Considered to be the birthplace of the gamins we know today, the US is also the leading gaming market worldwide. In 2020, the US market size for video games is estimated to be worth 60.4 billion USD. With no signs of demand slowing down, what are some of the top game genres in this rapidly growing US market? As you look to develop games for this key market, it’s important to know what your users want. This way, you position your game specifically in your customers’ minds and set it apart from the competition.
So, which are the most popular game categories in the US for 2020? Let’s find out!
1. Action game genres
According to Statista, the most popular game genre in the US is action (i.e. platform games, fighting games). This gaming genre challenges the player’s skills, coordination, and reflexes, unlike any other genre type. Games like Outriders, Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Quarantine, Soulcalibur, and Mortal Kombat, are examples of popular games that Americans seem to love.
2. Action-adventure
As the name implies, action-adventure video game genres combine action along with more complex story elements. It takes advantage of the skill and dexterity required from action games and mixes it within a plot. The result is an all-immersive experience for players. Popular action-adventure games include The Legend of Zelda, Assassin’s Creed, and Resident Evil.
3. Strategy game genres
Instead of relying on speed and reflex, strategy games rely more on strategic thinking and action to achieve the desired outcome. This game category can either be turn-based or real-time. Examples of strategy games are diverse, ranging from games like StarCraft, Civilization, and Bloons TD.
4. Casual games
Casual games have become an important gaming genre as they appeal to a wide audience. Now, it’s not just the typical player who will get into gaming, but it’s everyone from your brother to your aunt to maybe even your grandma. There are many subgenres of this type of game, including puzzle games, hidden object games, word & trivia games, and more.
5. Shooter games
Shooter games are a type of action games that involve testing the player’s spatial awareness, reflexes, and speed. They have a wide appeal since they are exciting and relatively easy to pick up. Especially popular in the US are first-person shooters. Games like Unreal Tournament, Doom, Counter-Strike, Call of Duty, etc., have been gamers’ favorites for some time.
6. Adventure games
Narrative-based adventure games have also been increasingly popular in the US market. Players assume the role of the protagonist navigating through an interactive storyline to solve puzzles and achieve missions. Some of the more popular games in this category include Minecraft, The Walking Dead, and Life is Strange.
Runner ups
Other popular types of video games in the US include:
- Role-playing
- Sports
- Simulation
- MMO (Massively Multiplayer Online)
- MMORPG (Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing)
- MOBA (Multiplayer Online Battle Arenas)
SandVox: Game Localization & Marketing Agency
The US gaming market is constantly evolving. Understanding the demands and expectations of gamers is not an easy task. That’s why it’s important to be keeping up-to-date with the latest game localization and gaming trends.
SandVox is a leading localization and marketing agency for companies that develop different game genres for the international market. We offer quality services to help you share your game with your target audience.
Contact us now to find more information!
