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+ | {{Infobox |
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− | RPG Talk is about role-playing games, specific, traditional pen-and-paper role-playing games such as [[Dungeons and Dragons]]. |
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+ | |Image file = Rpg-dice.png |
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+ | |Image size = 300 |
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+ | |Row 1 title = Played since: |
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+ | |Row 1 info = 1974 |
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+ | }} |
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+ | A '''role-playing game''' ('''RPG''') is a sort of creative [[wikipedia:game|game]] in which [[player]]s [[storytelling|tell the story]] of [[character]]s in a [[game world|shared imagined space]]. This wiki relates specifically to the type of role-playing game called '''[[table]]top role-playing games''' (TRPG or TTRPG) or '''[[pen]]-and-[[paper]] role-playing games''' (P&P RPG), although other forms exist (including [[live action role-playing game]]s and [[computer role-playing game]]s). |
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+ | Although [[solo role-playing game]]s exist, role-playing is generally a social activity for [[group]]s of players at a (real or metaphorical) [[table]], who play the game through a conversation or discussion and agree on the events of the story according to the [[system]] of the game. |
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+ | ==Definition of a role-playing game== |
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− | Variations: |
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+ | Although there is no universally accepted definition of a role-playing game that includes everything that is considered a role-playing game and excludes everything that is not, a general idea of a role-playing game can be derived from the following principles: |
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+ | ===Games other than role-playing games=== |
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In an improvisational game, criterion one is not present. An example would be a theatre game in which participants had to act out characters called out by an MC or the audience. |
In an improvisational game, criterion one is not present. An example would be a theatre game in which participants had to act out characters called out by an MC or the audience. |
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In make-believe, criterion two is not present. Decisions are made using standard social conventions. Cops and robbers and freeform LARP are make-believe games. |
In make-believe, criterion two is not present. Decisions are made using standard social conventions. Cops and robbers and freeform LARP are make-believe games. |
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− | In a narrative game, the third criterion is not present. Players are narrating about characters, not as them. Once Upon a Time is a game like this; you can tell a story about just about anything, but you are not truly any one character within the game. |
+ | In a narrative game, the third criterion is not present. Players are narrating about characters, not as them. ''Once Upon a Time'' is a game like this; you can tell a story about just about anything, but you are not truly any one character within the game. |
− | In a traditional game, the fourth criterion is not present. If there is no rule for it, you cannot attempt it. An example would be a board game, or a storytelling game that allowed only certain kinds of actions or decisions. Talisman is a game like this, as is the Baron Munchausen Role-playing Game (despite the name). |
+ | In a traditional game, the fourth criterion is not present. If there is no rule for it, you cannot attempt it. An example would be a board game, or a storytelling game that allowed only certain kinds of actions or decisions. ''Talisman'' is a game like this, as is the ''Baron Munchausen Role-playing Game'' (despite the name). |
Note that since role-playing games include all the elements, they may at time incorporate other modes. But all the role-playing criteria have to be present at least some of the time to be a true role-playing game. At times, players might participate in a narrative mode; this is called meta-gaming. Traditional game elements come into play when the rules specify the kinds of results from specific actions. Some parts of role-playing require few rules; this is often described as [[immersion]], and operates in the make-believe mode. Role-playing games often emphasize decisions or action more than continuity; when narration becomes disconnected or unimportant, the game might be described as [[beer-and-pretzels]], gonzo, [[hack-and-slash]], or [[surrealism|surrealism]]. |
Note that since role-playing games include all the elements, they may at time incorporate other modes. But all the role-playing criteria have to be present at least some of the time to be a true role-playing game. At times, players might participate in a narrative mode; this is called meta-gaming. Traditional game elements come into play when the rules specify the kinds of results from specific actions. Some parts of role-playing require few rules; this is often described as [[immersion]], and operates in the make-believe mode. Role-playing games often emphasize decisions or action more than continuity; when narration becomes disconnected or unimportant, the game might be described as [[beer-and-pretzels]], gonzo, [[hack-and-slash]], or [[surrealism|surrealism]]. |
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+ | ==External links== |
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+ | *{{wp link}} |
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+ | *{{wp link|Tabletop role-playing game}} |
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+ | *[http://www.darkshire.net/~jhkim/rpg/whatis/ What is a Role-Playing Game?] at [[John H. Kim's Role-Playing Game Page]] |
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+ | *[http://www.darkshire.net/~jhkim/rpg/whatis/tabletop.html An Introduction to Tabletop RPGs] at [[John H. Kim's Role-Playing Game Page]] |
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+ | [[Category:Role-playing]] |
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+ | [[Category:Storytelling]] |
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[[Category:Theory]] |
[[Category:Theory]] |
Revision as of 18:07, 17 January 2020
Template:Infobox
A role-playing game (RPG) is a sort of creative game in which players tell the story of characters in a shared imagined space. This wiki relates specifically to the type of role-playing game called tabletop role-playing games (TRPG or TTRPG) or pen-and-paper role-playing games (P&P RPG), although other forms exist (including live action role-playing games and computer role-playing games).
Although solo role-playing games exist, role-playing is generally a social activity for groups of players at a (real or metaphorical) table, who play the game through a conversation or discussion and agree on the events of the story according to the system of the game.
Definition of a role-playing game
Although there is no universally accepted definition of a role-playing game that includes everything that is considered a role-playing game and excludes everything that is not, a general idea of a role-playing game can be derived from the following principles:
- A role-playing game takes the form of a narration, with play consisting of a series of logically connected events in a game world (the narrative principle).
- Critical game decisions are made collaboratively by using an agreed system (the Lumpley Principle).
- At least one player takes on the role of a specific character, making decisions as if they are that character.
- Any possible action that could be taken by a character can be adjudicated within the immersive framework of the game (the freedom principle).
Games other than role-playing games
In an improvisational game, criterion one is not present. An example would be a theatre game in which participants had to act out characters called out by an MC or the audience.
In make-believe, criterion two is not present. Decisions are made using standard social conventions. Cops and robbers and freeform LARP are make-believe games.
In a narrative game, the third criterion is not present. Players are narrating about characters, not as them. Once Upon a Time is a game like this; you can tell a story about just about anything, but you are not truly any one character within the game.
In a traditional game, the fourth criterion is not present. If there is no rule for it, you cannot attempt it. An example would be a board game, or a storytelling game that allowed only certain kinds of actions or decisions. Talisman is a game like this, as is the Baron Munchausen Role-playing Game (despite the name).
Note that since role-playing games include all the elements, they may at time incorporate other modes. But all the role-playing criteria have to be present at least some of the time to be a true role-playing game. At times, players might participate in a narrative mode; this is called meta-gaming. Traditional game elements come into play when the rules specify the kinds of results from specific actions. Some parts of role-playing require few rules; this is often described as immersion, and operates in the make-believe mode. Role-playing games often emphasize decisions or action more than continuity; when narration becomes disconnected or unimportant, the game might be described as beer-and-pretzels, gonzo, hack-and-slash, or surrealism.
External links
- Role-playing game at Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
- Tabletop role-playing game at Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
- What is a Role-Playing Game? at John H. Kim's Role-Playing Game Page
- An Introduction to Tabletop RPGs at John H. Kim's Role-Playing Game Page