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Why I chose to Study RPG

When I originally set out to study the diverse ways player identify in video games I had to narrow my research down to one game genre. I chose Role-Playing games (RPG) not only from a personal standpoint, but, because of the nature of this genre.


According to Cornillie, the co-writer of The Role of Feedback in Foreign Language and Learning Through Digital Role Playing Games, Role playing games are “digital games that strongly emphasize narrative, alternating action with episodes of exploration and dialogue, with intricate reward mechanisms" (Cornillie - ‎2012). These are the characteristics of most of today’s RPGs, and it is this importance on exploration, narrative, dialogue and interaction between characters that appeals me to study this genre of play.

Compared to other game genres, role playing games have greater emphasis on player agency. Player agency is when a player feels responsible for their avatar and actions within the game space. This agency is what allows players to create bonds between themselves and their character. And is a crucial factor in player immersion.

In his book From Immersion to Incorporation, Cutajar the head of the Institute of Digital Games at the University of Malta, explains that digital games "aside from enabling us to transcend the practical limitations of our environment, digital games became popular because they transported our imaginations to places represented on screen. We no longer had to imagine landscapes of forests and mountains to roam in; they were right in front of us" (Cutajar, 2011). I would argue that Role playing games are synonymous with immersion because they not only transcend the player into an expansive world, they actively encourage the player to explore not only the boundaries of the game world but the boundaries of the self.

Exploration is key to every role-playing game. As they entice the player to carve their own path by creating their own character, making decisions with consequence, to build character and charisma. Effectively exploring different facets of oneself.

Bibliography

  • Calleja, G., 2011. In-game: From immersion to incorporation. MIT Press.
     
  • Cornillie, F., Clarebout, G. and Desmet, P., 2012. The role of feedback in foreign language learning through digital role playing games. Procedia-Social and Behavioral Sciences, 34, pp.49-53.

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