It's time to end the debate!

[Professor James]

Right here, right now, in this thread; we will define what exactly a RPG is. And I mean role playing game, not the rocket launcher so inb4 someone pulls up that picture. Hopefully we can somehow agree to what an RPG is and we can use this thread for further reference in discussions about RPGs. I don't exactly have a clear cut definition but RPGs usually have some type of level up system and also loot and customizable weapons. They also tend to have like an item shop but these things alone don't make a game a RPG. There is also something else that makes a game a RPG. Something that I can't seem to fathom but whatever this thing or things I can't think of is, it should determine RPGs from non RPGs. Maybe is it just the developers and publishers who decide whether it's an RPG is? But it must also be something else.

 

[ComradeJim270]

Genre is an inherently ambiguous and frequently arbitrary concept to begin with. Nobody "decides" what an RPG is.

Why does it even matter?

 

[Aircross]

RPG is such a vague classification now that even a game with the tiniest amount of "RPG elements" be called an RPG in the industry.

 

[Seishisha]

Realy the answer is in the name RPG - Role Playing Game, a game in which you play the role of a specific character or cast of characters, anything beyond that in terms of story or gameplay is free to be whatever it wants im my opinion.

To list a few examples of games that have you take the role of one or more characters through out the story would be kind of stupid, because at a fundamental level almost everygame has a character in it, with exeption of pure puzzle games like tetris.

I'd go as far to say the reason you dont have a clear cut definition of what an RPG should be is because it such a broad spectrum that envelopes pretty much everything. Using my definition call of duty is an rpg, atleast in its single player aspect.

I will conceed though that games labeled as RPG tend to have features not found in games like cod, such as customisable characters/equipment, a leveling system and conversation trees etc, Mass Effect or Deus Ex would be prime examples.

I think that pretty much covers it.

 

[ohnoitsabear]

I agree that it doesn't matter. RPG as it's used today for video games gives a good enough basic idea of the game's basic mechanics, and anyone that wants to know more about the game can easily look it up. This applies to all genres, not just RPGs.

Ultimately, the genre a game is associated with doesn't matter nearly as much as the quality of the game. Good games are good games, no matter how they are classified.

 

[StriderShinryu]

Hmm... to me, I'd say an RPG is a game that incorporates a focus on statistical character growth (through stats, visible or not, and/or through gear) with a focus on storyline and character development. This is best when bolstered by actual player driven agency and choice within said storyline and character development, though it is not required.

In short, it's not just about the stats, stat manipulation, and the lootz. It's as much, if not more, about the game focusing on the storyline and characters.

 

[Thunderous Cacophony]

Hmm... to me, I'd say an RPG is a game that incorporates a focus on statistical character growth (through stats, visible or not, and/or through gear) with a focus on storyline and character development. This is best when bolstered by actual player driven agency and choice within said storyline and character development, though it is not required.

In short, it's not just about the stats, stat manipulation, and the lootz. It's as much, if not more, about the game focusing on the storyline and characters.

This, but with 'player-driven agency' a necessity. For the player to play the role, they have to have some kind of control over the actions of the character; otherwise, you're not actually playing as them, your just leading them through encounters on a preset story line and character arc. (which is fine, but doesn't allow you to actually BE the character).

 

[Fat Hippo]

People have been trying to answer that question for 30 years. The problem is, everyone has a different opinion. For example: I don't consider most JRPGs to be actual RPGs. A lot of people would probably like to see me burn in hell for that, but so be it. So yeah, no way this debate is being ended here or anywhere.

Personally, I think the most important aspect is the ability to define your character. This means his abilities and skills, but also his personality, and how these things interact with each other.
For example: A character who has very high persuasion skill, and uses this skill to trick people in nasty ways, is pretty much a slick, nasty son of a *****. It wouldn't be possible to play as this kind of character in a game that doesn't give you control over both skills and personality, unless it was per-defined, and therefore, it isn't a TRUE RPG.
I realize this definition is extremely limiting, and no, I don't use it consequently, since it's incredibly rare and can often be found in differing degrees.

I don't consider Mass Effect to be much of an RPG for example: Yes, you have control over your character, though I find it painfully limited and completely predictable, without any real nuances, and you can choose from 6 different classes. BUT those classes have no bearing on the plot or even your interaction with other characters, and therefore they do not contribute to the RPG elements.

Be aware: I am bashing some of my own favorites, like the Baldur's Gate Series, or Gothic I & II, as they don't really fulfill these criteria either, but for my personal taste, the "perfect" RPG should contain these elements. Games which I think have done this well are: Planescape: Torment, Arcanum, Fallout 1 + 2 + New Vegas (No, not 3)

 

[JesterRaiin]

Right here, right now, in this thread; we will define what exactly a RPG is.

