walking simulator
Narrative exploration game
A walking simulator is a video game genre emphasizing exploration and narrative over traditional gameplay mechanics like combat or puzzles.
Players primarily walk through environments, experiencing atmosphere and story: Gone Home is the quintessential walking simulator.
The term originated as dismissive criticism—implying such games aren't "real" games—but has been reclaimed by fans of the genre.
Fully engaging the senses
- ambientOf the surroundings
- moodPrevailing emotional condition
- toneQuality of sound
- soundscapeAcoustic environment's character
music · lighting · weather · environment · scenery · visuals · aesthetic · art direction
Inclined toward deep reflection
- reflectiveCasting back light
- introspectiveExamining one's own mind
- peacefulFree from disturbance
- solitaryExisting alone, apart
quiet · stillness · mindful · philosophical · thoughtful · emotional · poignant · bittersweet
"I" as narrator
- explorationTraveling through unknown regions
- narrative-drivenGuided by plot
- indieProduced outside majors
- FirewatchWildfire surveillance duty
Proteus · Journey · slow-paced · non-combat · atmospheric · cinematic · experimental · adventure
Recounting events aloud
- plotStoryline or land parcel
- dialogueSpoken exchange between parties
- voice actingUnseen performer's vocal art
- audio logsStored spoken entries
letters · notes · lore · backstory · mystery · unfolding · revelation · twist
Change in position
- interactionReciprocal action between parties
- first-person viewPerspective from within
- cameraImage capturing device
- controlsOperates or regulates
triggers · doors · switches · inventory · zoom · crouch · sprint · flashlight
Traveling with no fixed course
- roamingMoving without fixed purpose
- discoveringFinding what was hidden
- traversingMoving across an area
- pathfindingCalculating efficient travel routes
uncovering · investigating · searching · examining · observing · surveying · scouting · meandering
immersive
Fully engaging the senses
soundscape · music · lighting · weather · environment · scenery · visuals · aesthetic · art direction · color palette
meditative
Inclined toward deep reflection
- reflectiveCasting back light
- introspectiveExamining one's own mind
- peacefulFree from disturbance
solitary · quiet · stillness · mindful · philosophical · thoughtful · emotional · poignant · bittersweet · loneliness
first-person
"I" as narrator
- explorationTraveling through unknown regions
- narrative-drivenGuided by plot
- indieProduced outside majors
Firewatch · Proteus · Journey · slow-paced · non-combat · atmospheric · cinematic · experimental · adventure
storytelling
Recounting events aloud
- plotStoryline or land parcel
- dialogueSpoken exchange between parties
- voice actingUnseen performer's vocal art
audio logs · letters · notes · lore · backstory · mystery · unfolding · revelation · twist · characters
movement
Change in position
- interactionReciprocal action between parties
- first-person viewPerspective from within
- cameraImage capturing device
controls · triggers · doors · switches · inventory · zoom · crouch · sprint · flashlight · physics
wandering
Traveling with no fixed course
- roamingMoving without fixed purpose
- discoveringFinding what was hidden
- traversingMoving across an area
pathfinding · uncovering · investigating · searching · examining · observing · surveying · scouting · meandering · navigating
walking simulatorfirst-person shooter
Combat game, protagonist's viewpoint
fighting game · bullet hell · battle royale · run and gun · beat 'em up
walking simulatorMOBA
Competitive team strategy game
real-time strategy · city builder · Civilization · flight simulator · MMO
walking simulatorarcade game
Token-operated entertainment machine
sports game · racing game · rhythm game · Mario Kart · Street Fighter
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