Role-playing games (RPGs) put you into the perspective of the character you are playing as, where you assume their role within a rich, immersive and unique world. This genre originates from classic pen-and-paper role-playing experiences such as Dungeons & Dragons.

 

Commonly, RPGs focus on character progression, where users are tasked with the goal of developing their character's skills, abilities and attributes through experience points, which are usually gained through completing quests, challenges and defeating enemies. These quest systems involve missions or objectives that advance the story, giving players freedom in how to approach them (linear or non-linear). Players can normally measure their progress through skill trees, their level, and new abilities they may acquire throughout. Another key feature is item selection and inventory management, creating an additional layer of decision making, as players must choose what items to buy, sell and equip; as well as choosing what to keep, as there may be limited space.

 

Some sub-genres include Western RPGs (WRPG), which typically focus on open-world exploration and player agency, and Japanese RPGs (JRPG), known for their structured storytelling and turn-based combat systems. Classic examples of RPGs include "The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim," "Final Fantasy," and more recent games like "The Witcher 3", each offering different and unique mechanics but all including a focus on player immersion, exploration, and progression.