

RPGs rarely challenge a player's physical coordination or reaction time, with the exception of action role-playing games. A key feature of the genre is that characters grow in power and abilities, and characters are typically designed by the player.


Players explore a game world, while solving puzzles and engaging in combat. Players control a central game character, or multiple game characters, usually called a party, and attain victory by completing a series of quests or reaching the conclusion of a central storyline. Role-playing video games use much of the same terminology, settings and game mechanics as early tabletop role-playing games such as Dungeons & Dragons.
