Offer Players a Variety of Game Modes
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Games should provide a wide variety of objectives that players can pursue. However, when you apply a distinct set of rules for how these objectives are to be achieved, you can establish different game modes, also known as match types or event types. Such modes enhance the replay value of your game, as players can engage with each mode in diverse ways while adhering to the core rules you have defined. When designing game modes, ensure that they are sufficiently differentiated to represent unique gameplay experiences. It is advisable to focus on developing a few well-defined and distinct modes rather than a large number of modes that are too similar.
The following list does not constitute a comprehensive catalogue of all game modes ever designed in video games. Instead, it presents examples of common game modes. It is important to note that the specific rules and objectives may vary from one game to another, even when referring to the same game mode.
In Strange Brigade, there are three distinct game modes: Campaign, Horde, and Score Attack.
Credit: Rebellion Developments. Screenshot captured by the author.
Action Games
Action games can offer a wide variety of game modes, such as:
Capture the Flag
This mode features two teams, each attempting to capture the opposing team’s flag and return it to their own base. The first team to reach the designated score limit wins the match.
Examples of games featuring this mode:
Battlefield Series.
Call of Duty Series.
Fortnite.
Team Fortress 2.
- Unreal Tournament Series.
Deathmatch
Also known as free-for-all, this mode involves every player competing against all others. The player with the highest number of kills at the end of the match is declared the winner.
Examples of games featuring this mode:
Call of Duty Series.
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive.
Gears of War Series.
Domination
In this mode, at least two teams compete to capture and hold strategic points scattered across the map. Teams earn points for maintaining control over these locations. The team with the most points at the end of the match, or the first to reach the score limit, is declared the winner.
Examples of games featuring this mode:
Battlefield Series.
Call of Duty Series.
Halo 5: Guardians.
Unreal Tournament Series.
King of the Hill
Two teams compete to capture a designated point on the map. Once a team captures the point, they must defend it to earn points over time. When the defending team loses control, the point becomes inactive, and a new capture point appears elsewhere on the map. The first team to reach the score limit wins the match.
Examples of games featuring this mode:
Gears of War Series.
Call of Duty Series.
Team Fortress 2.
Team Deathmatch
This mode features teams competing against one another. The team with the most kills at the end of the match is declared the winner.
Examples of games featuring this mode:
Battlefield Series.
Call of Duty Series.
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive.
Doom Eternal.
Racing Games
Racing games can feature a broad spectrum of game modes, including:
Championship
Also known as a tournament, this mode involves a series of consecutive races. The participant with the highest cumulative score at the end of the championship is the winner.
Examples of games featuring this mode:
Dirt Series.
F1 Series.
Need for Speed Series.
WRC Series.
Circuit Race
Conducted on a closed course with a predetermined number of laps, the winner is the participant who crosses the finish line first on the final lap.
Examples of games featuring this mode:
Burnout Series.
F1 Series.
Need for Speed Series.
Drag Race
Participants must manually shift gears with precise timing. The participant who crosses the finish line first is the winner.
Examples of games featuring this mode:
Forza Horizon Series.
Gran Turismo Series.
Need for Speed Series.
Drift Race
Participants are required to perform drifts throughout the race. The winner is the participant with the highest accumulated score.
Examples of games featuring this mode:
Forza Horizon Series.
Gran Turismo Series.
Need for Speed Series.
Endurance Race
This mode tests the stamina of both participants and vehicles. It covers a significantly longer distance than other race types, demanding sustained focus and increasing the risk of accidents.
Examples of games featuring this mode:
Forza Motorsport Series.
Gran Turismo Series.
Need for Speed: Shift.
Free Roam
This mode allows players to drive freely around the game world without a specific objective.
Examples of games featuring this mode:
Burnout Paradise.
Midnight Club: Los Angeles.
Need for Speed: Most Wanted.
Test Drive Unlimited Series.
Knockout Race
In this mode, the participant in last place is eliminated at the end of each lap. The last remaining participant, after all others have been eliminated, is declared the winner.
Examples of games featuring this mode:
- Need for Speed: Shift 2.
Sprint
All participants start at point A and race to point B. The first participant to reach point B is the winner.
Examples of games featuring this mode:
Burnout Paradise.
Dirt Rally Series.
Need for Speed: Underground 2.
Time Attack Event
Participants aim to record the fastest lap time. The participant with the best lap time is the winner.
Examples of games featuring this mode:
Forza Motorsport Series.
Gran Turismo Series.
Need for Speed: Shift 2.
Strategy Games
Strategy games can include various game modes, such as:
Annihilation
In this mode, at least two participants compete against each other. If there are more than two participants, they may form teams comprising at least two members each. The primary objective is to destroy all enemy buildings, or eliminating all enemy units, or both.
Examples of games featuring this mode:
Age of Empires Series.
Company of Heroes Series.
StarCraft II.
Victory Point Control
Two teams, each with at least one participant, begin with an equal number of points (e.g., 250 or more). Several strategic locations known as victory points are placed across the map. Teams must capture and maintain control of more victory points than their opponents. The team with fewer captured points begins to lose their score over time. If both teams control an equal number of points, no score is deducted from either team. The team that reaches zero points first loses the match. Alternatively, a team may lose by having all of its buildings destroyed.
Examples of games featuring this mode:
Company of Heroes Series.
Total War: Warhammer Series.