# What are games called where you search for objects?

> They're called hidden object games, also known as seek-and-find or I Spy games. With a story attached, the genre is hidden object puzzle adventure.

Games where you search a scene for listed items are called **hidden object games** (HOGs). They're also known as seek-and-find, find-the-difference or I Spy games. When the searching is part of a story with puzzles and locations to explore, the genre is usually called a **hidden object puzzle adventure** (HOPA).

## How hidden object games work

You get a cluttered illustrated scene and a list of items, silhouettes or riddles. Tapping the right objects clears the list. Typical extras:

- **Hints** that recharge over time
- **Timers or penalties** for random clicking
- **Mini-games** such as jigsaws, matching or lock puzzles
- **Story chapters** in HOPAs, where found items are used to solve puzzles

## Well-known examples

- *Mystery Case Files* and other HOPA series that helped define the genre on PC
- *June's Journey* and similar mobile story games
- *Hidden Folks* and *Hidden Through Time*, hand-drawn search games without lists of random junk
- Print classics like *Where's Waldo?* (*Where's Wally?* outside North America) and *I Spy* books, which inspired the format

## Related genres

If you like searching, you may also enjoy **point-and-click adventures**, **escape room games** and **spot-the-difference** puzzles, which use the same careful looking but add logic or inventory puzzles.

## FAQ

**What are pictures where you have to find objects called?**
Hidden object pictures or seek-and-find puzzles. In books they're often called I Spy or "look and find."

**What's the name of a game where you collect items?**
That's a broader idea. Collect-a-thons, such as many 3D platformers, are built around gathering items across levels.

**Are hidden object games good for the brain?**
They exercise visual attention and patience. Like other puzzles, they're a pleasant mental workout rather than a proven brain booster.

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https://gamevoyages.com/what-are-games-called-where-you-search-for-objects/ · Game Voyage · Checked 2026-10-30