Game Over: 17 Once-Popular Video Game Genres Now Lost in the Digital Abyss

Remember when hero shooters like Overwatch were all the rage? 

It seemed like every major studio was rushing to create their own colorful cast of characters with unique abilities. But that’s the thing about the gaming industry – like fashion or music, it’s constantly evolving, following trends that can change in the blink of an eye.

In fact, the latest Essential Facts About the U.S. Video Game Industry report from the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) reveals that 61% of Americans ages 5-90 play video games.1 This diverse player base has witnessed countless genres rise and fall over the years.

What was once the hottest trend in gaming can quickly become a relic of the past, gathering digital dust in the annals of video game history.

But what exactly are these lost genres? Which game types that used to keep us glued to our screens have now been left behind?

1. Text Adventures

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Examples: Zork (1980), The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy (1984)

Text adventures were the pioneers of interactive storytelling, relying solely on written descriptions and player input. Despite their simplicity, these games offered rich narratives and challenging puzzles. 

However, as graphics improved, text adventures struggled to compete with more visually appealing games. The genre’s decline was swift, though some indie developers still create text-based games for niche audiences.

2. Point-and-Click Adventures

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Examples: Grim Fandango (1998), Day of the Tentacle (1993)

Point-and-click adventures dominated the 1990s with their quirky humor and brain-teasing puzzles. These games often featured stunning hand-drawn artwork and memorable characters.

Unfortunately, the genre’s popularity waned as players grew frustrated with increasingly difficult puzzles and the rise of more action-oriented games. While some modern titles like “Kentucky Route Zero” have found success, the genre remains a shadow of its former self.

3. Rail Shooters

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Examples: Time Crisis (1995), House of the Dead (1996)

Rail shooters offered fast-paced action on a predetermined path, often using light guns in arcades. These games were immensely popular in the 1990s, providing intense shooting galleries with minimal player movement. 

The decline of arcades and the shift towards more complex home console shooters led to the genre’s downfall. Today, rail shooters are rarely seen outside of niche VR experiences.

4. Rhythm Games with Instrument Controllers

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Examples: Guitar Hero (2005), Rock Band (2007)

For a brief period, living rooms across America were filled with plastic guitars and drum sets. Rhythm games with specialized controllers exploded in popularity, allowing players to live out their rock star fantasies.

However, the market quickly became saturated, and the expensive peripherals fell out of favor. 

5. Movie Tie-In Games

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Examples: GoldenEye 007 (1997), The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)

Once a staple of the gaming industry, movie tie-in games were rushed to coincide with film releases. While most were mediocre, some became beloved classics. 

The genre’s decline can be attributed to tight development schedules and changing consumer expectations. Today, movie promotions in games are more likely to appear as Fortnite events rather than standalone titles.

6. Arcade Sports Games

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Examples: NBA Jam (1993), NFL Blitz (1997)

Arcade sports games offered over-the-top action and exaggerated physics, prioritizing fun over realism. These titles were perfect for quick, exciting matches with friends.

But as sports simulations became more sophisticated, the demand for arcade-style games diminished. Modern sports gamers tend to prefer realistic experiences, leaving little room for the zany antics of yesteryear.

7. Run & Gun Platformers

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Examples: Contra (1987), Metal Slug (1996)

Run and gun platformers combined side-scrolling action with non-stop shooting, creating intense, adrenaline-fueled experiences. These games were arcade staples and early console hits.

The genre’s decline coincided with the rise of 3D gaming and more complex shooter mechanics. Some indie titles like Cuphead have captured the spirit of run and gun games though, but they remain relatively rare.

8. Vehicular Combat

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Examples: Twisted Metal (1995), Vigilante 8 (1998)

Vehicular combat games turned city streets into battlegrounds, with players using weapon-laden cars to destroy opponents. The genre peaked in the late 1990s but struggled to evolve beyond its basic premise.

As online multiplayer games became more prevalent, the appeal of local multiplayer car combat waned. 

9. Interactive Movies

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Examples: Night Trap (1992), The 7th Guest (1993)

Interactive movies attempted to blend cinema and gaming, using full-motion video to create immersive storytelling experiences. 

These games were briefly popular during the CD-ROM era but were often criticized for limited interactivity and poor acting. As 3D graphics improved, the appeal of live-action gaming diminished. 

10. Isometric RPGs

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Examples: Baldur’s Gate (1998), Fallout (1997)

Isometric RPGs offered deep, strategic gameplay from a fixed overhead perspective. These games were known for their complex narratives and intricate character development systems.

The genre’s popularity declined as 3D RPGs became more prevalent, offering more immersive worlds. But recent years have seen a minor resurgence with titles like Divinity: Original Sin and Baldur’s Gate 3, suggesting a potential revival.

11. Extreme Sports Games

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Examples: Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater (1999), SSX (2000)

Extreme sports games captured the rebellious spirit of the late 1990s and early 2000s, offering players the chance to perform outrageous tricks in various urban and natural environments.

These games were hugely popular but struggled to innovate as the novelty wore off. 

12. Light Gun Shooters

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Examples: Duck Hunt (1984), Virtua Cop (1994)

Light gun shooters used specialized controllers to create immersive shooting gallery experiences. These games were popular in arcades and on home consoles with compatible hardware. 

The decline of CRT televisions, which were necessary for most light gun technology, contributed to the genre’s downfall. Modern motion-control technology has failed to fully recapture the precise, satisfying gameplay of classic light gun shooters.

13. God Games

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Examples: Populous (1989), Black & White (2001)

God games put players in the role of a deity, allowing them to shape worlds and influence civilizations. These games offered unique gameplay experiences that blended strategy, simulation, and role-playing elements.

The genre’s complexity and niche appeal led to its decline, with few modern examples carrying the torch. 

14. Full Motion Video (FMV) Puzzle Games

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Examples: Myst (1993), The 11th Hour (1995)

FMV puzzle games combined pre-rendered environments with live-action video to create atmospheric, brain-teasing adventures. These games were at the forefront of CD-ROM technology in the 1990s.

As 3D graphics improved, the static nature of FMV games became less appealing to players seeking more interactive experiences. 

15. Edutainment

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Examples: Oregon Trail (1971), Carmen Sandiego (1985)

Edutainment games aimed to blend learning with entertainment, often focusing on subjects like history, geography, and math. These games were popular in schools and homes during the 1980s and 1990s.

The genre’s decline can be attributed to changing educational philosophies and the rise of the internet as a learning tool. 

16. Flight Combat Simulators

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Examples: Jane’s Combat Simulations (1996), Ace Combat (1995)

Flight combat simulators offered players the chance to pilot advanced military aircraft in realistic scenarios. These games were known for their attention to detail and complex controls.

While some dedicated flight sim communities still exist, the genre no longer enjoys mainstream success.

17. Mascot Platformers

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Examples: Gex (1995), Bubsy (1993)

Mascot platformers attempted to capitalize on the success of characters like Mario and Sonic, creating animal protagonists with “attitude.” These games flooded the market in the 1990s, often prioritizing character design over gameplay.

As 3D gaming evolved, many of these mascots failed to make the transition, leading to the genre’s decline. 

Source:
1. Entertainment Software Association

Martha A. Lavallie
Martha A. Lavallie
Author & Editor | + posts

Martha is a journalist with close to a decade of experience in uncovering and reporting on the most compelling stories of our time. Passionate about staying ahead of the curve, she specializes in shedding light on trending topics and captivating global narratives. Her insightful articles have garnered acclaim, making her a trusted voice in today's dynamic media landscape.