Esports Genres
Genres are a way to categorise games. A genre is a category of games with specific themes and gameplay styles.
Genres categorise ALL games, not just Esports. However, there are specific genres of games that are more ‘in line’ with Esports games.
For instance, Adventure games like Zelda are not usually associated with Esports games.
However, Battle Royale games like Fortnite are more associated with Esports games.
Games can be in multiple genres!
Some games can fall into multiple genres. For instance, League of Legends is typically referred to as a MOBA, however, the game requires a lot of tactics and teamwork, meaning it can also fall into the Strategy genre.
Genres
Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA)
Games Include: League of Legends, Heroes of the Storm, DOTA 2 and Pocket Legends
MOBAs are traditionally played on a single map with lanes that players must push.
By pushing a lane, which usually involves destroying your opponents towers, you will earn your team points.
To win, your team must destroy your opponents objective, which is usually a ‘core’ or a hero.
First Person Shooter (FPS)
Games include: Overwatch 2, Valorant, Rainbow 6 Siege and Call of Duty.
FPS games are always played in the perspective of the character – you will see what the in-game character sees.
You usually have access to a variety of weapons and, in some cases, skills and abilities.
You can secure your teams victory by planting a bomb, securing an area or wiping out the other team.
FPS games are usually played on a variety of different maps with different themes and designs.
Battle Royale
Games include Fortnite, Call of Duty: Warzone and Realm Royale.
Battle Royales are always played on a large map where the playable area shrinks over time.
The last player or team standing wins the game.
Sometimes has building mechanics with a focus on combat, typically shooting.
Fighting
Games include: Tekken, Mortal Kombat and Super Smash Bros Ultimate.
Arcade style where characters face each other in an arena.
Characters have a variety of fighting abilities and skills.
Action takes place in a variety of arenas and maps.
Objective Based Shooter
Games include: Overwatch, Apex Legends and Team Fortress.
Players must work as a team to complete goals within different maps.
Secure team objectives such as securing an area or escorting a payload.
These games tend to shy away from the typical FPS ‘most kills wins’ format.
Shooters
Games include Rainbow Six: Siege, Counter Strike and Battlefield.
Shooters are almost a sub-genre of First Person Shooters.
Shooters focus more on the mechanics of shooting and weaponry.
Players use guns with the singular goal of defeating the opposing team.
Racing
Games include: Gran Turismo, F1 and Forza.
Players compete to gain pole position or the fastest time.
Players complete a number of laps in order to place first or as high as possible.
Competitions can be limited to a single race or a league style format.
Strategy
Games include: Hearthstone, Starcraft and Heroes of the Storm.
Gameplay can be varied but require great strategy and experience to win.
Games can be either single player vs an opponent or team-based.
Real-time Strategy (RTS)
Games include: Starcraft 2, Warcraft 3 and Age of Empires 2.
Players manage resources and command units in real-time.
Games require a great understanding of different unit types, buildings and tactics.
Destroying your opponents bases allows you to win.
Level 6 Questions
Below is a selection of questions with marking schemes to help you prepare for your Level 6 exam.
REMEMBER: Every question can be adapted to use The 3Ts of Esports.
Identify and compare two popular esports genres. (3 Marks)
The format for this answer should be as follows:
Thing: Briefly introduce the two chosen popular esports genres.
Term: Choose three features that can be compared between the two genres.
Tell: For each feature, explain how the two genres are similar or different.
Example Answer
MOBA and FPS are two popular esports genres. MOBAs focus on controlling characters and completing objectives, while FPS games focus on combat using guns from a first-person view.
Teams – Both genres are usually team-based, requiring players to communicate and work together.
Characters – MOBAs usually have characters with different abilities and roles, while FPS games often focus more on weapons and shooting skills.
Objectives – MOBAs often involve destroying the enemy base, while FPS games may involve objectives such as planting a bomb or capturing an area.
Identify and describe a popular esports genre. (3 Marks)
The format for this answer should be as follows:
Thing: A brief introduction to the chosen popular esports genre.
Term: Choose three features that are typical of that genre.
Tell: Describe each feature and explain how it appears or works within the genre.
Example Answer
MOBA is a popular esports genre where two teams compete against each other to achieve objectives and defeat the opposing team.
Teams – Players compete in teams and must work together to win the match.
Characters – Each player controls a character with different abilities, strengths and roles.
Bases – Each team has a base that they must protect while trying to destroy the opposing team’s base.