Description: The survival genre in video games focuses on resource management and the struggle for survival in hostile environments. Players must gather materials, build shelters, and create tools while facing challenges such as food scarcity, aggressive creatures, and adverse weather conditions. This type of game encourages exploration and creativity, as players must devise strategies to survive and thrive. Gameplay mechanics often include resource gathering, crafting items, and building structures, allowing players to customize their gaming experience. Tension and uncertainty are key elements, as players must remain vigilant against potential threats. The narrative in these games often centers on the human struggle against nature or other survivors, adding an emotional layer to the experience. In summary, survival games provide an immersive environment where decision-making and resource management are crucial for success, making them a challenging and rewarding experience for players.
History: The survival genre began to take shape in the late 1990s with titles like ‘Survival Kids’ (1999) and ‘The Oregon Trail’ (1971), although the latter was more focused on education. However, it was in the 2010s that the genre gained massive popularity with the release of ‘Minecraft’ (2011), which combined building and survival elements. Other games like ‘DayZ’ (2013) and ‘Rust’ (2013) also contributed to the evolution of the genre, introducing combat and multiplayer mechanics. Since then, the genre has continued to expand, incorporating role-playing and narrative elements, and has influenced a variety of titles across different platforms.
Uses: Survival games are primarily used for entertainment, providing players with an immersive experience that challenges their creativity and strategic skills. Additionally, some developers have used this genre to explore social and psychological themes, such as the struggle for survival in extreme situations. They have also been used in educational settings to teach problem-solving skills and teamwork.
Examples: Notable examples of survival games include ‘Minecraft’, which allows players to build and explore randomly generated worlds; ‘The Forest’, where players must survive on an island after a plane crash; and ‘ARK: Survival Evolved’, which combines survival with dinosaur taming. Other examples include ‘Don’t Starve’, which focuses on resource management in a dark and surreal environment, and ‘Subnautica’, which offers a survival experience in an alien underwater world.
