Invaders, Street Fighter, Asteroid, Donkey Kong, Pac-Man and Galaga have never really gone out of style and are still regularly played and enjoyed by many gamers.
You can find versions of these classic games designed for desktop, mobile and console play. However, if you really want to get into the true spirit of the classic arcade, you can visit one of the growing number of arcade bars in major cities around the world – all of which have classic games from the 80s and 90s (or even earlier!) for you to enjoy.
Calling all hero and villain fans!
It should hardly be surprising that superhero- and villain-themed games are so popular right now. It seems like every month there is a new Marvel or DC film hitting theatres. In fact, there are so many new superhero movies being created that it can be difficult to keep up with who is who!
In keeping with the frenzied production rates of superhero movies, the same franchises have also rushed to create as many video games as possible using the same characters. Some of the most popular superhero video games currently on the market include Injustice 2, Super-Man (2018), Marvel’s Avengers, Marvel’s Spider-Man (2020), Marvel vs. Capcom 2, Infamous Second Sun and Gotham Knights, among many others.
Puzzle games
If you have spent any time on Twitter over the last year, you will definitely know that puzzle games such as Wordle are incredibly popular. There are many different puzzle games which have become popular over the years, including Tetris, Sudoku, Nerdle, The Witness, Monument Valley, Gorogoa, Fez and Braid, among many others.
The fact that puzzle games have become so popular is great news because recent research has shown that completing puzzles can assist with staying cognitively fresh as we age. In fact, some scientists have gone so far as to state that continually working on puzzles can help your brain to function at a higher rate and feel a decade younger.
These are just a handful of the video game genres which are currently dominating the market. This industry is continually changing, adapting and innovating to meet fast-moving consumer demands and interests, so you can be sure that there will be newer, more exciting genres available to try out in the future.
