1. By Platform & Distribution
This is the most evident segmentation of the industry based on the type of platform utilized. The nature of this segment largely influences the technology, tools, and business models.
PC Gaming
• AAA/Standard: Larger budget titles distributed via digital storefronts such as Steam, Epic, or GOG (e.g., Cyberpunk 2077, Baldur’s Gate 3).
• Indie: Independent games, usually made by smaller studios, which comprise the backbone of the digital PC ecosystem (e.g., Hades, Stardew Valley).
Console Gaming
• Development for consoles such as Sony PlayStation, Microsoft Xbox, and Nintendo Switch.
• Requires dev kits and approval from the console manufacturer.
• Can range from large-scope AAA titles (e.g., God of War, Halo) to smaller indie games.
Mobile Gaming
• Development for iOS (distributed via Apple App Store) and Android (distributed via Google Play Store).
• The space is heavily skewed towards F2P (free-to-play) with IAP (in-app purchase) and advertising as the primary monetization avenues.
• Games are typically more casual and optimized for accessibility and engagement through touch screens (e.g., Genshin Impact, Candy Crush Saga, Monopoly Go!).
Web Gaming
• Web-based games that can be played directly in a browser without the need to download and install software (previously Flash, now HTML5/JS).
• Can range from casual to hyper-casual and/or browser-advertised games (e.g., Poki, CrazyGames).
Cloud Gaming
• An emerging space that enables games to be run on remote, high-end servers and then streamed to the end-user’s device (e.g., PC, phone, or TV).
• Eliminates the need for users to invest in expensive gaming PCs or consoles.
VR/AR/XR (Extended Reality)
• VR: Virtual reality games utilize a headset to simulate an immersive environment (e.g., Half-Life: Alyx, Beat Saber).
• AR: Augmented reality games enable the use of phones or head-mounted displays to superimpose computer-generated images (e.g., Pokémon GO, Harry Potter: Wizards Unite).
2. By Team Size, Scope & Business Model
This classification focuses on who and how develops the games.
AAA (triple A):
Who – established companies with proven track record (Electronic Arts, Ubisoft, Activision Blizzard, Sony Interactive Entertainment);
Scope – extremely high budget (50+miilion $), large teams (hundreds of people), long development lifespan (3-5+ years);
Purposes – deliver high-end triple-A titles with high-quality graphical and narrative end-products that appeal to a broad audience;
Indie (independent):
Who – smaller teams or even single developers who do not rely on major publishers’ support;
Scope – limited budget and resources, small team of developers (could be only one), relatively short development lifespan;
Purposes – experiment and take risks, focus on creativity and innovation, bring unique visions to life;
AA (double-A):
Who – mid-sized development studios (compared to AAA studios) with proven experience;
Scope – moderately high budget and team size that allow them to take less risks than triple-A studios and deliver more creative, innovative, and risky games than independent developers can afford; Examples – Focus Entertainment, Devolver Digital (publishes many double-A games);
Purposes – satisfy growing demand for high-quality games without huge risks;
Hobbyist:
Who – either single developers or small teams of developers not aiming to make a commercial product;
Scope – small-scale games made in their free time; often use GameMaker Studio, Godot, or Construct game engines; many games jams (events where developers create games) are also part of this category.
3. By Genre & Technical Approach
This category covers the “what” and the “how” of the design and engineering process.
Based on the types of games, there are different specializations:
First-Person Shooter (FPS): focus on shooter mechanics, level design, and network code. (e.g., Call of Duty)
Role-Playing Game (RPG): focus on character progression systems, complex world building, and branching narratives. (e.g., The Elder Scrolls, Final Fantasy)
Real-Time Strategy (RTS): focus on artificial intelligence, pathfinding algorithms, and user interface design for managing units. (e.g., StarCraft, Age of Empires)
Massively Multiplayer Online (MMO): an extreme specialization on large-scale persistent worlds and their underlying network infrastructure. (e.g., World of Warcraft, Final Fantasy XIV)
Puzzle & Casual: focus on accessibility, intuitive controls, and rewarding feedback loops to encourage casual play. (e.g., Tetris Effect, Portal)
Simulation & Sports: focus on realistic physics and control schemes for authentic experiences. (e.g., FIFA Soccer, NBA 2K)
Open World: focus on creating vast interactive environments with dynamic events and nonlinear exploration. (e.g., Grand Theft Auto V, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild)
