Overview
This lecture introduces role-playing games (RPGs), focusing on their core mechanics, types, historical evolution, and notable examples, especially in both tabletop and video game formats.
Essential Elements of RPGs
- RPG stands for Role-Playing Game, where players control and develop a character's abilities and stats over time.
- Character progression can involve leveling up, gaining equipment, or improving skills.
- Menu-based or turn-based combat systems allow players to choose actions among various attacks or abilities.
- A narrative theme or quest is central, often with optional side quests.
- Players interact with the environment (e.g., lockpicking, disarming traps, communication).
- Non-player characters (NPCs) and character classes (like wizard, thief, warrior) are common.
- Tabletop RPGs like Dungeons & Dragons use character sheets and require a Dungeon Master (DM) to guide gameplay.
Notable RPG Examples
- Dungeons & Dragons is the classic tabletop RPG, requiring a DM and lengthy play sessions.
- Gloomhaven is a complex board game simulating a D&D experience without needing a DM.
- Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion is a simpler introduction to RPG board games.
Transition to Video Game RPGs
- In video game RPGs, the DM role is fulfilled by the game's AI/script.
- Central storylines with optional side quests are common, but not always required.
- Examples include Diablo, Elder Scrolls: Skyrim, The Witcher, Dark Souls, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, Path of Exile, Divinity: Original Sin, and Baldur’s Gate 3.
- Baldur's Gate 3 closely replicates D&D mechanics, including visible dice rolls.
Types of RPGs
- Action RPGs (e.g., Diablo) emphasize real-time combat and quick reactions.
- Turn-based RPGs (e.g., Final Fantasy, X-Com) provide strategic planning time between moves.
- Story-based RPGs (e.g., Fable, Divinity series) offer dialogue choices affecting game outcomes.
- MMORPGs (Massive Multiplayer Online RPGs) like World of Warcraft allow thousands of players to interact in a persistent online world.
MMORPGs and World of Warcraft
- MMORPGs feature character creation, free exploration, and real-world player interaction.
- World of Warcraft (WoW) is the most prominent MMORPG, launched in 2004, still popular with millions of active players.
- WoW requires a base game purchase and monthly subscription after initial free levels, with ongoing expansions and significant financial investment from players.
Why RPGs Work
- RPGs support various forms of fun: fantasy, narrative, challenge, fellowship, discovery, and creative expression.
- Social interaction and creativity are highly encouraged, especially with a good DM or game master.
Key Terms & Definitions
- RPG (Role-Playing Game) — Game where players control a character that progresses in abilities, gear, or story.
- Dungeon Master (DM) — Person who guides the story and controls non-player elements in tabletop RPGs.
- NPC (Non-Player Character) — Game-controlled character, not managed by a player.
- MMORPG — Massive Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game, an RPG played online with many people.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Optional: Explore videos of Critical Role on YouTube to see D&D play in action.
- Next week: Deeper focus on video game RPGs and their mechanics.