fightinggame

Fighting games are a genre of video games in which players select unique characters and engage in combat against an opponent or team. Core design emphasizes competition, precise timing, spacing, and resource management. Matches are typically divided into rounds; the objective is to reduce the opponent's health to zero or win by other victory conditions depending on the title.

Gameplay often features a mix of basic and special moves, combos, throws, blocking, and defensive options. Many games use a controller input system with multiple motion inputs or charge moves. A meter system often provides enhanced moves, power boosts, or the ability to counterattack (parries, invincible moves) or unleash a powerful super move. Positioning and frame data influence what actions can be performed and when.

Origins trace to the arcade era of the 1980s, with Street Fighter II popularizing the modern one-on-one format and competitive play. The genre expanded across 2D and 3D styles in the 1990s and 2000s, with franchises such as Mortal Kombat, Tekken, Virtua Fighter, The King of Fighters, and SoulCalibur helping define its evolution. In recent years, many titles blend 2D animation with 3D graphics and emphasize online play and cross-platform features.

Most titles include single-player modes, local versus, and online play, along with tutorials, training modes, and practice lobbies to study mechanics and timing.

The fighting game community (FGC) maintains organized circuits and tournaments, with events such as Evolution and various regional championships. Players focus on study of frame data, optimization of combos, defensive techniques, and matchup knowledge to succeed at high levels.

Notable franchises include Street Fighter, Mortal Kombat, Tekken, SoulCalibur, The King of Fighters, Guilty Gear, and Dragon Ball FighterZ, as well as crossover and team-based titles. The genre remains active through updates, remasters, and new titles across arcade, console, and PC platforms.