Game design alchemy: Mixing genres

Whether to mix different genres to open new doors to innovation or to stick to a well-defined genre has been debated for as long as I can remember. In this article, I’ll share my view.

There is a common assumption among some designers and developers that combining two different random genres is a potential gold mine. They argue that after all, if nobody has done it yet, there must be an opportunity waiting to be discovered. they often overlook the simple truth that if there are a few (or no) games made in that mixed genre, there’s a good reason for that. It’s not because no one haven’t thought of doing it, but simply because it doesn’t work.

That does not mean designers should avoid experimentation. It means they need to understand why certain genres work well together and others struggle to find common ground. mixing genres is not simply a matter of adding more and more features from the genres that you like, but it’s more like a chemical reaction. The result depends on how the different elements interact. The real challenge is making those elements work together in a natural way that results in a potion that feels just “right”.

Another important point is knowing your audience. A clear understanding of your target audience helps you identify which elements to preserve and where experimentation makes sense. You don't want to alienate fans of one genre by introducing mechanics that conflict with their expectations. For example, if you want to combine survival horror with a cozy farming simulator, you need to consider whether players who enjoy these genres would appreciate having their expectations challenged in that way. Some will love the contrast, while others may find that the two experiences undermine each other.