What are Survival Games and How are They Classified?

Survival games are a popular genre of video games that require players to survive in a hostile environment. These games often involve crafting weapons and tools, exploring vast open worlds, and battling against dangerous creatures and other players. But what exactly defines a survival game, and how are they classified? In this article, we’ll explore the different types of survival games and what makes them unique. From survival horror to survival simulation, we’ll take a closer look at the various sub-genres of survival games and what sets them apart. So, gear up and get ready to survive the world of video games!

Defining Survival Games

History of Survival Games

The concept of survival games dates back to the early 1970s, when the first-person perspective was introduced in video games with the release of the game, “Spacewar!” for the Computer Space arcade machine. However, it wasn’t until the late 1990s and early 2000s that survival games gained popularity with the release of games such as “The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time” and “The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind.” These games emphasized survival mechanics such as hunger, thirst, and fatigue, and allowed players to explore vast open worlds.

One of the earliest survival games was “The Survival of David H.,” which was released in 1976 for the Apple II. The game simulated the story of a man who is stranded on a deserted island and must survive until he is rescued. The game required players to manage their character’s hunger, thirst, and health, and featured a day-night cycle.

Another influential survival game was “Akalabeth,” which was released in 1979 for the Apple II. The game was created by Richard Garriott, who would later go on to create the “Ultima” series. Akalabeth was a first-person perspective game that allowed players to explore a fantasy world and complete quests while managing their character’s hunger and thirst.

In the 1980s and 1990s, survival games continued to evolve with the release of games such as “Elite,” “Wasteland,” and “Fallout.” These games featured more complex survival mechanics, such as managing resources and dealing with hostile environments.

The modern survival game genre was popularized in the late 2010s with the release of games such as “The Forest,” “Rust,” and “Don’t Starve.” These games emphasized survival mechanics such as hunger, thirst, and shelter, and featured procedurally generated worlds that players could explore.

Characteristics of Survival Games

Survival games are a unique genre of video games that emphasize survival as the primary objective. These games are characterized by a range of features that make them distinct from other genres. Some of the key characteristics of survival games are:

• Realism: Survival games often simulate real-world survival scenarios, such as being stranded in the wilderness or living in a post-apocalyptic world. The focus is on surviving in a harsh environment, and players must make decisions based on their surroundings.
• Resource Management: Resources such as food, water, shelter, and medical supplies are critical to survival in these games. Players must scavenge for resources, conserve them, and prioritize their use to increase their chances of survival.
• Crafting: Crafting is a common mechanic in survival games, where players use collected resources to create tools, weapons, and other items necessary for survival. Crafting allows players to customize their gameplay experience and adapt to different situations.
• Combat: Survival games often involve combat, either against computer-controlled enemies or other players. Combat can be a defensive or offensive strategy, depending on the player’s preferences and the situation.
• Exploration: Survival games often feature large, open-world environments that players can explore. Exploration can lead to the discovery of new resources, locations, and challenges, adding an element of adventure to the gameplay.
• Time Management: Time is a critical resource in survival games, as day and night cycles, weather changes, and other environmental factors can impact the player’s ability to survive. Managing time effectively is crucial to success in these games.
• Social Interaction: Some survival games include multiplayer components, where players must cooperate or compete with others to survive. Social interaction can range from cooperative building projects to intense PvP combat.

These characteristics make survival games a unique and challenging genre that requires players to think strategically, manage resources carefully, and adapt to changing situations. Whether playing alone or with others, survival games offer a thrilling and immersive experience for gamers who enjoy the challenge of staying alive in hostile environments.

Types of Survival Games

Survival games are a genre of video games that emphasize the player’s ability to survive in a harsh environment. These games often involve gathering resources, crafting tools, and building shelter while facing various challenges such as hunger, thirst, and dangerous creatures. In this article, we will explore the different types of survival games and how they are classified.

Sandbox Survival Games

Sandbox survival games offer players a vast open world to explore, with few constraints or objectives. Players must gather resources, craft tools, and build shelter to survive. These games often have a day-night cycle, which affects gameplay, as well as dynamic weather patterns. Examples of sandbox survival games include The Forest and Don’t Starve.

Crafting Survival Games

Crafting survival games focus on the player’s ability to gather resources and craft items to survive. These games often have a strong emphasis on building and upgrading tools and weapons. Players must also manage their hunger, thirst, and health to survive. Examples of crafting survival games include Minecraft and Terraria.

