Styles and Genres

Learning Outcomes:

  • Comprehend gameplay structure and interactive design
  • Gain familiarity with game styles and genres
  • Understand the audio challenges faced by professionals

Understanding Game Genres for Audio Professionals

  • Diverse Game Genres: MMO, RTS, FPS, TPS
  • Unique Sound Requirements
  • Evolving Game Mechanics and Genres
  • Influence on Audio Decision-Making

Space Invaders - Single screen, increasing difficulty

Pac-man - Single screen, increasing difficulty

Scrolling games - Defender (1981)

Contrasting game levels

Modern scrollers - Limbo (2010)

Evolution of Games

Action Games

Batsugun - Shoot ‘Em Up (1993)

Shinobi (1987) - Hack-and-slash

Double Dragon (1987) - Beat-‘Em-Up

Punch Out!! (1987) - Fighting Game

Fighting - Street Fighter II

Fighting Games - Tekken 3

Evolution of Shooter Games: FPS and TPS

  • Emergence of Shooter Games in the 1970s
  • Evolution to Networked Multiplayer Gameplay
  • First-Person Shooter (FPS): Immersive Perspective
  • Third-Person Shooter (TPS): Avatar-Driven Visuals

FPS - Half-Life

Metal Gear Solid - TPS

Adventure Games: From Exploration to Action RPGs

  • Emphasis on Exploration and Problem-Solving
  • Evolution from Text-Based to Graphic Adventures
  • Role-Playing Games (RPGs): Character Development
  • Hybrid Genre: Action Adventure and Action RPGs

Adventure Platform Games - Super Mario 64

Zelda - Action Adventure

Adventure Games - The Longest Journey

Final Fantasy 7 - Action RPG

Other Genres

  • Sports Games
  • Massive Multiplayer Online Games (MUDs & MMORPGs)
  • Strategy Games
  • Serious and Educational Games