RPGs (role-playing games) are among the most popular forms of video games available today. Evolving from RPG board games like Dungeons & Dragons, the genre has evolved into hundreds of game titles that keep fans drawn to their PC, console, handheld, and smartphone screens.
Although they face intense competition from many other genres, popular RPGs often take top spots on Steam’s most-played list, and the genre is consistently mentioned as one of the highest-earning.
Many factors contribute to the appeal of these games, the most prominent of which we’ll look into below.
Main Types of RPGs
Like the many slot sites at Casinos.com, RPGs come in a wide variety. Though there are hundreds of games within the wider RPG genre, many fall within sub-genres, too. The most common sub-genres include:
Traditional RPGs
These OG RPGs focus almost exclusively on character development, which is achieved through telling rich, intricate stories. In addition, they use turn-based fight systems. The most popular titles classified as this type of RPG are Final Fantasy and Baldur’s Gate.
Action RPGs
Like traditional titles, action RPGs focus on character development, but they up the ante by including real-time action combat. This shifts the focus from the story to include elements of strategic thinking and quick reflexes. The best titles in this genre include Diablo and The Witcher.
Massive Multiplayer Online RPGs (MMORPGs)
Another popular sub-genre is MMORPGs, which comprise immense worlds interacted with and built by hundreds or even thousands of players. These titles, such as Elder Scrolls Online and World of Warcraft, often create huge communities of gamers that all play against each other online.
The Appeal of RPGs
Taking the above sub-genres into account, six unique aspects can be clearly identified in RPGs that make these titles stand out. Appealing for varying reasons, they all help contribute to the success of games in the genre.
Storytelling and Narrative
RPGs’ first and most apparent appeal is their rich storylines and narratives. Often featuring in-depth backstories for characters and a logical and attention-grabbing main story, RPGs are known for their rich worlds; they generally go far beyond simple contexts around which a game can be designed.
The fascinating story behind these games pulls players in and makes them want more. As such, players who want more than just action but also a memorable story are likelier to enjoy the best RPG titles than any other genre.
Escapism/Immersion
Carried over from early RPG board games to their digital offspring, RPGs enable players to escape into magical worlds and the immersive storylines they contain. They often feature breathtaking landscapes and visuals that make the game a wonder to experience.
Adding to good graphics, however, are the intricacies of many RPG worlds such as lore that must be uncovered and understood, diverse cultures that need to be experienced, and a seemingly endless sense of wonder. All these elements work together to encourage an exploration that makes you want to uncover as much of the world as possible and lose yourself in the adventure.
Character Progression
Like the in-game worlds, characters in RPGs are intricately crafted and often demand much more from the player than just running and jumping. They require extensive lists of skills, attributes, and abilities—all of which can be improved or increased as you progress through the game’s story.
This progression, which is rewarding on its own, is complemented by aesthetic growth that is unlocked through many customization options. These allow you to change the outward appearance of your character and avatar to express your nature and make your character more relatable—increasing the enjoyment you’ll get from the game.
Player Agency
Player agency is one of the most defining aspects of RPGs and one of the most prominent reasons these games are so appealing. Referring to the ability of players to make decisions that impact the game and encouraging players to connect deeply with the game’s world through the choices they make, player agency is one of the central focuses of RPGs.
Going beyond simply what punch to throw in battle, these choices can have a material impact on the physical world around your character, the development of their skills or attributes, and even the narrative outcome of the storyline. As such, playing through the same game multiple times and making different decisions each time can make it feel new each time.
Strategic Combat
Enforced by the continued development of your character, another appealing factor of RPGs is the strategic element of combat scenarios. Whether turn-based or in real-time, most RPG battles require thought into how to proceed and how best to utilize the attributes and skills of your character.
This strategic element helps provide greater satisfaction when overcoming challenging enemies and forces players to think tactically.
Community and Interaction
The last major aspect players of RPGs find appealing is the interaction with other players and the sense of community and family these games engender. This is mostly true of MMORPGs, where much of the game involves working with others to achieve a common goal, which encourages engagement between players to ensure everyone is on the same page.
This sense of community often moves outside of the game, with players engaging with each other and sharing personal stories in real life. This aspect is contrary to the belief that video games make players antisocial and unable to interact or engage well with others.
Conclusion
The popularity of RPG games has grown over the decades and shows no signs of slowing. With the above aspects appealing to more players and attracting those who may have previously not attempted to play them, the genre will likely continue growing as newer, more enjoyable titles are released.