Base Building Survival Games

Base building survival games require players to build and maintain a base to survive. Players must gather resources, craft tools, and build structures to protect themselves from the environment and dangerous creatures. These games often have a strong emphasis on strategic gameplay and resource management. Examples of base building survival games include Rust and The Long Dark.

Horror Survival Games

Horror survival games combine elements of survival games with horror games. These games often have a strong emphasis on atmosphere and fear, with players facing terrifying creatures and environments. Players must manage their fear and sanity while trying to survive. Examples of horror survival games include Outlast and Until Dawn.

Multiplayer Survival Games

Multiplayer survival games are survival games that can be played with other players online. These games often have a strong emphasis on competition, with players vying for resources and territory. Players must work together or compete against each other to survive. Examples of multiplayer survival games include H1Z1 and The Hunting Party.

Overall, survival games are a diverse genre with many sub-genres, each offering a unique experience for players. Whether you enjoy exploring vast open worlds, crafting tools, building bases, or surviving horror scenarios, there is a survival game out there for everyone.

Popular Survival Games

Survival games are a genre of video games that emphasize the player’s ability to survive in a harsh environment or against dangerous creatures. These games often require players to scavenge for resources, build shelter, and make difficult decisions in order to stay alive.

There are many popular survival games available, each with their own unique twists and gameplay mechanics. Here are a few examples:

1. Minecraft

Minecraft is a sandbox survival game that allows players to build and explore a blocky 3D world. Players must gather resources, build shelter, and fend off dangerous creatures in order to survive. The game has a crafting system that allows players to create a wide variety of tools and items, and the gameplay is highly open-ended, with no specific goals or objectives.

2. The Forest

The Forest is a first-person survival horror game set in a dense, dark forest filled with hostile creatures. Players must scavenge for resources, build shelter, and fend off monsters in order to survive. The game has a day-night cycle and a dynamic weather system, which can affect gameplay. The Forest also features a multiplayer mode, where players can work together to build and survive.

3. Don’t Starve

Don’t Starve is a survival game that puts players in the role of a scientist who has been stranded in a harsh wilderness. Players must gather resources, craft items, and build shelter in order to survive. The game has a unique art style and a harsh, punishing environment that requires players to be constantly on the move. Don’t Starve also features a multiplayer mode, where players can work together to survive.

4. Rust

Rust is a multiplayer survival game set in a post-apocalyptic world. Players must scavenge for resources, build shelter, and fend off other players in order to survive. The game has a strong emphasis on crafting and building, and players can create a wide variety of weapons and tools. Rust also features a player-versus-player (PvP) mode, where players can raid and attack each other’s bases.

These are just a few examples of the many popular survival games available. Whether you prefer building and exploring, surviving against the elements, or battling other players, there is a survival game out there for everyone.

Classifying Survival Games

Based on Themes

Survival games are a subgenre of video games that emphasize the player’s ability to survive in a challenging environment. These games often involve resource management, exploration, and combat. One way to classify survival games is based on their themes.

One theme that is common in survival games is the struggle for survival in a post-apocalyptic world. These games often take place in a world that has been devastated by a catastrophic event, such as a nuclear war or a zombie outbreak. The player must scavenge for resources, build shelter, and fend off hostile creatures in order to survive. Examples of games that fall into this category include “Fallout” and “The Last of Us.”

Another theme that is common in survival games is the struggle to survive in a harsh, uninhabitable environment. These games often take place in a hostile wilderness, such as a desert or a frozen tundra. The player must gather resources, build shelter, and hunt for food in order to survive. Examples of games that fall into this category include “Don’t Starve” and “Rust.”

A third theme that is common in survival games is the struggle to survive on a deserted island. These games often involve the player crash-landing on a deserted island and having to survive until they are rescued. The player must gather resources, build shelter, and hunt for food in order to survive. Examples of games that fall into this category include “Stranded Deep” and “The Island: Castaway.”

Overall, survival games can be classified based on their themes, with the most common themes being post-apocalyptic, harsh environments, and deserted islands. These games often involve resource management, exploration, and combat, and can be a thrilling and immersive experience for players.

Based on Mechanics

Survival games are a genre of video games that challenge players to survive in various harsh environments. The mechanics of these games can be classified into different categories based on the skills and actions required to progress through the game. Here are some of the key mechanics used in survival games:

Exploration and Navigation

Exploration and navigation are key mechanics in many survival games. Players must navigate through the game world, often in harsh environments, to find resources and complete objectives. This may involve using maps, compasses, or other tools to help navigate.

