Game genres that became famous in 2000 and 2010

Over the last few years, advances in the gaming universe have allowed different titles to open the door to different genres in this universe. Two years that were marked by the arrival of new developments in this regard were the years 2000 and 2010.

During these periods, different games paved the way for styles that are still very popular today and are gaining more and more fans. Some are even coming back with new titles. Therefore, today, we are going to remember some genres that became a rage at that time.

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Game Genres That Shaped the 2000s and 2010s

Video games have undergone great evolution over the years, with several notable periods. Today, let’s look back a little at the beginning of the 2000s and the 2010s, which ended up bringing new genres that helped shape the gaming industry as it is today.

There is no denying that the 2000s were a golden age for video games, marked by a great diversity of genres that captured the imagination of millions of players around the world. Shortly afterwards, starting in 2010, the gaming world saw another explosion of innovations and new trends that continue today.

In this article, we will explore in more detail some of the genres that stood out during these periods, examining their characteristics, main examples and impact on video game culture. Check it out!

Genres that emerged in the early 2000s

1. Massively Multiplayer Online Games

In the 2000s, MMORPGs, led by World of Warcraft, emerged as a dominant force in video games, gaining a huge player base and setting new standards for the genre. While consoles enjoyed popularity, MMORPGs found their way onto PC, providing an immersive and socially engaging gaming experience.

While titles like Ultima Online, RuneScape, Asheron’s Call, and EverQuest set the stage for the rise of MMORPGs, it was World of Warcraft that really captivated audiences. Despite the efforts of competitors like Guild Wars, Warhammer Online, and Aion, none of them have managed to rival World of Warcraft’s dominance. The game’s dedicated community, epic events, and frequent expansions ensured that WoW remained at the top of the MMORPG scene for most of the 2000s.

2. Life Simulation Games

Life simulation games were another highlight of the 2000s, with “The Sims” series leading the way. These games allowed players to create and control characters in a virtual environment, shaping their lives and interacting with the world around them. With a multitude of customization options and objective-free gameplay, “The Sims” offered a unique gaming experience that captivated players of all ages.

In addition to “The Sims,” the 2000s saw the emergence of a variety of other life simulation games, such as “Animal Crossing” and “Harvest Moon.” These games offered players the opportunity to escape into relaxing virtual worlds where they could cultivate farms, build houses, and interact with charming characters. With their relaxing gameplay and welcoming atmosphere, life simulation games have become a haven for many gamers looking for a smooth and immersive gaming experience.

3. Instrumental Rhythm Games

Instrumental rhythm games also had a big impact in the 2000s. Titles like Guitar Hero and Rock Band allowed players to live out the dream of being rock stars by playing popular songs on plastic instruments. These games were extremely popular at parties and social gatherings, where players could compete against each other or among friends to play famous songs.

In addition to guitar games, other rhythm games also gained prominence, such as Dance Dance Revolution and Taiko no Tatsujin. These games challenged players to follow the rhythm of the music and hit the steps at the right time, ensuring a unique and exciting gaming experience.

4. Zombie Games

Zombie games were another popular genre in the 2000s. Inspired by zombie horror films like Resident Evil and Deathstroke, these games placed players in the middle of a zombie apocalypse where they had to fight for survival against hordes of the undead.

One of the most iconic games in this genre was Left 4 Dead, which challenged players to work as a team to survive zombie attacks in dynamic and unpredictable scenarios. Other popular zombie games included Dead Rising, Resident Evil, and Call of Duty: Zombies.

5. Exercise and Party Games

Exercise and party games also came to prominence in the 2000s. Led by the success of Nintendo’s Wii console, these games utilized motion controls to engage players in a variety of physical and social activities. Although in this case it only happened after 2006, it still falls between 2000 and 2010, or the beginning of the 2000s.

Games like Wii Sports, Wii Fit and Just Dance were extremely popular with gamers of all ages, offering a fun and interactive way to exercise and have fun with friends and family. These games opened up new gameplay possibilities and made video games more accessible and inclusive for everyone, bringing adults and children together with the same goal.

