Genre: How it Shapes Game Design

I often find myself looking across the breadth of the internet, hoping to find something interesting to share with other gamers.  Sometimes it’s a product, like the Wyrmwood Deck Boxes I’ve reviewed in the past.  Other times, it’s a game, like Last Days or This is Not a Test.  However, every so often I end up asking myself a question like “Is there a Steampunk minis game, or has anyone made a post human experience role-playing game?”  (The answer to both questions is yes, as Malifaux is definitely a Steampunk minis extravaganza, Eclipse Phase defines itself by the post human experience it offers.)  However, I’m overlooking a basic assumption in my decision process.  Why was I looking specifically for a Steampunk Minis game, or a post human experience RPG?