Resource Management

Resource management is another important mechanic in survival games. Players must gather and manage resources such as food, water, and shelter to survive. This may involve scavenging for resources, crafting new items, or trading with other players.

Combat and Defense

Combat and defense are essential mechanics in many survival games. Players must defend themselves against hostile creatures or other players, often using weapons or other tools. This may involve hand-to-hand combat, ranged combat, or both.

Crafting and Building

Crafting and building are also important mechanics in survival games. Players must gather resources and use them to craft new items or build structures such as shelters or weapons. This may involve using a variety of tools and resources to create new items.

Social Interaction

Finally, social interaction is an important mechanic in some survival games. Players may need to interact with other players or NPCs (non-playable characters) to trade resources, form alliances, or complete objectives. This may involve negotiating, persuading, or other social interactions.

Overall, the mechanics of survival games are diverse and can include a wide range of skills and actions. Players must use these mechanics to survive in harsh environments and complete objectives.

Based on Target Audience

Survival games can be classified based on the target audience they are designed for. The age, experience, and interests of the players will determine the type of survival game that would be most suitable for them.

• Children’s Survival Games: These games are designed for children and often have a lighter, more casual approach to survival gameplay. They usually focus on simple survival mechanics and have a strong emphasis on exploration and discovery. Children’s survival games often have a colorful and vibrant art style, with a friendly and approachable tone.
• Teen/Young Adult Survival Games: These games are designed for teenagers and young adults, and typically have a more serious and challenging approach to survival gameplay. They often include complex survival mechanics, such as hunger, thirst, and temperature, and may feature a more realistic and gritty art style. Teen/Young Adult survival games often require a higher level of skill and strategy to play.
• Adult Survival Games: These games are designed for adult players and often have a much darker and more mature tone than other survival games. They typically include complex and challenging survival mechanics, and may feature graphic violence, sexual content, and other mature themes. Adult survival games often require a high level of skill and experience to play, and may feature a more realistic and grounded art style.

Overall, the classification of survival games based on target audience helps players find games that are suitable for their age, experience, and interests, and ensures that they have a fun and engaging experience while playing.

Survival Games for Different Platforms

Survival games are a genre of video games that require players to navigate through a harsh environment while fighting for survival. These games are available on various platforms, including PC, consoles, and mobile devices. In this section, we will explore how survival games are classified based on the platform they are played on.

PC Survival Games

PC survival games are typically known for their deep and complex gameplay mechanics. These games often have a steep learning curve, requiring players to learn a variety of skills, such as resource management, crafting, and combat. Examples of popular PC survival games include “The Long Dark,” “Don’t Starve,” and “Rust.”

Console Survival Games

Console survival games are often designed to be more accessible to a wider audience than PC survival games. They often have simpler mechanics and are easier to pick up and play. Examples of popular console survival games include “Stranded Deep,” “State of Decay 2,” and “The Forest.”

Mobile Survival Games

Mobile survival games are designed specifically for touchscreen devices, such as smartphones and tablets. These games often have a more streamlined experience, with a focus on easy-to-use controls and a more casual pace of play. Examples of popular mobile survival games include “The Walking Dead: Road to Survival,” “Survival Island,” and “FZ9: Timeshare.”

Overall, the platform on which a survival game is played can greatly impact the gameplay experience. PC survival games tend to be more complex and challenging, while console survival games are more accessible and easier to pick up. Mobile survival games are designed specifically for touchscreen devices and offer a more casual experience.

Survival Games for Different Genres

Survival games are a genre of video games that emphasize survival as the primary objective. These games often require players to gather resources, build shelter, and fend off hostile creatures or other players. There are various ways to classify survival games, one of which is by their genre. In this classification, survival games are grouped based on the primary genre they belong to.

Some examples of survival games for different genres are:

Action-Adventure Survival Games

Action-adventure survival games combine the fast-paced action of action games with the survival mechanics of survival games. These games often have a large open world that players can explore, with a variety of enemies and resources to collect. Players must navigate this world, fend off hostile creatures, and gather resources to survive. Examples of action-adventure survival games include The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and The Last of Us.

Horror survival games are a subgenre of survival games that focus on creating a frightening atmosphere. These games often feature supernatural or horror elements, such as zombies, ghosts, or other terrifying creatures. Players must navigate a terrifying world, avoid being caught by the enemy, and find a way to survive. Examples of horror survival games include Resident Evil and Outlast.

