Description: Survival adventure games challenge players to survive in hostile environments, combining elements of exploration, resource management, and problem-solving. These games often place players in challenging scenarios, such as deserted islands, post-apocalyptic worlds, or inhospitable natural settings, where they must gather resources, build shelters, and face dangers like wild creatures or adverse weather conditions. The gameplay experience focuses on strategic decision-making, as players must balance the need to explore and gather with the urgency of maintaining their health and well-being. This genre not only tests the player’s survival skills but also fosters creativity and adaptability, as each game can present a unique set of challenges and opportunities. Immersion in these virtual worlds allows players to experience the tension and excitement of survival, leading to a growing popularity of this type of game in the last decade. With increasingly realistic graphics and innovative gameplay mechanics, survival adventure games have captured the attention of a wide audience, becoming an important pillar in the video game industry.
History: Survival adventure games began to gain popularity in the 1990s with titles like ‘Myst’ and ‘The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time’, which incorporated elements of exploration and puzzle-solving. However, the true rise of the genre occurred in the 2010s with the release of games like ‘Minecraft’ (2011) and ‘Don’t Starve’ (2013), which introduced more complex survival mechanics and a focus on resource management. These games allowed players to experience survival in procedurally generated environments, increasing replayability and creativity. Since then, the genre has evolved, incorporating multiplayer and narrative elements, as seen in titles like ‘Rust’ (2013) and ‘The Forest’ (2018).
Uses: Survival adventure games are primarily used as a form of entertainment, providing players with the opportunity to experience survival situations in a safe and controlled environment. Additionally, these games can serve as educational tools, teaching resource management skills, strategic planning, and problem-solving. Some titles also encourage collaboration and teamwork, especially in multiplayer modes, which can be beneficial for developing social and communication skills among players.
Examples: Notable examples of survival adventure games include ‘Minecraft’, where players must gather resources and build structures to survive; ‘The Long Dark’, which offers a survival experience in an arctic environment; and ‘ARK: Survival Evolved’, which combines survival with dinosaur taming. Other examples include ‘Subnautica’, set in an underwater world, and ‘Rust’, which focuses on player interaction in a hostile environment.
