Platformer

A platformer, often called a platform game, is a specific subgenre of action video games. The core objective is to move a player character between different points within an environment.

These games are defined by levels containing uneven terrain and suspended platforms. Players must use jumping and climbing to traverse these spaces. Some games add extra acrobatic maneuvers to the gameplay. These might include swinging from vines or using grappling hooks. Players may also jump off walls, glide through the air, or bounce on springboards and trampolines.

Platforming gameplay is highly dynamic and relies on a player's reflexes, timing, and dexterity. The most common movement options include walking, running, jumping, attacking, and climbing. Jumping is the most central mechanic in the genre, though some exceptions exist. In certain titles, like Donkey Kong, the trajectory of a jump is fixed. In other games, the player can alter their path while mid-air. Falling can result in damage or even the death of the character. Environmental obstacles, such as lava pits or bottomless chasms, can also end a run. To overcome these adversities, players often collect items and power-ups. These items grant the main character new abilities to help them progress.

Games are typically presented in one of two ways. Some use a side view with two-dimensional movement. Others use 3D graphics where the camera is placed behind the character. Some use an isometric perspective, which is a type of 3D view. Many platformers consist of multiple levels that increase in difficulty. These levels are often separated by boss encounters. A boss is a particularly dangerous enemy that a character must defeat to move forward. Some games also include simple logical puzzles or skill trials to challenge the player.

The history of the genre began in the early 1980s. Space Panic, released in 1980, is sometimes seen as the first platformer. It featured ladders and climbing, but it lacked a jumping mechanic. Donkey Kong, released by Nintendo in July 1981, is widely considered the first true platformer. It was the first game to allow players to jump over gaps and obstacles. This game also introduced the character Mario. Donkey Kong's success helped establish Nintendo as an important international name in the industry. Many other games followed in 1982, such as Kangaroo and Miner 2049er. While Donkey Kong had four screens, Miner 2049er offered ten. Another game, Jumpman, increased this to 30 screens in 1983.

New technical developments changed how these games looked and felt. Jump Bug, released in 1981, was the first platformer to use scrolling graphics. This means the background moves as the character travels. Another major milestone was the 1984 game Pac-Land. It was a pioneer of action games with a horizontally running background. Shigeru Miyamoto stated that Pac-Land influenced the development of Super Mario Bros. Nintendo released Super Mario Bros. in 1985 for the Nintendo Entertainment System. This game became the archetype for the entire genre. It was a massive commercial success, selling over 40 million copies according to the 1999 Guinness Book of World Records.

The popularity of the genre shifted over the decades. In 1998, platformers represented a 15% market share of game sales. However, by 2006, that share had declined to only 2%. Despite this, the genre has continued to evolve into new forms. One modern variant is the endless runner, which is especially common on mobile platforms. In an endless runner, the character is always moving forward. The player must dodge or jump to avoid hitting obstacles or falling. This keeps the gameplay fast and focused on constant movement.

Platformers connect to many different styles of play and design. Some games focus on exploration, like the critically acclaimed Metroid from 1985. Other series, like Sega's Wonder Boy, added action-adventure and role-playing elements to the formula. The genre has also moved from single-screen arcade machines to massive 3D worlds. Whether through simple side-scrollers or complex 3D adventures, platformers remain a fundamental part of gaming history. They continue to challenge players to master timing and movement in ever-changing digital worlds.