Simulation Survival Games

Simulation survival games simulate real-life survival scenarios, such as being stranded on a deserted island or in the wilderness. These games often require players to gather resources, build shelter, and fend off natural hazards such as hunger, thirst, and exposure to the elements. Examples of simulation survival games include The Forest and Don’t Starve.

Survival RPGs

Survival RPGs are a subgenre of RPGs that incorporate survival mechanics. These games often feature a large open world that players can explore, with a variety of enemies and resources to collect. Players must navigate this world, gather resources, and fend off hostile creatures to survive. Examples of survival RPGs include Fallout and The Witcher.

Overall, survival games for different genres offer a diverse range of experiences for players, from the fast-paced action of action-adventure survival games to the terrifying atmosphere of horror survival games, and from the realism of simulation survival games to the epic scope of survival RPGs.

Understanding the Appeal of Survival Games

Realism and Immersion

Survival games are known for their realistic and immersive gameplay, which is a key factor in their appeal to players. The level of realism in these games is often achieved through detailed environments, authentic mechanics, and realistic characters. Players are able to experience a sense of immersion as they navigate these environments, making decisions and taking actions that feel genuine and impactful. This level of realism and immersion is a key component of the survival game genre, and is one of the main reasons why these games are so popular among players.

Challenges and Rewards

Survival games have become increasingly popular due to their ability to provide players with a sense of challenge and accomplishment. These games are designed to test players’ skills and push them to their limits, which is why they are often classified as challenging games. However, despite the difficulty, survival games also offer players a sense of reward, which motivates them to continue playing.

Challenges

One of the main reasons why survival games are so appealing is that they present players with a series of challenges that must be overcome in order to progress. These challenges can take many forms, such as exploring a dangerous environment, fighting off hostile creatures, or scavenging for resources. In order to succeed, players must develop strategies and use their skills and knowledge to overcome these challenges, which can be incredibly rewarding.

Rewards

In addition to the sense of accomplishment that comes from overcoming challenges, survival games also offer players a sense of reward. This can come in many forms, such as progressing to a new level, unlocking new items or abilities, or simply feeling a sense of satisfaction from completing a difficult task. These rewards serve as motivation for players to continue playing and striving to improve their skills.

Furthermore, survival games often offer players a sense of progression, as they unlock new features and content as they play. This can create a sense of investment in the game, as players feel like they are constantly improving and growing as they play.

Overall, the combination of challenges and rewards is a key aspect of what makes survival games so appealing to players. By presenting players with difficult obstacles to overcome and offering them a sense of accomplishment and progression, survival games are able to create a compelling and engaging experience for players.

Competition and Collaboration

Survival games have gained immense popularity due to their ability to engage players in intense, challenging experiences that push them to their limits. One of the primary reasons for this is the dynamic between competition and collaboration within these games.

• Competition: In many survival games, players are pitted against each other in a race to see who can survive the longest or conquer specific objectives. This element of competition adds an extra layer of excitement and tension to the gameplay, as players must constantly assess their own progress and that of their opponents.
• Collaboration: Despite the competitive nature of survival games, they often require players to work together in order to achieve certain goals. This could mean sharing resources, pooling knowledge, or simply helping one another survive harsh environments. This element of collaboration can lead to strong bonds between players, as they learn to rely on one another for support and assistance.

In addition to the competition and collaboration dynamic, survival games often incorporate other elements that contribute to their appeal. These might include exploration, crafting, base-building, and more. The combination of these various elements creates a unique and engaging experience that has captivated millions of players around the world.

The Future of Survival Games

As the popularity of survival games continues to soar, many players and industry experts are eager to know what the future holds for this exciting genre. While it’s difficult to predict exactly what new survival games will emerge in the future, there are several trends and innovations that are likely to shape the genre in the coming years.

One of the biggest trends in survival games is the increasing focus on cooperative multiplayer experiences. Many players enjoy the social aspect of playing survival games with friends, and developers are responding to this demand by creating more cooperative-focused survival games. These games often involve players working together to build shelter, gather resources, and fend off hostile creatures, providing a unique and engaging experience for players who enjoy collaborating with others.

Another trend in survival games is the incorporation of procedurally generated content. This means that the game world is generated dynamically as players explore, providing a unique experience for each player and keeping the gameplay fresh and exciting. Procedural generation can also help to create larger and more varied game worlds, allowing players to explore new environments and discover new resources and challenges.

