Online Role Playing Games; what makes them just that, an Online Role Playing Game?
An Online Role Playing Game, (or ORPG) is a fairly general term for a genre that can take so many shapes, so what makes the game just what it is?
There are many different types of Online Role Playing Games, from sci-fi, to medieval times, perhaps elves and gnomes are your thing. Whatever your tastes i’m pretty sure you will find a game for you.
Now, the structure to an ORPG is usually pretty consistent. You generally create a character with a distinct role and/or attribute from the selection given. Completing the quests or missions provided, you can gain experience, (XP, EXP,) to move forward in the game or level up, as well as obtain loot to enhance your in-game character’s attributes allowing further game progression.
Social interaction for an Online Role Playing Game is pretty important. Role Playing, as the name says, is huge in any RPG, free online role playing game or otherwise. Many games have servers dedicated to role playing. These servers have very specific rules and regulations on behavior and content to allow the player to be fully immersed in the environment. This can also expand your mental horizons. Psychologists have discovered that by role playing, player have expanded their emotional range by exploring new possibilities, gender identity for example.
With Online Role Playing Games there is an entire culture that comes with it, including but not limited to, and entire language all it’s own. For example, when changes are made to any game, no matter what the testing changes will need to made later. Sometimes, this is for class balance. Occasionally a class or roll will need to be weakened or enhanced to improve the overall balance and quality of play. This is knows and “nerfing” or “buffing” respectively.
To be honest, I could go on about this for hours. With all the options, styles, games it’s an endless conversation. Last count Wikipedia had a list of over 120 entries for Online Role Playing Games and MMORPGS. I guess you will just have to play for yourself to find the right one for you!