Role playing is an activity that makes you participate in interactive scenario and allows you to play some role within its limits. Details of said role are described by set of rules that also deal with possibility and outcome of events that may happen during gameplay such as for example actions you may want to undertake.

Computer Role Playing games are based on Role Playing formula, but because of limitations of this platform aren't capable to recreate such experience.
Sole distinctive element that distinguish cRPGs from other genres of video games is "the hero" or "party of heroes" that function as "the role" player fulfills in the scenario of such game. Said "avatars" are described by set of features that are expected to change with time and progress of scenario.

It should be noted that :
- relationship between player and his "avatars" is supposed to be close in contrast to (for example) armies of soldiers in strategy games
- cRPGs are supposed to allow for bigger flexibility and possible actions than (for example) protagonists of adventure games

Feel free to discuss. I know i made more than a few mistakes and errors. I blame lack of alcohol.

 

[iamwill2]

RPG is such a vague classification now that even a game with the tiniest amount of "RPG elements" be called an RPG in the industry.

I agree its like trying to define exactly what an action movie is, impossible to do

 

[Andrux51]

*snip

Personally, I think the most important aspect is the ability to define your character. This means his abilities and skills, but also his personality, and how these things interact with each other.
For example: A character who has very high persuasion skill, and uses this skill to trick people in nasty ways, is pretty much a slick, nasty son of a *****. It wouldn't be possible to play as this kind of character in a game that doesn't give you control over both skills and personality, unless it was per-defined, and therefore, it isn't a TRUE RPG.
I realize this definition is extremely limiting, and no, I don't use it consequently, since it's incredibly rare and can often be found in differing degrees.

*snip

I would love to see a game that lets you really decide how you want it to play out. Can you think of any examples that let you get away with this much freedom? I've been really struggling with Star Wars: TOR, trying to roleplay a bounty hunter as much as possible to ONLY care about money, regardless of whether it makes my character "good" or "bad" in the ways the game wants to push me toward, but it makes the story feel very disjointed at times.

To the OP: I think RPG is too broad a genre to define specifically...that's why sub-genres like aRPG, cRPG, jRPG, etc. exist, to give a better expectation to potential customers of what to expect the gameplay to be like.

 

[Bostur]

It's a cooperative game involving a game master and a number of players. The object of the game is to play through a narrative. As such there is no winner in a roleplaying game, but various measures of success or failure is usually present. Usually a set of game rules and dice are involved, but it's not a requirement. It may be useful to distinguish between role-playing and role-playing game. The latter suggests a more 'gamey' environment where adherence to rules plays a bigger part.

Or did you mean cRPG? In which case:

A computer RPG is a distinct video game genre that borrows elements from traditional RPGs. The genre is defined by gameplay and not by setting. cRPGs feature one or more characters to accomplish a given set of goals. Characters are separate from the actual player of the game, and the responsibilities of characters and the player is strictly divided. This usually means that the characters perform specific tasks, while the player has less influence on the game and is in charge of overall strategy and decisionmaking.
As in other video game genres role-playing may or may not happen. Many media can act as inspiration for role-playing but this does not have an impact on the actual gameplay. For this reason the name of the genre can be deceiving.


At least thats how a definition would be if I were to be elected Grand Overlord of video game defintions.

 

[praetor_alpha]

RPG is such a vague classification now that even a game with the tiniest amount of "RPG elements" be called an RPG in the industry.

I will not listen to anyone who calls Bioshock an RPG. I remember people praising it for how good it was, and that it was an RPG. I found a mediocre shooter set in a unique environment, no RPG to be had. Coming off of Oblivion, it was a huge let down. I once had a friend go off about how Starcraft is an RPG, because the Protoss have space time brain shredding magic. LOL!

An RPG is game where you have skills/attributes that go up as the game progresses so you get better at gameplay that uses the bigger numbers, and an inventory. Quests and "magic" are optional: some of my best times in Skyrim (and Oblivion) was just going to killing shit, looting, and seeing the world. (sometimes a man's gotta get XP, k?)

I consider Mass Effect 1 an RPG, Bioshock not at all.

 

[Joccaren]

You know, there is a thread going on about this here: http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/9.337522-What-is-a-RPG?page=1
You can go there to see my views on it.

Role playing is not enough for an RPG, as that tells us nothing of the game itself and that is the whole point of genres.