Finally, survival games are also likely to continue to evolve in terms of their level of realism and complexity. Many players enjoy the challenge of surviving in a realistic and immersive game world, and developers are responding to this demand by creating more complex and detailed survival games. This can include features such as dynamic weather systems, realistic injury and disease mechanics, and advanced crafting and building systems that allow players to create customized shelter and tools.

Overall, the future of survival games looks bright, with many exciting new innovations and trends on the horizon. Whether you’re a fan of cooperative multiplayer, procedural generation, or realistic gameplay, there’s sure to be a survival game that meets your needs in the years to come.

The Impact of Survival Games on Society

Survival games have gained immense popularity in recent years, with millions of players worldwide engaging in these games. These games have had a significant impact on society, both positive and negative. In this section, we will explore the various ways in which survival games have influenced society.

One of the primary reasons behind the popularity of survival games is their ability to tap into our primal instincts. These games simulate survival situations, which challenge players to overcome obstacles and threats to their survival. The thrill of survival in these games has made them highly addictive, and players often spend hours on end playing them.

Another reason why survival games have become so popular is their social aspect. Many survival games are designed to be played with others, either online or in person. This social element has created a sense of community among players, who often form bonds and friendships while playing together. This social aspect of survival games has also led to the creation of numerous online communities and forums, where players can share tips and strategies, as well as discuss their experiences.

However, the impact of survival games on society is not all positive. Some critics argue that these games can promote violent and aggressive behavior, particularly in younger players. There have been instances where players who have spent hours playing survival games have become desensitized to violence and have engaged in violent behavior in real life. Additionally, some survival games contain explicit content, such as gore and sexual violence, which can be harmful to players.

In conclusion, the impact of survival games on society is significant and multifaceted. While these games have provided a source of entertainment and community for many players, they have also raised concerns about their potential to promote violent behavior and expose players to harmful content. It is essential to approach survival games with caution and ensure that players are aware of the potential risks associated with playing them.

Final Thoughts

Survival games have become increasingly popular in recent years, with many gamers drawn to the challenge of staying alive in a hostile environment. While there are many different types of survival games, they all share a common goal: to survive as long as possible in a harsh and unforgiving world.

One of the main appeals of survival games is the sense of accomplishment that comes with overcoming obstacles and adversity. Whether it’s building a shelter, finding food, or fending off dangerous predators, survival games require players to use their wits and resourcefulness to stay alive.

Another factor that contributes to the popularity of survival games is the sense of immersion they offer. Unlike other genres, survival games place players in a fully realized world with realistic mechanics and consequences. This creates a sense of realism that can be addictive for players who want to experience a truly immersive gaming experience.

Finally, survival games often offer a sense of community and cooperation that is not found in other genres. Many survival games allow players to work together to build shelters, gather resources, and defend against threats. This can create a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose that is difficult to find elsewhere.

Overall, the appeal of survival games lies in their ability to challenge players in unique and engaging ways. Whether it’s the sense of accomplishment that comes with overcoming adversity or the sense of community that comes with working together, survival games offer a one-of-a-kind gaming experience that is sure to keep players coming back for more.

FAQs

1. What are survival games?

Survival games are a type of video game that focus on the player’s ability to survive in a hostile environment. These games often involve crafting tools and weapons, scavenging for resources, and avoiding or defeating enemies. The main objective of these games is to stay alive as long as possible.

2. How are survival games classified?

Survival games can be classified into several sub-genres based on their gameplay mechanics and setting. Some of the most common sub-genres include:
* Open-world survival games: These games typically feature a large, open world that the player can explore. The player must scavenge for resources and craft tools and weapons to survive.
* Survival horror games: These games focus on the player’s ability to survive in a horror-themed environment. The player must avoid or defeat enemies while searching for resources and trying to uncover the story.
* Roguelike survival games: These games are characterized by permadeath and procedurally generated levels. The player must make decisions carefully as each death is permanent and the levels are different each time.
* City-building survival games: These games require the player to build and maintain a city while also dealing with survival challenges such as food and resource management.

3. What are some popular survival games?

Some popular survival games include:
* Minecraft
* The Forest
* Don’t Starve
* Rust
* State of Decay
* Terraria
* 7 Days to Die
* Grim Dawn
* The Long Dark

4. What platforms can I play survival games on?

Survival games are available on a variety of platforms, including:
* PC
* Console (Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo)
* Mobile
* Mac

5. Can I play survival games online with others?

Many survival games offer multiplayer modes where players can team up or compete against each other. This can add a new layer of challenge and excitement to the game.

What makes a survival game a survival game?