The Name of the Game: Decoding Gamer Babel
I’m an average gamer. I’m generally detached from gaming culture — community jargon, development lingo, the latest industry news. Nonetheless, I’m interested in making the most of my limited leisure time and the games that I purchase. Happily, there is ever-increasing nuance to gaming, with subgenres cropping up within subgenres seemingly every week. However, these diverse multitudes of fresh games leave gamers to grapple with marketplaces that are bursting at the nodes with content. Fortunately, community-developed derivatives of iconic game titles are at hand to parse the pixels. Let’s take a look at three of these popular names, and how they stand as signifiers to indicate a game’s core mechanics, such as gameplay, aesthetics, or narrative.
Role playing game (RPG): a game where the player controls a character in a story-driven world and their choices impact the character and the story
Roguelike
“dungeon crawler RPGs”
Picture a game that offers a fresh labyrinth to navigate in each playthrough, wherein death is not just a setback, but a complete reset on your progress. Welcome to the world of Roguelikes, inspired by the classic Rogue (1980). These games feature procedurally generated levels, permadeath (if/when your character dies, you lose all progress), and strategic challenge depth that tests most players. Titles such as Hades and Dead Cells epitomize this genre, where every run is a test of skill and adaptability. If you like playing new, unique levels, or iterations of a game’s worlds and don’t mind the pressure of “dying for good” only to replay more randomized levels, then Roguelikes are for you.
Soulslike
“action RPGs”
These titles offer realms of punishing difficulty and hauntingly beautiful environmental design, where curiosity and/or confidence can lead to your demise. Coined after FromSoftware’s seminal Demon’s Souls (2009), Soulslike games weave intricate narratives into gameplay that are steeped in colossal tasks and (seemingly) endless, cryptic lore. Think methodical combat, risk-reward mechanics, and a world that honors patience and perseverance. Games like Bloodborne and Elden Ring continue to captivate players with atmospheric environs and unforgiving gameplay loops. Soulslikes are for anyone who loves problem solving (but knows when to turn to Google for help), enjoys learning tedious new skills, and has several dozen to several hundred hours of free time on their hands.
Metroidvania
“platformers or adventure RPGs”
Imagine exploring an interconnected maze of secrets and challenges, where progress hinges on acquiring new abilities and unlocking hidden pathways. Metroidvania games, inspired by Metroid (1986) and Castlevania (1986), emphasize discovery and empowerment. Titles such as Hollow Knight, and Ori and the Blind Forest blend involved storytelling with non-linear exploration, inviting players to uncover mysteries and master their environments in due course. If you’re the kind of person who likes gear and finding just the right tool for the job then Metroidvanias might be for you.
These genre distinctions (and others like them) aren’t just labels; they’re guiding stars for players navigating the vast universe of video games. According to recent studies1, genre expectations significantly influence purchasing decisions, guiding gamers towards experiences that align with their preferences for challenge, exploration, or narrative depth. Furthermore, these terms fuel vibrant discussions within the gaming community, akin to the spirited dialogues about other media such as literature, comic books, music, TV, and film. Enthusiasts and critics alike debate which games truly embody these genres, how well their expectations are fulfilled, and how innovations or deviations impact player engagement and industry trends.
For much of the gaming community, terms like Roguelike, Soulslike, and Metroidvania serve as classifications as well as cultural touchstones that define and differentiate gaming experiences. They help gamers navigate the intricacies of video game genres and find experiences that resonate with their gaming sensibilities. By embracing these genre distinctions, players not only refine their gaming preferences, but participate in ongoing discourse that shapes the future of interactive entertainment. Whether braving the challenges of a Roguelike dungeon, mastering the intricacies of Soulslike combat, or unraveling the mysteries of a Metroidvania world, gamers can confidently find the right game for their downtime, and (generally) guarantee that they’re not wasting their hard-earned cash.
Thanks to Eli, Patrick, Ben, John, and Nick.
1 (Smith, J., & Johnson, A. (2022). The Influence of Genres on Consumer Purchasing Decisions. Journal of Consumer Behavior)
