Well, they would, wouldn’t they? Regardless of their vested interest, however, Bioware, here represented by Dragon Age 2 Lead Designer Mike Laidlaw, has a point. People are being familiarized with RPG mechanics in droves, whether they realize it or not. It’s probably just the whole pointy-eared, vertically challenged aspect of RPGs that they need to get to grips with.
“For me, I guess, fundamentally, there are more people who are ready to play RPGs than realize it,” Mike Laidlaw told Gamasutra. “These are people who will play FarmVille. These are people who have shot enough people in the head that they’ve leveled up in Medal of Honor. They’ve gained XP and have received awards as a result. That’s an RPG mechanic.”
The Growing Popularity of RPG Mechanics
The integration of RPG mechanics into various gaming genres has been a subtle yet powerful trend in the gaming industry. Games like FarmVille, which may seem simplistic on the surface, incorporate elements such as leveling up, resource management, and character progression. These are core aspects of RPGs, albeit presented in a more accessible format. Similarly, first-person shooters like Medal of Honor and Call of Duty have adopted RPG elements such as experience points (XP), skill trees, and unlockable abilities. This blending of genres helps to familiarize a broader audience with RPG mechanics, making the transition to more traditional RPGs less daunting.
Moreover, the success of games like The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt and Skyrim has shown that there is a significant market for complex, story-driven RPGs. These games have not only been critically acclaimed but have also achieved commercial success, indicating a growing appetite for intricate narratives and deep gameplay mechanics. The Witcher 3, for instance, has sold over 30 million copies worldwide, proving that there is a substantial audience for well-crafted RPGs.
The Future of RPGs
I can’t help but share Mike’s hopes that the RPG will be the mainstay gaming genre of the future, if only just for the vain hope that people will demand ever more complex ones. There’s probably not going to be a crowd demanding Baldur’s Gate 3 beating down Bioware’s door any time soon, but a boy can dream. However, the landscape is changing, and the demand for more sophisticated RPGs is on the rise.
The advent of new technologies such as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) also holds promise for the future of RPGs. Imagine stepping into a fully immersive world where you can interact with characters and environments in ways that were previously unimaginable. Games like Skyrim VR and Fallout 4 VR are already exploring these possibilities, offering players a new level of immersion and engagement.
Furthermore, the rise of indie developers has brought fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to the RPG genre. Games like Undertale and Stardew Valley have shown that smaller studios can create compelling RPG experiences that resonate with players. These indie titles often experiment with unique mechanics and storytelling techniques, pushing the boundaries of what RPGs can be.
In conclusion, while the traditional image of RPGs may still involve pointy-eared elves and vertically challenged dwarves, the genre is evolving. With the integration of RPG mechanics into various gaming genres, the success of complex RPGs, and the potential of new technologies, the future looks bright for RPG enthusiasts. Whether you’re a seasoned RPG veteran or a newcomer to the genre, there’s never been a better time to dive into the rich, immersive worlds that RPGs have to offer.
Via Gamasutra
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