Role-playing video games (RPGs) are a subgenre of video games that involve players assuming the roles of characters in a fictional setting. Typically, RPGs involve creating a character, selecting their class or profession, and then setting out on a series of quests or missions to progress through the game. The player's character will interact with other characters, non-player characters (NPCs), and the environment to complete tasks and move the story forward. Often, RPGs involve some degree of character development, where the player can customize their character's appearance, abilities, and equipment. RPGs can be single-player or multiplayer and are popular across a range of platforms, including console, PC, and mobile devices.
Within online gaming communities, RPGs often provide a space for players to create and assume different personas, allowing them to interact with others in a fictional setting. This can lead to the formation of close-knit communities of players who collaborate to complete quests, trade items, and share experiences. These communities can be found on various platforms, including game-specific forums, Discord servers, and social media groups. In some cases, players may even participate in live-action role-playing (LARP) events based on the games they play, taking their role-playing experiences into the real world.