The light gun itself is so termed because it functions through the use of a light sensor: pulling the trigger allows it to detect light from the on-screen targets. Light gun games which feature 'on-rails' movement are sometimes termed 'rail shooters', though this term is also applied to other types of shooters featuring similar movement. While light gun games may feature a first-person perspective, they are distinct from first-person shooters, which use more conventional input devices. 'Light gun shooters', 'light gun games' or 'gun games' are games in which the protagonist shoots at targets, whether antagonists or objects, and which use a gun-shaped controller (termed a 'light gun') with which the player aims. The genre is less popular in the new millennium, as well as being hampered by compatibility issues, but retains a niche appeal for fans of 'old school' gameplay. The genre was most popular in the 1990s, subsequent to the release of Virtua Cop, the formula of which was later improved upon by Time Crisis. Throughout the 1970s mechanical games were replaced by electronic video games and in the 1980s popular light gun shooters such as Duck Hunt emerged.

Mechanical games using light guns had existed since the 1930s, though they operated differently from those used in video games. However, not all 'light gun shooters' use optical light guns, but some may also use alternative pointing devices such as positional guns or motion controllers. Light gun shooters typically employ ' light gun' controllers, so named because they function through the use of light sensors. On home computer conversions of light gun shooters, mouse has been often an optional or non-optional replacement for a light gun. Some, particularly later, games give the player greater control over movement and in still others the protagonist does not move at all. Games featuring this device are sometimes termed 'rail shooters', though this term is also applied to games of other genres in which 'on-rails' movement is a feature. These games typically feature 'on-rails' movement, which gives the player control only over aiming the protagonist's other movements are determined by the game.

Light gun shooters revolve around the protagonist shooting virtual targets, either antagonists or inanimate objects, and generally feature action or horror themes and some may employ a humorous, parodic treatment of these conventions. Light gun shooter, also called light gun game or simply gun game, is a shooter video game genre in which the primary design element is to simulate a shooting gallery by having the player aiming and discharging a gun-shaped controller at a screen.

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