Role-playing game

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Role-playing games
Types[show] Role-playing game (pen and paper) Live action role-playing game Role-playing video game
Topics[show] Campaign setting (List) Character creation Gamemaster History of role-playing games Role-playing game system Role-playing game terms Player character Non-player character Role-playing game theory GNS Theory The Big Model Threefold Model Statistics
Lists[show] List of campaign settings List of Japanese RPGs by genre List of LARP groups List of RPG artists List of RPG designers List of RPG publishers List of RPGs by name List of RPGs by genre Timeline of RPGs
More info[show] Portal:Role-playing games WikiProject Role-playing games
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A role-playing game (RPG) is a game, part of a broad family of games, in which players assume the roles of characters in a fictional setting. Players take responsibility for acting out these roles within a narrative, either through literal acting, or through a process of structured decision-making or character development.^[1] Actions taken within the game succeed or fail according to a formal system of rules and guidelines.^[2]
There are several forms of RPG. The original form, sometimes called the pen-and-paper RPG, is conducted through speech, whereas in live action role-playing games (LARP) players physically perform their characters' actions.^[3] In both of these forms, an arranger called a game master (GM) usually decides on the rules and setting to be used and acts as referee, while each other player plays the role of a single character.^[4]
Several varieties of RPG also exist in electronic media, including multi-player text-based MUDs and their graphics-based successors, massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs). Role-playing games also include single-player offline role-playing video games in which players control a character or team who undertake quests, and whose capabilities advance using statistical mechanics. These games often share settings and rules with pen-and-paper RPGs, but emphasize character advancement more than collaborative storytelling.^[5][6]
Despite this variety of forms, some game forms such as trading card games and wargames that are related to role-playing games may not be included. Role-playing activity may sometimes be present in such games, but it is not the primary focus.^[7] The term is also sometimes used to describe roleplay simulation games and exercises used in teaching, training, and academic research.