Creating Your Own RPG Is My Game Idea Still An RPG

Have you ever felt that spark of creativity, that burning desire to craft your own world, your own rules, and your own story? The world of role-playing games (RPGs) offers an incredible canvas for such endeavors, allowing you to weave intricate narratives, design compelling characters, and invite others to join in your imaginative journey. But what if you have a unique vision, something that bends the traditional RPG mold? What if you're unsure whether your ideas even qualify as an RPG? This is a common and exciting place to be, and it signifies the first step in a potentially amazing creative process. Let's explore what it means to create your own RPG and how to determine if your vision aligns with the core principles of the genre.

The beauty of RPGs lies in their versatility. While the term often conjures images of fantasy realms, dice rolls, and character sheets, the essence of an RPG is much broader. At its heart, an RPG is a collaborative storytelling experience where players assume the roles of characters within a fictional setting. They make decisions, overcome challenges, and shape the narrative through their actions. This core principle allows for a vast spectrum of possibilities, from traditional dungeon crawls to narrative-focused explorations of complex social issues. The key is the interaction between players and the game world, guided by a set of rules or principles that govern how the story unfolds. Consider this: even a simple game of make-believe can be considered an RPG if it involves players embodying characters and making choices that affect the story. The level of complexity and the specific mechanics used are what differentiate the many subgenres and styles of RPGs.

Defining the Essence of an RPG

To truly understand if your vision fits within the realm of RPGs, let's break down the key elements that define the genre. These elements, while not always present in every single RPG, form the foundation upon which most games are built:

• Roles and Characters: This is perhaps the most fundamental aspect. Players take on the roles of specific characters within the game world. These characters often have defined abilities, motivations, and backstories, which influence their actions and decisions.
• Setting and World: Every RPG takes place within a specific setting, which can range from a sprawling fantasy world to a gritty cyberpunk metropolis or even a historical period. The setting provides the backdrop for the story and influences the types of challenges and opportunities the characters encounter.
• Narrative and Storytelling: RPGs are fundamentally about creating stories. The players' actions, combined with the game master's (GM) guidance, weave a unique narrative that unfolds as the game progresses. This collaborative storytelling is what sets RPGs apart from other forms of gaming.
• Rules and Mechanics: While not always strictly defined, RPGs often have a set of rules or mechanics that govern how actions are resolved and how the game world reacts to the players' choices. These rules can be as simple as flipping a coin or as complex as a multi-layered dice system.
• Player Agency and Choice: A crucial element of RPGs is that players have agency over their characters' actions and decisions. They are not simply following a pre-written script but are actively shaping the story through their choices.
• Collaboration and Social Interaction: RPGs are inherently social experiences. Players interact with each other, the GM, and the game world to create a shared story. This collaboration is a key element of the fun and excitement of RPGs.

If your game concept incorporates most of these elements, it's highly likely that you're on the right track to creating an RPG. However, don't feel constrained by these definitions. The most innovative RPGs often push the boundaries of the genre, blending elements from other forms of gaming and storytelling.

Exploring the Spectrum of RPGs: From Traditional to Experimental

The world of RPGs is incredibly diverse, encompassing a wide range of styles, mechanics, and settings. Understanding this spectrum can help you better define your own vision and identify potential influences for your game. Let's explore some of the key categories within the RPG landscape:

• Traditional Tabletop RPGs: These are the games that most people think of when they hear the term "RPG." They typically involve a group of players sitting around a table, using dice, character sheets, and rulebooks to guide their gameplay. Examples include Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder, and Call of Cthulhu. These games often feature a GM who acts as the narrator and referee, guiding the story and controlling the non-player characters (NPCs).
• Story-Driven RPGs: These games place a greater emphasis on narrative and character development than on combat and mechanics. They often use simpler rules systems and focus on creating compelling stories through collaborative storytelling. Examples include FATE, Apocalypse World, and Masks: A New Generation. In story-driven RPGs, player agency and character relationships are often at the forefront, with the rules serving as a framework for dramatic and emotional exploration.
• Indie RPGs: This category encompasses a vast array of independent and experimental games that often push the boundaries of the genre. Indie RPGs may feature unique mechanics, unconventional settings, and a focus on niche themes. Examples include Honey Heist, Lasers & Feelings, and Dream Askew / Dream Apart. Indie RPGs often prioritize creativity and innovation, offering a refreshing departure from mainstream gaming conventions.
• Live-Action Role-Playing (LARP): LARPs involve players physically acting out their characters' roles in a real-world setting. LARPs can range from small, intimate gatherings to large-scale events with hundreds of participants. LARPs offer a unique level of immersion, allowing players to fully embody their characters and interact with the game world in a tangible way.
• Video Game RPGs: This category encompasses a wide range of video games that incorporate RPG elements, such as character customization, skill progression, and branching storylines. Examples include The Elder Scrolls series, The Witcher series, and the Final Fantasy series. Video game RPGs offer a solitary or collaborative digital experience, often with stunning visuals and intricate gameplay mechanics.

