runninggame

Runninggame, sometimes written as running game, is a category of video games in which the player's principal task is to move a character forward through an environment, usually with a steady sense of forward momentum. The core mechanic emphasizes continuous motion and limited, high-impact actions rather than complex level navigation. While often described as an endless runner, runninggames may also feature finite courses with branching routes or time trials.

In typical runninggame design, players perform simple actions such as jumping or dodging, with controls adapted to touch screens on mobile devices or keyboard and gamepad inputs on consoles and PCs. Obstacles, gaps, and hazards increase in frequency or speed as the game progresses, creating escalating difficulty. Collectible items, power-ups, and temporary boosts add goals beyond mere distance.

Subgenres include endless runners, which generate an endless course, and level-based runners, which present repeatable stages with scoring and ranking. Visual styles range from minimalist 2D to fully 3D environments.

History and examples: Canabalt (2009) helped define the minimalist endless runner, while Temple Run (2011) popularized 3D endless running on mobile platforms. Subway Surfers (2012) contributed to mainstream adoption, especially through social and cosmetic monetization. Many modern titles blend running with platforming, roguelike elements, or multiplayer competition.

Economic models commonly rely on free-to-play distribution with microtransactions, advertisements, or both, often offering cosmetic items or temporary power-ups. Critics note that while runninggames provide accessible, pickup-and-play entertainment, some titles risk repetitiveness or heavy monetization pressures.