What Is A Role-playing Game (rpg)?

A role-playing game (RPG) is a type of game in which participants assume fictional identities and collectively create or follow a storyline. Players determine the actions of their characters based on their characterization. RPGs are a form of entertainment storytelling, which involve imagination and intellect.

There are different types of RPGs including:

Live action role-playing games (LARP) - These are games in which participants act out their character's actions (usually in costume) instead of describing them. These are played more like improvisational theatre.

Freeforms - These are played with little or no rules and focus more on plot and character development. These are LARPs and typically are played at gaming conventions.

Electronic (video games, internet RPGs)

A popular form of e-RPG is multi-user dungeon (MUD). These are computer games (usually text based) that involve hack and slash type stuff and social chatrooms or forums. Traditional MUDs are fantasy style games which involve elves, goblins, vampires, werewolves and other mythical creatures who accomplish certain tasks to obtain higher ranks, skills and powers.