In the ever-evolving landscape of video games, genres experience a cyclical nature, much like the trends in pop culture. As players’ interests shift, certain styles fade into obscurity, only to be revived years later by a wave of nostalgia. However, some genres linger in the shadows longer than others, leaving devoted fans yearning for their return. Recently, a poll was conducted to gauge which “dead” or “dying” genre gamers would like to see make a comeback, and the results were telling.
Top Contenders for Revival
The poll revealed a close contest between two beloved genres from the ’90s and 2000s: real-time strategy (RTS) games and immersive simulations (immsims). RTS games garnered 29% of the votes, while immsims followed closely behind with 28%. The competition was fierce, with less than 30 votes separating the two.
Despite a few attempts at revitalizing the RTS genre over the past couple of years, the results have been disappointing. Many writers at PC Gamer share the desire for a triumphant return of RTS games, echoing the sentiments of the gaming community. On the other hand, immersive simulators, a niche that has seen little developer interest lately, continue to be a hot topic among enthusiasts. While some may not resonate with the immsim experience, the longing for games that shaped early gaming memories is palpable.
Other Genres in Demand
Beyond RTS and immsims, the poll also highlighted interest in other genres. Massively multiplayer online games (MMOs) received 16% of the votes, while point-and-click adventures captured 11%. While MMOs like World of Warcraft and Final Fantasy XIV continue to thrive, the influx of new titles often struggles to find their footing, suggesting that the genre may not be operating at its full potential.
Interestingly, a segment of respondents expressed a desire for the return of text adventures. Although some prefer the immersive experience of visual novels or traditional books, the idea of text-based gaming making a comeback is intriguing. Additionally, beat-’em-ups found a surprising number of supporters, alongside a nostalgic yearning for games that often require specialized peripherals for play.
Whether or not you participated in the poll, the conversation continues. Readers are encouraged to share their thoughts on which genres they wish to see revived or propose entirely new concepts that could capture the gaming community’s imagination. Furthermore, a new poll has been introduced, inviting gamers to weigh in on which video game they believe deserves a cinematic adaptation next, following the recent trend of video game movies.
