What is a Roleplay?

A roleplay (abbreviated RP) is a fictitious or fantasy-driven game in which players assume the role of original or known television characters to act out a specific scenario or story. These characters interact with each other and the world around them, typically following a predetermined, random, or flexible plot. They typically come in two forms: text-based and game-based.

Text-Based Format

Roleplays can be text-based, which rely heavily on dialogue. They're usually conducted in online forums or chat rooms, where players take turns writing out their characters’ dialogue, actions, or behaviors. Players in text-controlled roleplays are given complete control over their characters, the universe in which they exist, and the storyline being told. This level of autonomy allows players to truly infuse their own human emotions into the characters being played. (You can also play text-based roleplay games online—otherwise known as interactive fiction—by typing basic English commands into a prompt or terminal interface). Need a visual aid? >

Game-Based Format

Alternatively, online roleplaying games (RPGs) are another type of roleplay involving YOU, the player, as a player character (PC) or digital avatar, along with non-player characters called NPCs. Game-based roleplays provide a rich and immersive experience with detailed graphics, animations, and sound effects, as well as real-time interactions with other players. Similarly, massively multiplayer online roleplaying games (MMORPGs) are online RGPs that consist of several PCs in a large digital environment. We can separate the most common RPG worlds into two categories, structured and explorable.

Structured Worlds

In structured worlds, the game world is carefully designed and organized with a focus on guiding the player through a specific narrative or set of quests. The main storyline and side quests are often predetermined, and the world tends to have more linear gameplay and a well-defined path for the player to follow. Some examples of structured worlds include:

• Closed-world environments, like Super Mario Bros., which limit PCs to follow certain quests or storylines in a particular fashion with minimal freedoms. 

• Linear environments, like Tomb Raider, in which PCs must complete a number of strict steps, with little to no deviation, in order to complete game objectives. 

Explorable Worlds

On the contrary, explorable worlds are more open and expansive, allowing players to freely explore and discover various locations, quests, and secrets at their own pace. The emphasis is often on player agency, providing them with the freedom to choose their own path and engage with the game world in a non-linear manner. Some examples of explorable worlds include:

• Open-world environments, like Genshin Impact, that allow PCs to roam freely in a virtual world without any restrictions. The plot may change based on the player’s choices. 

• Semi-open environments, like Metro Exodus, which are made up of several areas that cannot be unlocked via exploration alone (certain in-game conditions must be met first). 

• Wide-linear environments, like Resident Evil 4, that allow PCs to explore or move in different directions within isolated maps. 

• Sandbox environments, like Minecraft, that allow PCs to interact, explore, and develop their own storylines in a virtual world without being limited by predeterminants. 

Conclusion

Both structured and explorable worlds have their own merits, and the choice often depends on the game's design goals and intended player experience. Some RPGs may even combine elements of both, offering a balance between a well-crafted narrative and the freedom to explore. Regardless, both formats are equally as fun~

Author's Note

The articles in this database will mainly discuss text-based roleplays. As you proceed to subsequent sections, you will learn about roleplay genres, common roleplay elements, roleplay grammar and syntax, character creation and development, and lots more.