What do you class as a "Role-playing Game"? [closed]

Question

To me, an rpg is simply that: a roleplaying game, whereas we undertake a specific role, and play it out. Now, within gaming genres, rpg has become intrinsically tied to traditional turn-based rpgs, originally lead by pnp -but wasnt pnp just a form of escapism, allowing us to fulfill a role of fantasy? Is rpg only a derivation of these original gaming systems, or is it more? Indeed, even fps games could in many terms be classed as rpgs, as you are merely enacting a role!

I appreciate this site deals mostly with pen and paper rpg, yet the site is called role-playing games: as such the many veterans here must have strong definitions of what an rpg is.

I am very interested in hearing these definitions -in hearing, on an individual basis, what is your answer, so that I may hopefully learn from such and improve/enrich my own understanding of what I class as an rpg.

Answer 1

I think the Wikipedia explanation covers it pretty well:

A role-playing game (RPG and sometimes roleplaying game) is a game 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. Actions taken within many games succeed or fail according to a formal system of rules and guidelines.

There are several forms of RPG. The original form, sometimes called the tabletop RPG, is conducted through discussion, whereas in live action role-playing games (LARP) players physically perform their characters' actions. 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 of the other players plays the role of a single character.

Several varieties of RPG also exist in electronic media, such as 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 may include capabilities that advance using statistical mechanics. These games often share settings and rules with tabletop RPGs, but emphasize character advancement more than collaborative storytelling.

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. The term is also sometimes used to describe roleplay simulation games and exercises used in teaching, training, and academic research.

Or in short form: any game where the principal focus is on roleplaying is an RPG.

So yeah, a lot of stuff is an RPG. Video games aren't covered here because they have their own SE site already. Board games & card games have their own SE. Anything else is largely fair game.

You don't see a lot of questions about things like LARPs here despite them being on-topic, just by their nature. Each LARP has its own rules & community, and they're so small that they're insular. People just ask each other, rather than asking a wider Internet audience.