Are CRPGs really role-playing games?

[WayneLigon]

That's actually something I would like to see expanded upon. If it calls itself a crpg, but isn't, by what criteria do you make that decision?

I think Takrys had a good list in the other thread, of ways you could differentiate a CRPG from a FPS or boardgame simulation.

 

[BryonD]

There was an old Richard Garfield column in which he made the case that computer games are not even truly "games", but instead are more correctly classified as "puzzles". This is because there is a correct series of mouse clicks/key strokes that will solve the challenge.

This is probably a bit less true in something like WoW, but the fundamental is still there.

There is no question that you can RP with other players in WoW. But that is really on top of the game and not an intrinsic part of it. To me that does not make it any more of an RPG than the board game examples already provided.

So to me the bottom line is an absolute NO. Even if you sit at Fallout or WoW or whatever and really pretend in your mind that you are that character, the degrees of freedom are vastly to limited to qualify as what I would call roleplaying.

For the record, I really enjoy CRPGS and WoW. The reality that they are not RPGs doesn't harm the game any more than not being able to run with ball harms basketball or soccer. They are still very fun being what they are.

 

[Bagpuss]

As the thread title suggests, are computer role-playing games really role-playing games?

At least as much as playing D&D 3rd ed as a tactical board game is a lot of the time.

 

[Raven Crowking]

I think Takrys had a good list in the other thread, of ways you could differentiate a CRPG from a FPS or boardgame simulation.

Yes, but others might have different criteria.

Honestly, I am surprised that there have been so many "No" votes.

RC

 

[Kae'Yoss]

That's actually something I would like to see expanded upon. If it calls itself a crpg, but isn't, by what criteria do you make that decision?

I'd say that there has to be a role (or roles) to play. "Whacking things with a weapon all day" doesn't qualify. There has to be chances to develop that character.

 

[Ourph]

In a roleplaying game, the rules are subservient to the story.

This is not a universal truth (the rules are definitely not subservient to the story in any RPG game I'm running) which makes it a poor basis for a definition of RPGs.

 

[Xyxox]

No, they are not. Here's why.

The reason they are not is that 100% of the criteria for play is objective. There are no subjective criteria, thus no rulings made, whether in favor of or against, based solely upon role-play. Until there is an artifical intelligence capable of rewarding or punishing characters in games based solely upon subjective role-play criteria, it's a game of objective game mechanics and nothing more.

Thus, until we have the AI technology capable of this sort of subjective refereeing, computer "RPG"s are nothing more than nice video games, some which multiple people can play within and interact based solely upon objective game mechanics.

Until you add subjectivity involved in role-play,. you cannot consider the game a true role playing game.

 

[Xyxox]

Are play by post RPGs, play by e-mail RPGs, and RPGs played using virtual tabletop/online systems - real RPGs? Is a tabletop RPG still an RPG if its played with some players at remote locations using webcams or other technology?

What makes the game an RPG - the medium you play it in, or the game itself?

What makes a Role playing game a role playing game is the ability for a referee to reward or punish player actions and role play through subjective criteria outside the game mechanic. Basically, RPGs are RPGs because of Rule 0.

This is 100% impossible with today's computer video game technology.

 

[Xyxox]

Are play by post RPGs, play by e-mail RPGs, and RPGs played using virtual tabletop/online systems - real RPGs?

Yes.

Is a tabletop RPG still an RPG if its played with some players at remote locations using webcams or other technology?

Yes.

What makes the game an RPG - the medium you play it in, or the game itself?

The ability of a referee to reward or punish characters based soley upon subjective criteria which exists outside the game mechanic. This is more commonly referred to as "Rule 0".

 

[crazy_cat]

CRPGs are to roleplaying what multiple choice is to exams.

What? CRPGs are fair, valid, practical, accurate, and reliable in certain circumstances.