Hidden Objects

A hidden object game (sometimes called hidden picture) is a genre of puzzle game in which the player must find items from a list that are hidden within a picture. Hidden object games are a popular trend in casual gaming.

Sub-categories

There are different types of hidden object games that can usually be grouped in the following subcategories:

HO/HOG – Hidden Object Game (the classic HO with word lists)
AHOG – Adventure-Hidden Object Game
iHOG – Interactive HOG (HOs that you can interact with, has more adventure aspects)
FrOG – FRagmented Object Game (find item pieces instead of words on lists and/or Find pieces of items to make a whole object, which you will then use in the game)
HOPA – Hidden Object Puzzle Adventure (heavier on puzzles and adventure elements mostly point-and-click adventures)

Some other Abbreviations you might stumble upon:

LFA – Large File Adventure game (true or pure point and click adventure – no H0 scenes)
LF/LFG – Large File Game (usually without an online demo)
STD or FTD – Spot The Differences / Find the Differences
Pop-up Game aka Bubble (you interact with objects via “pop-ups” e.g. Treasure Seekers series)
TM – Time Management Game