What's Your Favorite Gaming Genre?
0Article by RenderHub
We asked the simple question "What's your favorite gaming genre?", and 1,124 of you answered. The results paint a picture that's more interesting than a straightforward "what's hot right now." They tell a story about how people want to spend their time, what they expect from entertainment, and how wide the gaming umbrella has become.
| Poll Results: | |
| Action/Adventure | 28% |
| MMORPG | 8% |
| Puzzle/Casual | 2% |
| Real Time Strategy | 5% |
| Role-Playing | 21% |
| Simulation | 9% |
| Sports | 2% |
| Vintage/Retro | 3% |
| I Don't Play Video Games | 21% |
| 1124 people responded to this poll. | |
The headline: Action/Adventure wins-but not by a landslide
With 314 votes, Action/Adventure takes the top spot. That tracks with the way modern blockbusters are built: big worlds, tactile combat, cinematic storytelling, exploration, and a steady drip of rewards. This genre has also become the "default language" of gaming-approachable to newcomers, satisfying for veterans, and broad enough to include everything from stealthy thrillers to open-world epics.
Action/Adventure also tends to be highly "shareable." Even if you're not holding the controller, it's easy to watch, understand, and talk about-an underrated advantage in an era where clips and streams are part of how people experience games.
The surprise runner-up: "I Don't Play Video Games" comes in second
241 voters-more than Simulation, MMORPG, RTS, Retro, Puzzle/Casual, and Sports combined-said they don't play video games. That's not a footnote; it's one of the biggest takeaways.
It suggests at least one of these is true:
Our audience is broader than "gamers," which is good news for anyone writing about games as culture, not just as a hobby.
People are curious about games even if they don't currently play-maybe they watch others play, follow gaming news, or are looking for a good entry point.
Time is the real competitor. Many "non-gamers" are often former gamers who simply got busy.
If you're in the "I don't play" camp, consider this an open invitation: you're already part of the conversation.
RPGs: The close third that never really goes away
At 232 votes, Role-Playing games are right on the heels of "non-gamers," and not far behind Action/Adventure. RPG fans tend to show up for depth: character builds, meaningful choices, party dynamics, lore, and long-term progression.
What's notable is how much RPG DNA has spread into other genres. Action/Adventure games borrow RPG leveling and skill trees; shooters add loot; survival games add crafting and progression loops. Even if someone doesn't identify as an "RPG person," they may still be playing RPG systems every week.
The "comfort food" genres: Simulation and MMORPG
Simulation (105) and MMORPG (90) form a fascinating middle tier: genres that often don't chase constant novelty, because their appeal is consistency.
- Simulation fans frequently play for relaxation, control, creativity, or routine. Whether it's building, managing, farming, or life simming, it's a genre that fits into real life rather than demanding to be your whole life.
- MMORPG fans tend to value community and persistence-the feeling that you're logging into a world that keeps breathing with or without you. The lower total compared to the giants may reflect a modern reality: these games can be amazing, but they're a commitment.
RTS, Retro, and Puzzle/Casual: Smaller numbers, louder identities
These genres don't dominate the poll, but they often have the most passionate advocates.
- RTS (57) voters are keeping the faith for a genre that rewards planning, multitasking, and mastery. RTS communities often thrive even when the mainstream spotlight shifts elsewhere.
- Vintage/Retro (38) is less a genre and more a philosophy: games that respect tight design, instant clarity, and the charm of older eras-or simply the joy of revisiting what raised you.
- Puzzle/Casual (27) remains a quiet powerhouse in the wider world, even if it polls lower in enthusiast spaces. Many people play puzzles daily and don't label themselves "gamers," which may have boosted the "I don't play" category here.
Sports: Only 20 votes-why?
Sports (20) being last might look surprising given how big sports games are globally. But polls like this often reflect the specific audience taking them. Sports fans are also more likely to identify with a franchise (or a real team) than with "the sports genre" as a gaming identity-so they may not show up in a genre-based poll unless they're already part of the broader gaming discussion.
What this poll suggests about us
If the results have a theme, it's this: people are split between big, story-driven experiences (Action/Adventure and RPGs) and games that fit into life (Simulation, MMORPG, and the quiet pull of casual play). And hovering over everything is a major group that's game-adjacent-interested, aware, but not actively playing.
That's a healthy mix. It means future conversations can include:
- recommendations for first-time or returning players,
- deeper dives for genre diehards,
- and culture-focused coverage that doesn't assume everyone owns a console.
Your turn: Tell us the story behind your vote
If you want to keep the discussion going, answer one (or all) of these:
- What game best represents your favorite genre-and why?
- If you voted "I don't play," what would make you want to start (or return)?
- Which genre do you want to love, but haven't found the right game for yet?
Because the most interesting part of a poll isn't who won-it's what everyone is playing, avoiding, missing, or hoping for next.