Quote:
Originally Posted by Enpeze
Quote:
Originally Posted by rust
Now, let us take a look at a common (Wikipedia) definition of roleplaying ga-
mes:
A role-playing game (RPG; often roleplaying game) is a game in which the
participants assume the roles of fictional characters and collaboratively cre-
ate or follow stories. Participants determine the actions of their characters
based on their characterization, and the actions succeed or fail according to
a formal system of rules and guidelines. Within the rules, players can improvi-
se freely; their choices shape the direction and outcome of the games.
Can one do all this with D&D 4.0 ?
- assume the role of a fictional character: yes
- collaboratively create or follow stories: yes
- use rules to decide the success of actions: oh, yes
- improvise freely within the rules: well, yes
- shape the direction and outcome of the game: yes
Is D&D 4.0 a roleplaying game, according to this definition ?
Obviously, yes.
Do we need another, more narrow definition of what an RPG is ?
Not in my opinion, I have no idea what it could be good for.
So, could we let it stand there, please ?
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I think you should first take a look at the 4e books before answering your own questions with "yes".
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Just looking at the summary at the start of this thread, it looks as though:
- assume the role of a fictional character: Clearly this is a major part of the game
- collaboratively create or follow stories: This is clearly possible as scenarios don't seem to be completely closed
- use rules to decide the success of actions: No problem here
- improvise freely within the rules: Probably as much as any game - you can play BRP very rigidly and not allow improvisation and you can play D&D and allow improvisation
- shape the direction and outcome of the game: Simply by their actions they can shape the way the campaign/hame goes
So, I honestly can't see how it cannot be a RPG.
Perhaps this is the classic BRP vs D&D (or the old RQ vs D&D) revisited.
I know some D&D players who would be very put out if you said they didn't play a RPG. I can't see that changing in D&D4. D&D isn't my cup of tea, I like RQ too much, but it has a lot going for it.