role-playing game
Collaborative storytelling activity
A role-playing game is a game where players assume fictional characters and make decisions as those characters within a structured narrative.
A game master typically guides the story and adjudicates rules.
The genre originated with tabletop games like Dungeons & Dragons, where players roll dice to determine outcomes: We play a role-playing game every Saturday night.
Video game RPGs adapt the format, letting players develop characters through quests and combat.
Often abbreviated RPG.
Marked cubes for chance
- gamemasterRoleplaying session director
- campaignOrganized effort toward goal
- sessionScheduled time for activity
- miniaturesTiny representations of larger things
rulebook · character sheet · dungeon master · player · party · encounter · polyhedral · d20
Recounting events aloud
- plotStoryline or land parcel
- questSeeking journey for something
- loreTraditional knowledge transmitted orally
- world-buildingCreating fictional universes
backstory · campaign · arc · dialogue · narrator · conflict · resolution · improv
Digital user representation
- classGrouping by shared traits
- raceCompetition of speed
- protagonistStory's central figure
- heroOne admired for courage
villain · mage · warrior · rogue · paladin · cleric · bard · druid
Computer role-playing game
- JRPGEastern console role-playing genre
- MMORPGMultiplayer internet adventure game
- sandboxEnclosed play area
- multiplayerInvolving multiple participants
online · single-player · console · PC · save file · dialogue tree · party system · random encounter
Methods to achieve goals
- turn-basedPlayers alternate actions
- resource managementAllocating available means efficiently
- action pointsSpendable turn resources
- skill treeBranching ability unlock structure
leveling · experience points · hit points · armor class · cooldowns · modifiers · progression · combat
dice
Marked cubes for chance
- gamemasterRoleplaying session director
- campaignOrganized effort toward goal
- sessionScheduled time for activity
miniatures · rulebook · character sheet · dungeon master · player · party · encounter · polyhedral · d20 · module
storytelling
Recounting events aloud
- plotStoryline or land parcel
- questSeeking journey for something
- loreTraditional knowledge transmitted orally
world-building · backstory · campaign · arc · dialogue · narrator · conflict · resolution · improv · roleplay
avatar
Digital user representation
- classGrouping by shared traits
- raceCompetition of speed
- protagonistStory's central figure
hero · villain · mage · warrior · rogue · paladin · cleric · bard · druid · ranger
CRPG
Computer role-playing game
- JRPGEastern console role-playing genre
- MMORPGMultiplayer internet adventure game
- sandboxEnclosed play area
multiplayer · online · single-player · console · PC · save file · dialogue tree · party system · random encounter · grinding
tactics
Methods to achieve goals
- turn-basedPlayers alternate actions
- resource managementAllocating available means efficiently
- action pointsSpendable turn resources
skill tree · leveling · experience points · hit points · armor class · cooldowns · modifiers · progression · combat · damage
quest
Seeking journey for something
- explorationTraveling through unknown regions
- dungeonSubterranean prison chamber
- treasureValued wealth or keepsake
journey · epic · saga · lore · legend · artifact · ruins · map · puzzle · heroism
magic
Supernatural or illusory power
sorcery · wizardry · mythical · goblins · trolls · enchantment · spellcasting · mana · grimoire · sword and sorcery
- gamesboard games, card games, video games, chess, party games
- interactive mediavideo games, apps, interactive fiction, mobile apps, mobile games
- tabletop gamesboard games, card games, backgammon, chess, checkers
- game narrativestory, narrative, plot, storyline, dialogue tree
role-playing gamechess
Strategic board game
checkers · Go · puzzle game · trivia game · Scrabble
role-playing gamesport
Competitive physical activity
athletic competition · outdoor game · tag · hide-and-seek · reality
play, game, role, playing, gaming, role-playing, role-play, gamers, role-playing games