rhythmgame

Rhythm game, also known as rhythm gaming, is a video game genre in which players perform actions in time with musical rhythm cues. The main objective is to match on-screen prompts to the beat of a track, earning higher scores and longer combos for precise timing. Prompts can appear as notes, arrows, or tiles that travel toward a target area.

Gameplay relies on accurate timing and quick reflexes. Input methods vary by title and platform and include dance pads, guitar or drum peripherals, touchscreens, keyboards, mice, and motion controllers. Songs are typically grouped into selectable tracks, often with difficulty levels, practice options, and user-generated content. Many games support single-player, multiplayer, or cooperative play.

History and scope: Rhythm games emerged in arcades and home consoles in the 1990s with titles emphasizing dance or beat-based mechanics. The genre rose to mainstream prominence in the mid-2000s with Guitar Hero and Rock Band, which popularized instrument peripherals and licensed music. Since then, it has diversified into mobile rhythm games, PC titles, and virtual reality experiences such as Beat Saber.

Impact: Rhythm games emphasize musicality, tempo, and precision, influencing game design and music licensing in the industry. They foster active audience participation and online communities around track libraries, speedrunning or competition, and user-created content across multiple platforms.