Role Playing Games: Getting From Here to There – By Jason Russell

It could be argued that most any video game is a role-playing game; what are we doing when we grab a controller and settle in to session, after all, if not playing the role of a sniper, a race car driver or mushroom-stomping plumber? Yet throughout the ye

What makes things tricky is that while generalizing the specific criteria required in role-playing gaming, the borders of these classifications are hazy at best. Medieval fantasy settings are common, but role-playing examples are often set in a dystopian future, alien world or even contemporary environment.

Gameplay mechanics are no less helpful in establishing a solid criteria for classification. While turn-based combat largely reigns supreme, it isn’t uncommon to encounter examples that rely upon strategic movement systems or even action and jumping mechanics.

At one time, certain gaming elements such as character customization and the ability to level up with experience accumulated, were easy indicators of the role-playing experience. These days it isn’t uncommon to encounter these systems in everything from party games to shooters.