monster taming

Monster taming is a video game genre where players capture, train, and battle creatures rather than fighting directly themselves.

Pokémon established the template: encounter wild monsters, weaken them, add them to your roster, then develop their abilities through combat.

The genre emphasizes collection and strategic team-building: I've been playing monster taming games since the Game Boy days.

The term also describes the in-world activity itself—the practice of domesticating dangerous creatures.