6. Real-Time Strategy Games (RTS) and Multiplayer Online Battle Arenas (MOBAs)

Real-time strategy games were a mainstay of the video game industry in the 2000s, with iconic titles like “Command & Conquer,” “StarCraft” and “Warcraft” dominating the scene. These games challenged players to manage resources, build bases, and command armies in epic battles. With a mix of military strategy and economic planning, RTS offered a deep and immersive gaming experience.

In addition to traditional RTS games, the 2000s also saw the emergence of Multiplayer Online Battle Arenas (MOBAs), a subgenre of strategy games that would become extremely popular in the following decade. Games like “DotA” and “League of Legends” introduced a new way of playing, where players controlled powerful heroes in frantic team battles. With their combination of strategy, action and teamwork, MOBAs have gained a dedicated fan base and become one of the most popular genres of modern times.

Genres that emerged in the early 2010s

Here were genres that started to become more famous from that decade onwards.

1. The Looter Shooter

The looter shooter genre gained prominence in the 2010s by combining first-person shooter gameplay elements with item collection and character customization mechanics. One of the best-known examples of this genre is the “Borderlands” series, developed by Gearbox Software. In “Borderlands,” players explore vast environments, facing enemies and collecting a wide variety of weapons and equipment with unique stats. The addictive aspect of searching for increasingly powerful equipment and deepening character customization has made games in the genre extremely popular among action and RPG fans.

In addition to “Borderlands”, other titles contributed to the success of the genre, such as “Warframe” and “Destiny”. These games have further expanded customization possibilities and offered immersive multiplayer experiences where players can team up to face ever-increasing challenges and earn rich rewards. The loot shooter genre has not only provided hours of fun for gamers, but has also influenced action-adventure game design for generations to come.

2. The Digital Trading and Trading Card Game

With the release of “Hearthstone” in 2014, digital trading and collectible card games became an important part of the video game landscape in the 2010s. In these games, players build decks of powerful cards and duel against opponents in strategic matches. “Hearthstone”, developed by Blizzard Entertainment, was one of the first games to popularize this genre, offering an accessible and immersive experience based on the “World of Warcraft” universe.

In addition to “Hearthstone”, other games contributed to the diversity of the genre, such as “Gwent: The Witcher Card Game” and “The Elder Scrolls: Legends”. Each of these games features unique and captivating mechanics, as well as a wide variety of cards and strategies for players to explore. The genre of digital trading and collectible card games has not only attracted longtime fans of the genre, but has also captured new audiences and influenced the design of strategy games for digital platforms.

3. O Soulslike

Inspired by the success of FromSoftware’s “Demon’s Souls” and “Dark Souls”, the Soulslike genre emerged as a significant trend in the 2010s and is still gaining momentum in the gaming industry today. Mainly characterized by a very challenging difficulty, dark fantasy settings and minimalist narratives, Soulslike games ended up winning over many fans.

In addition to FromSoftware’s games, other developers have explored the genre’s key elements and produced notable titles such as “Nioh” and “Code Vein.” Nowadays other titles still stand out in this segment, such as the notable Elden Ring. The success of the Soulslike games shows the demand for challenging and immersive experiences in the video game industry and influenced the development of action and role-playing games in the following years.

4. O Battle Royale

One of the most popular and influential genres of the 2010s, battle royale gained prominence with the release of “Player Unknown’s BattleGrounds” (PUBG). In these games, hundreds of players compete in an ever-shrinking arena, fighting to be the last one standing. The explosive success of “PUBG” inspired a series of other games in the genre, including “Fortnite” and “Apex Legends”, which became cultural phenomenons and dominated the video game scene.

The battle royale genre not only offered a unique and exciting experience for players, but also influenced multiplayer game design and the business model of the video game industry. With their emphasis on competition and survival, battle royale games continue to attract millions of players around the world.