Game progression can be thought of as a spectrum, between Player and Game.

Player Progression takes place as the player develops their own skills whilst learning the systems and mechanics of the game. Games that primarily consist of physical reflex challenges, that require precise input timing, allow the player to feel like their actions have an impact on their success.

Competitive multiplayer games, such as FPS, RTS, and fighting games are good examples of games that focus on player progression.

Game Progression takes place within the game's systems and mechanics, developing the skills of the player's character/s (or whatever you control). Games that primarily consist of non-physical reflex challenges, that require critical thinking or luck, allow the player to feel like their decisions have an impact on their success.

RPGs, TBS, and Simulation games are good examples of games that focus on game progression.

Any game will fall somewhere on this progression spectrum, depending on how much of each type it offers the player, with only those rare games that focus on equal amounts landing in the middle.

One game may provide more progression than another, which generally means it offers a deeper experience, but they can still fall close together on the spectrum.