I will not listen to anyone who calls Bioshock an RPG. I remember people praising it for how good it was, and that it was an RPG. I found a mediocre shooter set in a unique environment, no RPG to be had. Coming off of Oblivion, it was a huge let down. I once had a friend go off about how Starcraft is an RPG, because the Protoss have space time brain shredding magic. LOL!

An RPG is game where you have skills/attributes that go up as the game progresses so you get better at gameplay that uses the bigger numbers, and an inventory. Quests and "magic" are optional: some of my best times in Skyrim (and Oblivion) was just going to killing shit, looting, and seeing the world. (sometimes a man's gotta get XP, k?)

I consider Mass Effect 1 an RPG, Bioshock not at all.

I'll agree that Bioshock is not an RPG, but I don't think Skyrim is either (Haven't played Oblivion to find out for it). It is an action adventure game with RPG elements.
You'll see many of my reasons (Probably) on the link attached.

Though I do get annoyed when people think anything with magic is an RPG, or that magic is required for an RPG. [Insert I don't want to live on this planet any more meme]

 

[NoeL]

It's quite simple: If you're able to craft your player in a meaningful way (i.e. beyond aesthetics, or beyond what the game mandates), and those choices have a meaningful effect on HOW you play the game (as opposed to just making the game easier/harder) you're playing a RPG.

Let's take two examples: Symphony of the Night and Final Fantasy (take your pick). SotN had leveling, loot, weapons, armour, etc., which allowed you to craft your player in a meaningful way, but not with a meaningful effect on gameplay - your combat/exploration strategies remain pretty much the same no matter what you've got equipped. SotN isn't an RPG, though it has some comment elements with RPGs.

Final Fantasy, on the other hand, had similar crafting options as SotN, but depending on how you allocate stat points you'll have different strategies and techniques for playing the game, giving your crafting a meaningful effect on gameplay. Final Fantasy is therefore an RPG, though a pretty weak one.

Tabletop RPGs and their modern equivalent MMORPGs (plus Bethesda games, and Diablo etc.) are better examples of RPGs as player crafting has more of an effect on gameplay than just combat. Whole avenues of gameplay can be open or closed depending on the choices you make, which is the true essence of RPG.

 

[darth.pixie]

Coming off of Oblivion, it was a huge let down.

An RPG is game where you have skills/attributes that go up as the game progresses so you get better at gameplay that uses the bigger numbers, and an inventory. Quests and "magic" are optional: some of my best times in Skyrim (and Oblivion) was just going to killing shit, looting, and seeing the world. (sometimes a man's gotta get XP, k?)

I consider Mass Effect 1 an RPG, Bioshock not at all.

Oblivion and Skyrim are not RPGs. Hiking sims at best. ME leans more towards popamole shooter.

I keep wondering exactly on why we even have to define the genre. It was fine back in the cRPG days. You had your shooters, your strategy, your adventure and so on. Just because developers start waving the name about to get customers doesn't mean their games are actually RPGs.

An RPG is a player driven game be it with choices or dialogue options in which the story can actually change significantly (C&C). It's like PnP in which the DM is the whole game. Now the whole industry is so afraid to punish the player, you get zero consequences even for the most stupid decisions, affecting the entire concept.

 

[VoidWanderer]

What is an RPG? Planescape Torment.

A game where you take on the role of the main character going through a journey to find out [Quest]. It also allows you to progress through a game through either mainly combat or dialogue. Exploration is a requirement to get more experience and to enjoy the setting you are in.

 

[Twilight_guy]

Well first of all the title means nothing, no matter what game you play you are in some role. Hell in Pacman you have a role: You're Pacman, eat shit and get killed. It's not simple game that focuses less on combat and more on dialogue, since many adventure point and click adventure games have a heavy focus on that and they aren't considered RPG games. From another point of view, RPG games as we know them evolved out of old tabletop RPG games so we can say that if it follows the formula of tabletop RPG games then it is an RPG. Course what defines them is another problem entirely. The biggest problem with discovering what makes an RPG is that generas don't evolve because of a set of defined rules, they evolve following the kind of invisible pain in the ass rules that categorize most human activity we do without thinking (and often invent social sciences to study). From what I've seen its usually according to some amount of character customization and choice of narrative. They usually involve the ability to make choices about how characters will act and how they work in combat (this usually leads to visible "stats" and "levels"). In general the player feels a deeper connection to the player character, PC, because he has customized and defined the PC and put himself/herself into the PC. How much this characterized and RPG and how far one has to go with this type of logic to attain an RPG is beyond me but this seems to be the common link to me.

 

[enzilewulf]

An RPG is what you make of it.... Confusions say.

Well I personally think it has to do with a leveling system and a nice story. Also gear is needed and a lot of different weapons. Thats just how I see it anyways.