The Role-Playing Game genre is one of the most popular to draw inspiration from and build games around. It requires understanding a variety of topics to do right, and has a history of tabletop beginnings to its worldwide appeal. Josh Bycer discusses the genre's mechanics and systems, as well as its reach and how it can be combined with other designs to create brand new takes.

Format: Hardback
Length: 216 pages
Publication date: 30 October 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Game Design Deep Dive: The Role-Playing Game Genre

The Role-Playing Game (RPG) genre has become one of the most recognizable and popular in the gaming industry today. It has evolved from its tabletop origins to encompass a wide range of games that draw inspiration from various sources. In this article, we will explore the definition of an RPG, its history, mechanics, systems, and the ways in which it can be combined with other designs to create unique and innovative games.

Definition of an RPG:

An RPG is a type of video game that allows players to assume the roles of fictional characters and engage in various adventures and quests. These games typically involve character development, storytelling, exploration, and combat. RPGs can be played on a variety of platforms, including consoles, computers, and mobile devices.

History of the RPG Genre:

The origins of the RPG genre can be traced back to tabletop games, where players would create their own characters and engage in collaborative storytelling. These games evolved into computer games in the 1970s and 1980s, with the first commercially successful RPG being Dungeons & Dragons. Since then, the genre has grown in popularity, with many different takes on RPG mechanics and systems emerging.

Mechanics and Systems:

RPGs typically involve character development, where players choose their character's abilities, skills, and attributes. These characters then embark on adventures and quests, where they encounter various challenges and enemies. Combat is a common feature in RPGs, with players using their characters' abilities and weapons to defeat opponents. Exploration is also an important aspect of RPGs, as players explore vast worlds and uncover hidden treasures and secrets.

One of the key features of RPGs is the ability to customize characters and their equipment. This allows players to create unique and personalized gameplay experiences, tailoring their characters to their preferred playstyle. RPGs also often feature complex storylines.

Systems can be combined with other designs to create brand new takes on the genre. For example, RPGs can be combined with strategy games to create hybrid games that combine the exploration and combat of RPGs with the strategy and decision-making of strategy games. This can create unique and challenging gameplay experiences that are not found in traditional RPGs.

The Reach of the RPG Genre:

The RPG genre has a wide reach and has been embraced by players of all ages and backgrounds. It has been used to explore a variety of themes and genres, including fantasy, science fiction, horror, and more. The genre has also been used to explore social and political issues, such as discrimination, inequality, and oppression.

Conclusion:

The RPG genre is a complex and diverse genre that has evolved over the past 40 years. It has a rich history and a wide range of mechanics and systems that allow players to assume the roles of fictional characters and engage in various adventures and quests. The genre has a wide reach and has been embraced by players of all ages and backgrounds. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, we can expect to see more innovative and exciting takes on the RPG genre that will continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in video games.

Weight: 590g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032363714