A Comprehensive Guide to Understanding Game Translation Terminology: MOBA, RPG, and More!

As the gaming industry continues to evolve, a multitude of game genres, both familiar and unfamiliar, are emerging. Abbreviations like RPG or ACT can leave many scratching their heads. What do they mean? And how are these games classified? These distinctions may not matter much for casual players, but as professional game translators and enthusiasts, understanding these game genres is crucial. Let’s dive into the gaming world and explore the different game types, helping you easily differentiate between them.

Action Games (ACT)

Action games primarily focus on fast-paced gameplay, emphasizing players' reflexes, hand-eye coordination, and movement control. Core elements include combat, exploration, and puzzle-solving. Subgenres include platformers, shooters, and fighting games. Notable examples include Super Mario, Devil May Cry, Assassin’s Creed, and Contra.

Adventure Games (AVG)

The core of adventure games lies in narrative-driven gameplay, exploration, puzzle-solving, and character interaction. Unlike action games, they focus on players’ observation, analytical, and decision-making skills. Subcategories include action-adventure, puzzle, and visual novel games. Popular titles include Resident Evil, Tomb Raider, and The Legend of Zelda.

Strategy Games (SLG)

Strategy games are built around planning and decision-making. Players need to think critically and manage resources to achieve specific objectives. Examples include turn-based strategies like Civilization and real-time strategies like StarCraft.

Role-Playing Games (RPG)

In RPGs, players assume the role of characters in a fictional world and progress through the game by completing quests. RPGs offer immersive storylines, combat, and exploration. Types of RPGs include traditional RPGs and action RPGs (ARPGs). The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, Cyberpunk 2077, and Final Fantasy are notable RPG titles.

Puzzle Games (PUZ)

Puzzle games focus on intellectual challenges where players must solve problems to progress. Classics include Tetris and Bejeweled.

Simulation Games (SIM)

Simulation games allow players to manage resources, build structures, or control characters to achieve goals. Popular examples include The Sims and SimCity.

Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA)

In MOBA games, players form teams and compete to destroy the opposing team’s base. League of Legends and DOTA 2 are prime examples of this genre.

Additional Game Types:

- First-Person Shooter (FPS): Call of Duty, Half-Life.

- Sports Games (SPG): FIFA, NBA Live.

- Fighting Games (FTG): Street Fighter, The King of Fighters.

- Racing Games (RCG): Real Racing 3, Asphalt 9.

- Tabletop Games (TAB): Monopoly, Werewolf.

By understanding these key game genres, you can better appreciate the diverse world of video games and sharpen your game translation skills!