Editing Shooter video games (section)

==Characteristics of shooters==
There are many criteria to determine the type of shooter; listed below are some of the major divisions. Using the following, it is possible to categorize almost all shooters developed.

===Perspective===
The player usually views the events from behind the eyes of the character (a [[first-person shooter video games|first-person shooter]]) or from a camera that follows the character, usually a few feet behind (a [[third-person shooter video games|third-person shooter]]). It is also possible for a game to have a fixed camera, especially shooting gallery games and some 2D overhead shooters such as ''[[Robotron: 2084]]''.

===Realism===
Games that attempt to emulate lifelike ballistics and character damage include [[tactical shooter video games]]. But many shooter games involve varying levels of realism, with some verging on complete fantasy.

===Number of characters===
While most shooters are played as '''solo''' ventures, several offer the players the opportunity to control a '''squad''' of characters, usually directly controlling one, and giving orders to computer-controlled allies. Games which feature [[non-player character]]s fighting alongside the player, but which are not directly controllable (either by switching player control, or issuing orders to the character) are not considered [[Man-to-man wargame video games|squad-based game]].

===Multi-player===
If a shooter game is available online, there are several other sharp divisions it can take. '''Team''' games are where players are assigned to one of two (sometimes more, but very infrequently) factions which are competing for some goal. '''Co-Op''' games have several players on the same faction playing through either the single player or custom missions against computer-simulated enemies. '''Individual''' (often called ''[[Deathmatch]]'') has all players competing with each other. Many times a game will offer differing modes which allow players to choose from among these various types.

===Focus===
This is often an optional way to categorize a shooter, but in some cases it's needed to help distinguish it. A game may quite often heavily rely on [[Stealth action video games|stealth]] as opposed to direct [[action]]. Others might have large [[survival horror video games|horror]] elements to them. However, the one thing in common with all shooters is that combat with a gun or similar long range/projectile weapon is the primary focus of gameplay itself.