10 Overused Gaming Genres That Need a Fresh Take

In the gaming industry, a genre can transition from unique to oversaturated in an instant, often catalyzed by a single groundbreaking game. Titles like Stardew Valley, Dark Souls, and Slay the Spire have showcased successful formulas, prompting numerous developers to follow suit. What was once an engaging concept can quickly devolve into monotony, leading players to tune out or even groan at the mere mention of certain genres.

It’s time to highlight these oversaturated genres to redirect developers’ efforts toward fresh and innovative ideas. Below are some genres that have overstayed their welcome.

10 Boomer Shooters

Drag Them Back to Hell

While the occasional release like DOOM is always a welcome addition to the gaming landscape, there seems to be a relentless surge of boomer shooters attempting to replicate the styles of classic games like DOOM and Quake. For every unique entry like Anger Foot or Ultrakill, countless uninspired clones saturate the market. Although the thrill of high-paced, gory gameplay can be exhilarating, the lack of depth in most of these titles has prompted calls for developers to pause and rethink their approach.

9 Zombie Apocalypse

Shoot It In The Head

The zombie craze was undeniably rampant in the early 2010s, and while the fervor has lessened, the influx of zombie-themed games persists. Titles like Dying Light provide hybrid gameplay with innovative mechanics like parkour, yet many remain derivative. Cultural phenomena such as Zombieland and The Walking Dead have contributed to this saturation. It’s time gamers, and developers alike, move on as the genre has become as lifeless as the undead it depicts.

8 Kart Racers

One-Note Racing

The survival of the kart racing genre hinges on the popularity of a single franchise: Mario Kart. While this iconic series can innovate and expand, as evidenced by its recent foray into open-world elements, most kart racers have failed to evolve. Enthusiasts remember the glory days of the PSX era with titles like Crash Team Racing and Jet Moto, yet the innovations have dried up. It may be time for aspiring contenders to rethink their strategies, as simply mimicking Mario Kart will not cut it.

7 Cat-Themed

Cozy Gamer Catnip

As a proud cat owner, I find myself drawn to many cat-themed indie games, but the influx has become excessive. While standout titles like Little Kitty, Big City and Stray capture genuine charm, numerous derivative games are flooding the market, often bordering on uninspired. It’s essential that developers prioritize quality over quantity to satisfy the feline-loving gaming community.

6 Ubisoft Formula Open Worlds

Hope You Like Map Markers

There’s nothing inherently wrong with open-world games—they can provide remarkable immersion when executed well. However, the cookie-cutter approach seen in many Ubisoft titles has rendered the experience predictable and tiresome, often reducing exploration to checklist tasks. If developers are willing to take creative risks, they can produce experiences that captivate players once again.

5 Survival Base Builder

Wood + Stone = Boredom

After immersing myself in the recent narrative-driven survival game The Alters, I realized that I crave quality in the survival base builder genre more than mere volume. Too many games recycle the same formula: players start as stripped-down characters needing to gather basic resources to survive while battling other players. Introducing novel mechanics into these games could breathe new life into a stagnant genre.

4 Extraction Shooter

Extract Them From The Conversation

While I debated between including hero shooters and extraction shooters, the latter took the lead due to its predictable and grind-heavy nature. Numerous titles within this sub-genre have faltered following their launches, often resulting in dwindling player bases. Despite the glimmers of hope from games like Arc Raiders, the extraction shooter genre lacks freshness and originality.

3 Roguelike Deckbuilder

Needs To Skip A Turn

The hype surrounding roguelike deck builders initially captivated me, but interest has waned significantly. Unless a game introduces fresh concepts or mechanics, I find myself uninterested in yet another equivalent of Slay The Spire. With timeless classics readily available, it’s challenging for new entries to justify their existence.

2 Farming Simulator

An Ever-Dwindling Yield

While I hold immense admiration for creator Eric Barone, it’s hard to overlook the wave of farming simulators that have flooded the market following the success of Stardew Valley. Many indie titles and some AAA projects have tried to mimic its charm but have failed to achieve the same level of quality, leading to numerous uninspired releases. It’s become increasingly clear that nothing will surpass the standard set by Stardew Valley.

1 Friendslop

Glorified Shovelware

The genre that most deserves to disappear is undoubtedly Friendslop. This category encompasses various lackluster multiplayer games that often serve as “streamer bait”but lack engagement or substance. While some may achieve short-lived popularity, their disposable nature renders them nothing more than glorified shovelware. Players deserve a gaming experience with depth and creativity, rather than simply indulging in fleeting trends.

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