Role Playing Games

Role Playing computer games are a version of early non-computer games that used the same mechanics as many computer role playing games. The history of Role Playing Games (RPG) comes out of table-top games such as Dungeons and Dragons. These games used basic Role Playing Mechanics to create playable games for multiple players. When computers and computer games became doable one of the first games (along with Adventure games) to be implemented were Role Playing games.

The core features of Role Playing games include the following features:

• The game character has a set of features/skills/traits that can be changed through Experience Points (xp). • XP values are typically increased by playing the game. As the player does things in the game (killing monsters, completing quests, etc) the player earns XP. • Player progression is defined by Levels in which the player acquires or refines skills/traits. • Game structure is typically open-world or has open-world features. • Narrative and progress is normally done by completing Quests. • Game Narrative is typically presented in a non-linear quests or exploration. Narrative can also be presented as environmental narrative (found tapes, etc), or through other non-linear methods. • In some cases, the initial game character can be defined by the player and the initial mix of skills/traits/classes chosen by the player. • Many RPGs require a number of hours to complete. • Progression in the game is typically done through player quests, which can be done in different order. • In Action RPGs combat is real-time and in turn-based RPGs the combat is turn-based.

Analyzing an RPG

The core features of an RPG are character development, leveling, and game structure. When analyzing an RPG you should focus on these features because they are what the player expects to find in the RPG.

In terms of Character definition and change a good RPG should allow the player to choose the initial features and skills of their game character. This can be done by presenting the player with some pre-defined templates or allowing the player to choose their own mix of skills. In either case, the set of skills and traits should have the following features:

• Connection with gameplay – the skills and trait should be an element that the player can use or will influence the gameplay. • Clearly defined – RPG character abilities should be defined so the player knows what they are choosing. Even if the trait is not clearly defined as a traditional trait, the game should maintain some internal consistency. • Character-specific traits and acquired skills should be separated – this means that some RPGs allow the player to choose a game character type (for example, Troll or Elf) which means that the character starts out with some pre-defined traits. Skills, such as combat or sneaking, are acquired and enhanced through gameplay. • If the game uses some kind of Skill Tree it should be easy to understand and allow the player options to customize their character in a variety of ways.

Leveling means that the game character can change acquire and upgrade their skills. This can be done in two basic ways, acquiring XP through gameplay and acquiring XP through completing tasks. Getting XP through gameplay means that when the player performs tasks that progress the game they will acquire XP. This might be dialogs with other characters, combat against NPCs, etc. The second way of acquiring XP is by completing quests or adventures.

Leveling is a very important element in RPGs because it allows the player to mark their progress as well as controlling the game pace and progress. As the player levels up their character, new quests and new opponents will become available. Controlling the player progress through leveling and XP is a common feature of RPGs and is an important element for game designers. When analyzing RPG leveling you should consider the following:

• Evaluate what the player has to do in order to acquire XP. How does the game inform the player that they are getting XP points for their activities? • Identify how game leveling is linked with the game skill trees. What is unlocked at what levels and how does this impact gameplay? • Is leveling linear or progressive? Linear leveling will set a hard limit to leveling points and progressive leveling will vary the number of points needed to get to the next level. • How does the player know that they have leveled up? • What gameplay options and restrictions are linked to the game leveling? What motivation does the player have in leveling up?

Role Playing Games typically have a game structure linked to the leveling and character development game mechanics. Some games use a quest based system within an open-world environment so players can gain XP and complete the game narrative in their own way. Other games have an adventure game structure that locks part of the game behind a narrative structure that the player must follow. When analyzing the structure of a Role Playing Game you should ask:

• How does the game structure allow the player to progress through the game? Does the player know where they are in terms of overall game progression? • Can quests be done in any order or are they locked until the player gains a specific amount of XP? • Is there a single open world or are there multiple areas that can only be accessed as a result of the game narrative structure or game XP? • Can quests be failed and, if so, can they be repeated? • How does the gain in XP related to successful quests?