Shooter games are a subgenre of action games. In fact, the majority of action games are shooters. There are many different types of shooters. In this article, I will list some criteria used to categorize them. These criteria are perspective, realism, number of characters, and multiplayer. Almost all shooters that were ever developed can be categorized with these.
Shooter games can utilize three types of perspectives: first-person view, third-person view, and fixed camera. Shooter games that use first-person view are called first-person shooters. In these games camera is placed right behind the eyes of character. Similarly, shooters that utilize third-person view are called third-person shooters. This view is produced by a camera that follows the character a few feet behind. Shooters that use fixed camera are much rarer than previous two. Some games have ability to switch between views and cameras.
The level of realism in shooters varies significantly. While some shooters try to reproduce the real world as accurately as possible, others verge on complete fantasy.
Shooter games differ in number of characters involved. Although the majority of shooter games allow controlling only one character, there are also games that offer their players opportunity to control a team of characters. Usually in these games a player controls one character, while giving orders to his allies, who are controlled by a computer. Some multi-character shooters can also provide an ability to switch between characters.
Shooters can be multiplayer and single player. In multiplayer shooters you can play together with other people. There are three kinds of multiplayer shooters: team play, co-op play, and deathmatch. In team games there are two or more fractions that compete for the same goal. In co-op games several players are fighting against computer-simulated enemies. Finally, in deathmatch all players fight against each other. Many shooters have all these modes and allow the player to choose what kind of game he wants to play.