Video games come in many different themes and genres, and this makes them very different from one another. The common features, actions, visuals and gameplay mechanics vary wildly between different types of games – it’s part of what makes gaming such a rich and varied experience.
Whether you want to lose yourself in a fictional world, take on your favourite sporting challenge or simply escape with a bit of fun, there’s a gaming genre for you. Here are just some of the most popular video game themes for gamers right now:
RPGs (Role-Playing Games)
These are story-driven games in which you play the role of a fictional character and complete certain actions to develop that character as you progress through the story. There have been some cultural phenomena within this game genre, such as the Final Fantasy series and The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt.
They are immersive and allow you to escape into a fantasy world where you can do things that are not possible in the real world. The character development usually allows for some personal choices, and stories often involve decisions that impact the way the story goes. For example, in Diablo 2, runes can be used to make your character more powerful (check out this d2 runes list). You can also unite runes to create runewords which are more powerful and will drastically improve your items.
Shooters
Whether First-Person Shooters (FPS) or Third-Person, these are video games for those who enjoy action and adrenaline. Players often take on the role of soldiers, like in Call of Duty: Vanguard, spies, police officers or other gun-toting heroes.
They usually include a story mode (campaign) alongside multiplayer options including co-operative and competitive play, so there are different ways for players to enjoy the experience. Playing cooperatively with friends allows you to share the experience, while competitive play in shooters like Fortnite remains one of the most popular ways to play online.
Fantasy
The fantasy theme actually finds its way into a range of gaming genres. There are fantasy elements in many RPGs, platformers, and even shooters or horror games. It might be a familiar fantasy world like those of The Witcher or The Lord of The Rings, or something completely unique and original like Little Nightmares or Unravel. Whatever type of fantasy theme you like, there is probably a game that covers it. Fantasy often involves mythical creatures like elves, fairies or other beings.
It allows players to escape from the real world into one that is more interesting and magical, so it is no surprise it remains popular in games, film, television and books. Some of the best fantasy games on PC right now include popular titles such as The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, Dragon Age Inquisition, and The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim.
Sports
Sporting games are simulations where players get to fill the shoes of athletes in their favourite sports. The FIFA and Madden franchises are extremely popular examples, covering football and NFL respectively. But there are sports simulators that cover such varied sports as UFC, golf, tennis, snooker, cricket, basketball, Olympic sports and much, much more.
Where these games started out as mere simulators of competitions, they have evolved to be much, much more. You can play alone, progressing through simulations of real-life tournaments or a fictionalised sports career where you try to progress to the top. You can also play cooperatively with friends in team-based sports, or compete against other players in single contests or tournaments.
Slots
Over the years slot games have emerged as arguably the most popular way to gamble online. You typically play them at online casinos and there are thousands of game titles to try out. They feature intriguing themes that can be based on anything from classic fruit machines to films, sports, musicians, and fantasy worlds. Within these themes, there are various mechanics and features to put a unique spin on the classic game of matching symbols on the reels.
Popular titles right now include Rainbow Riches, Book of Dead, Cleopatra and Gonzo’s Quest. Each offers opportunities for players to win money. As there is gambling involved, slots are played through online casino websites and are for 18+ players only. These types of games are usually browser-based or playable through mobile apps too.
Horror
Horror games are a popular theme for players as the immersive nature of gaming makes the scary experience more thrilling. Recent titles like Resident Evil Village have been popular with players, and there are various iconic titles like Dead Space, Alan Wake and The Evil Within. Horror games draw the player into their world with eerie graphics, terrifying stories and characters, and a haunting soundtrack.
They can be survival horror experiences but also come in the form of shooters, fantasy games and even platformers. Horror elements can be applied to a wide range of game types to give players the thrill they’re after, and it is that thrill that keeps them coming back for more.
There are so many themes in video games. This list is just 6 of them, but there are countless more in an industry where creativity and thinking outside the box is always rewarded. The themes listed above are very popular, but you could also explore strategy, platformer, kart racing, and many other types of games

Caroline is doing her graduation in IT from the University of South California but keens to work as a freelance blogger. She loves to write on the latest information about IoT, technology, and business. She has innovative ideas and shares her experience with her readers.