Description: Survival games are a genre of video games that challenge players to survive in hostile environments, where they must manage limited resources, build shelters, and face threats from both the environment and other characters. This type of game focuses on exploration, resource gathering, and crafting, fostering creativity and strategy. Players must make critical decisions to ensure their survival, adding a level of tension and excitement to the gaming experience. Often, these games feature open worlds that allow for great freedom of movement and exploration, as well as the ability to interact with the environment in various ways. The atmosphere is usually intense, with elements of horror and adventure that keep players in a constant state of alert. The combination of physical and psychological challenges, along with the need to adapt to changing situations, makes survival games a unique and immersive experience, attracting a wide variety of players seeking not only entertainment but also a significant challenge.
History: The survival game genre began to gain popularity in the late 1990s and early 2000s, with titles like ‘Minecraft’ (2011) and ‘DayZ’ (2013) defining the gameplay style. ‘Minecraft’ introduced crafting and building mechanics in an open world, while ‘DayZ’ focused on survival in a post-apocalyptic environment. These games laid the groundwork for many other titles that followed, expanding survival and exploration mechanics.
Uses: Survival games are primarily used for entertainment, providing players with an immersive experience that combines strategy, creativity, and decision-making. They have also been used in educational settings to teach problem-solving skills and teamwork. Additionally, some developers have explored the use of these games to raise awareness about issues such as sustainability and survival in extreme situations.
Examples: Notable examples of survival games include ‘Rust’, which focuses on building and player interaction in an open world, and ‘The Forest’, which combines horror elements with survival in a jungle environment. Another example is ‘ARK: Survival Evolved’, where players must survive in a world filled with dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures.
