Platformers

Platformers, also known as platform games, are a video game genre in which players navigate a character across a series of platforms while avoiding hazards. Movement commonly combines running, jumping, and climbing; many titles emphasize precise timing and spatial reasoning. While most platformers are 2D side-scrollers, 3D platformers allow traversal across multiple axes. Common goals include reaching the level’s end, collecting items, and defeating enemies, with difficulty frequently driven by level design, enemy placement, and the physics of jumping.

Core mechanics include jumps with variable height, potential abilities such as double jumping, wall jumping, or dashing, and features like checkpoints, lives, power-ups, and collectible items. Hazards may include gaps, spikes, moving platforms, and hostile characters. Level design often emphasizes progression through a sequence of challenges that teach mechanics and increase in complexity, and many games support speedrunning or hidden paths.

Historically, platformers emerged in the early 1980s with arcade and home console titles, and were popularized by games such as Donkey Kong and Super Mario Bros. The 3D transition arrived with titles like Super Mario 64 and Crash Bandicoot in the 1990s. In the indie scene, precision-focused platformers such as Super Meat Boy and N++, as well as exploration-oriented titles with platforming metroidvania elements like Hollow Knight, have kept the genre active. Platformers have influenced broader action-adventure and puzzle game design and remain a staple on many platforms.

Most platformers are released on consoles, PC, and mobile, and span 2D, 3D, and hybrid forms. They are known for tight controls, accessible entry levels, and a wide range of art styles and themes.