By understanding the diverse landscape of RPGs, you can begin to identify the styles and mechanics that resonate with you and your vision. Don't be afraid to draw inspiration from multiple sources and to blend elements from different categories to create something truly unique.

Identifying the Core Elements of Your Vision

Now that we've explored the essence of RPGs and the different styles within the genre, let's focus on your specific vision. What kind of game do you want to create? What are the core elements that make your idea unique? Asking yourself these questions is crucial for solidifying your concept and determining if it aligns with the RPG framework.

Start by brainstorming the following:

• Setting: Where does your game take place? Is it a fantasy world, a sci-fi universe, a historical setting, or something entirely new? The setting will heavily influence the tone, themes, and types of stories that can be told in your game.
• Characters: What kinds of characters will players embody? Are they brave heroes, cunning rogues, powerful mages, or something else entirely? Consider the roles and archetypes that you want to be available in your game.
• Story and Themes: What kinds of stories do you want to tell? Are you interested in epic adventures, intimate character dramas, or explorations of complex social issues? Identifying the core themes of your game will help you guide the narrative and create meaningful experiences for your players.
• Mechanics: How will players interact with the game world? Will you use dice rolls, card draws, or a more narrative-focused system? The mechanics should support the themes and style of your game.
• Player Experience: What kind of experience do you want players to have? Do you want them to feel challenged, empowered, immersed, or something else entirely? Keeping the desired player experience in mind will help you make design decisions that align with your goals.

Once you have a clear understanding of these core elements, you can begin to assess whether your vision truly fits within the RPG genre. If your game involves players taking on roles, making choices that affect the story, and collaborating to create a shared narrative, then it's likely that you're on the right track. However, even if your vision deviates from traditional RPG conventions, that's not necessarily a bad thing. Some of the most innovative and exciting RPGs are those that push the boundaries of the genre and explore new possibilities.

When Does an RPG Stop Being an RPG?

This is a tricky question, and there's no single, definitive answer. The boundaries of the RPG genre are fluid and constantly evolving. However, there are some key areas where a game might stray so far from the core principles of RPGs that it becomes something else entirely.

• Lack of Player Agency: If players have little to no control over their characters' actions or the story's direction, the game may be more akin to an interactive novel or a choose-your-own-adventure book than an RPG. Player agency is crucial for creating a sense of immersion and investment in the game world.
• Absence of Roles: If there are no defined characters or roles for players to embody, the game may be more of a strategy game or a board game than an RPG. The act of role-playing, of stepping into the shoes of a fictional character, is a fundamental aspect of the RPG experience.
• Linear Narrative: If the story is entirely pre-determined and players have no ability to deviate from the plot, the game may be more of a scripted experience than an RPG. RPGs are inherently collaborative and emergent, with the story unfolding organically through player choices.
• Focus on Competition Over Collaboration: If the primary focus of the game is on competition between players rather than collaboration, it may be more of a traditional board game or card game than an RPG. While competition can be a part of an RPG, the emphasis should be on working together to achieve shared goals.

However, it's important to remember that these are not hard and fast rules. Many games successfully blend elements from different genres, creating hybrid experiences that defy easy categorization. The key is to be mindful of the core principles of RPGs and to ensure that your game provides players with a meaningful role-playing experience.

Embracing Your Unique Vision and Pushing the Boundaries

Ultimately, the most important thing is to embrace your unique vision and create a game that you're passionate about. Don't be afraid to experiment with unconventional mechanics, explore niche themes, and push the boundaries of the RPG genre. Some of the most beloved and influential RPGs were those that dared to be different. Think about games like Blades in the Dark, which blends RPG mechanics with a heist-planning structure, or Kids on Bikes, which focuses on the collaborative storytelling of a group of kids in a small town. These games took risks and, in doing so, created incredibly rewarding experiences for players.

If you're unsure whether your idea qualifies as an RPG, the best way to find out is to playtest it. Gather a group of friends, explain your concept, and see how they interact with your game. Their feedback will be invaluable in helping you refine your design and determine if it truly captures the essence of role-playing. Remember, the world of RPGs is vast and ever-expanding. There's always room for new ideas and innovative approaches. So, embrace your creativity, explore the possibilities, and create the RPG that you've always dreamed of playing.

So, you want to create your own RPG? That's fantastic! The fact that you're questioning whether your vision even qualifies as an RPG shows that you're thinking critically about the genre and its conventions. This is a great starting point for creating something truly unique and engaging. Remember the core elements: roles, setting, narrative, rules, player agency, and collaboration. Embrace your vision, explore the spectrum of RPGs, and don't be afraid to break the mold. The most important thing is to create a game that you and your players will love. Now go forth and create!