From Mario to Fortnite: The Changing World of Game Genres

Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash

Video games have come a long way. From the simple days of jumping between platforms to surviving in a 100-player arena, the evolution of game genres has been an exciting journey. Let’s explore how game genres have transformed over the years, from early platformers to the massive battle royale hits of today.

Platformers: The Foundation of Video Games

In the 1980s and 1990s, platformers ruled the gaming world. Titles like Super Mario Bros. and Sonic the Hedgehog made players jump, run, and navigate tricky levels full of enemies and obstacles. These games were simple but challenging, and they gave birth to beloved characters that still exist today. Over time, platformers evolved from 2D graphics to immersive 3D worlds, as seen in games like Crash Bandicoot and Super Mario 64.

Today, modern platformers, such as Celeste and Hollow Knight, mix classic platforming elements with emotional storytelling and complex challenges. These games remind us that, while gaming has changed a lot, the thrill of the platformer is timeless.

First-Person Shooters and Strategy Games

The 1990s brought a new wave of games, starting with the first-person shooter (FPS) genre. Doom and Quake revolutionized gaming by letting players experience the action through their character’s eyes. These games became fast-paced, thrilling adventures that required quick reflexes and sharp aim. Modern FPS games, like Call of Duty and Overwatch, have evolved into highly competitive experiences with online multiplayer modes, realistic graphics, and complex storytelling.

At the same time, real-time strategy (RTS) games like Warcraft and StarCraft gained popularity. RTS games challenge players to manage resources, build armies, and outsmart their opponents in tactical battles. These genres helped shape the early days of competitive gaming and remain popular today.

Role-playing games and Open-World Adventures

Role-playing games (RPGs) also took center stage in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Titles like Final Fantasy and The Elder Scrolls allowed players to immerse themselves in epic stories, build characters, and explore massive, open worlds. Over the years, RPGs have grown to include more open-ended gameplay, with games like The Witcher 3 and Cyberpunk 2077 letting players choose how they want to interact with the game’s world and characters.

Open-world games gave players freedom, offering vast environments with limitless possibilities. These types of games invite exploration, letting players decide how they want to approach quests, battles, and even storylines.

The Battle Royale Phenomenon

In recent years, the battle royale genre has taken over. Starting with PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG) and skyrocketing with Fortnite, these games pit players against each other in huge arenas where the last one standing wins. What started as a simple survival mode has now become one of the most popular genres in gaming.

Fortnite, in particular, added new elements like building mechanics, unique characters, and a bright, colorful world, which appealed to a wide audience. It wasn’t just about survival—it was about creativity, competition, and fun. Battle royale games like Apex Legends and Call of Duty: Warzone have continued to dominate, with millions of players logging in daily for the thrill of competition.

Where Do Game Genres Go From Here?

As technology evolves, so do game genres. Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are already shaping the future of gaming with new ways to interact with virtual worlds. Classic genres like platformers, RPGs, and FPS games will continue to adapt, blending old-school mechanics with modern innovations.

The question is: What new genre will take over next? With endless possibilities and creative minds constantly pushing boundaries, the future of gaming is bright.

What’s your favorite game genre, and how do you think it will evolve in the future?