Editing Role-playing video game (section)

{{Short description|Video game genre}}
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[[File:Legend of Grimrock screenshot 01.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|A party of characters approaching a monster in ''[[Legend of Grimrock]]'' (2012)]]
{{Video RPG}}{{Video games}}

'''Role-playing video games''', also known as '''CRPG''' ('''computer'''/'''console''' [[role-playing game]]s), comprise a broad [[video game genre]] generally defined by a detailed story and character advancement (often through increasing characters' levels or other skills). Role-playing games almost always feature combat as a defining feature and traditionally used [[Turn-based role-playing game|turn-based combat]]; however, modern role-playing games commonly feature real-time [[Action role-playing game|action combat]] or even non-violent forms of conflict resolution (with some eschewing combat altogether). Further, many games have incorporated role-playing elements such as character advancement and quests while remaining within other genres.

Role-playing video games have their origins in [[tabletop role-playing game]]s{{Sfn|Adams|Rollings|2003|p=347}} and use much of the same [[:Category:Role-playing game terminology|terminology]], [[Campaign setting|settings]], and [[Game mechanics|game mechanic]]s. Other major similarities with pen-and-paper games include developed story-telling and narrative elements, player-character development, and elaborately designed fantasy worlds. The electronic medium takes the place of the [[gamemaster]], resolving combat on its own and determining the game's response to different player actions. RPGs have evolved from simple [[Text-based game|text-based]] console-window games into visually rich [[3D computer graphics|3D]] experiences.

The first RPGs date to the mid 1970s, when developers attempted to implement systems like ''[[Dungeons & Dragons]]'' on university mainframe computers. While initially niche, RPGs would soon become mainstream on consoles like the [[NES]] with franchises such as ''[[Final Fantasy]]'' and ''[[Dragon Quest]]''. Western RPGs for home computers became popular through series such as ''[[Fallout (franchise)|Fallout]], [[The Elder Scrolls]]'' and ''[[Baldur's Gate]]''. Today, RPGs enjoy significant popularity both as mainstream [[AAA game]]s and as niche titles aimed towards dedicated audiences. More recently, [[Indie game|independent developers]] have found success, with games such as [[Off (video game)|''OFF'']], ''[[Undertale]]'', and [[Omori (video game)|''Omori'']] achieving both critical and commercial success.