examining 'rpg elements': systems of character progression
DESCRIPTION
Slides from the talk I gave at the 2014 FDG Conference. Paper abstract: Much of the literature on role-playing games (RPGs) focuses on their social, performative, experiential, and/or narrative aspects. The emphasis is on the playing of the roles, as it were, and less so on the game mechanics. Curiously, the phrase ‘RPG elements’ tends not to refer to the role-playing aspects of the genre, but to the rules, systems, and mechanisms that have been co-opted by other game genres and ‘gamification’ practitioners. In this article we unpack the term ‘RPG elements’ by examining a single element: mechanisms and systems for character progression in paper and pencil RPGs. In these open ended games, player-controlled characters’ capabilities change. Characters usually get better; though sometimes they get worse. We describe different ways positive and negative character progression systems are implemented and the role they play. We also discuss some differences we observe between paper and pencil RPGs and those played electronically. We conclude with thoughts on the utility of breaking down ambiguous terms, such as ‘RPG elements’ into smaller, clearer units.TRANSCRIPT
José P. Zagal & Roger AltizerUniversity of Utah
Examining ‘RPG Elements’Systems of Character Progression
Tabletop Role-Playing Games
Disclaimer
Influential?
There’s been a lot of recent interest…..
“both feature extremely robust RPG-style
upgrade/progression systems”
– Custer, 2013
Other Games Refer to RPGs….
Early players very excited by the system for character progression
“role-playing games revolve around creating and growing characters”Fullerton, Swain, Hoffman (2008)
RPGs generally have “configurable player-characters that improve with experience” Rollings & Adams (2003)
What is Fundamental to RPGs?
(perhaps the most influential aspect?)
The Progression Systems Seem Important
There’s lots of academic
work on RPGs as well!
Narrative
Social
Experiential
Performative
Rules / Mechanics / Systems
Most Literature Focuses on
Hardly any literature focuses on:
We need more:
In-depth analyses of rules, systems, and mechanics.
Studies of design trajectories and evolution
Work that clarifies and expands our language for describing systems, rules, and mechanics.
Manifesto (of sorts)
Jose P. Zagal & Roger AltizerUniversity of Utah
Examining ‘RPG Elements’Systems of Character Progression
A preliminary overview of
What is it about progression systems that has made them so impactful?
What are some of the different ways that they have been implemented over the years?
What role do they play in a game’s design?
Guiding Questions
1. Character Progression2. Appeal of Character Progression Systems3. Negative Progression4. Borderline Character Progression5. Progression in Digital RPGs6. Conclusions
Outline
Rules and game mechanisms that define how player’s characters improve from one game session to the next.
1. Character Progression
Do the characters change over the course of the game?
Are the changes a normal and expected aspect of the game?
Are changes intrinsic to the character or are they associated to things the character possesses?
Are the changes irreversible (or generally irreversible)?
Are the changes cumulative?
Rules of Thumb
Characters can be hierarchically organized in terms of power/importance
“When a character earns enough XP, he or she attains a new character level.” – D&D
New level impliesBonuses and more options
Stratified Character Progression
Improvements are “piece meal”Generally at a skill
level
Progression without Stratification
Not Mutually Exclusive
Character Levels(stratified)
Skills System(not stratified)
1. Character Progression2. Appeal of Character Progression Systems3. Negative Progression4. Borderline Character Progression5. Progression in Digital RPGs6. Conclusions
Outline
2. Appeal of Character Progression
Disclaimer
Informed Speculation to Follow
(further research is needed)
From MMO research:
“players build up their commitment to the game as the level of their character increases.”Ducheneaut et al. 2006
“advancement” (gain power, progress rapidly) is one of the primary motivational aspectsYee 2007
2. Appeal of Character Progression
Zeigarnik Effect?People are more motivated to finish something
when it hasn’t been completed (or has been interrupted)
RPG RationaleThings are often left “in the middle” after a
RPG session providing additional motivation to continueE.g. In the middle of a quest
2. Appeal of Character Progression
Goal gradient effect?The closer you are to a goal, the more
motivated you become
Getting close to “leveling up” is increasingly motivating.
2. Appeal of Character Progression
Endowed progress effect?When given “fake” progress towards a goal you’re
more likely to persist towards reaching the goal.
Endowed progress effect is intensified when the progress is tallied using an abstraction such as points
Players might be reluctant to ‘waste’ the time and effort they have invested in a character. (aka, the XP you have banked for next level)
2. Appeal of Character Progression
Nurturing Effect?Characters “grow” and “develop”Players become emotionally attached to them
Probably NOT a reasonCharacter Progression not the same as
“leaderboards”Competition/Competitiveness between players
My character has more XP, is more advanced, etc.
2. Appeal of Character Progression
1. Character Progression2. Appeal of Character Progression Systems3. Negative Progression4. Borderline Character Progression5. Progression in Digital RPGs6. Conclusions
Outline
Deteriorate, become weaker, less capable, less effective
Normal part of the game and expected or inevitable.
Permanent or largely irreversible.
Not the same as general health systems (characters are routinely
wounded and recover), temporary effectsequipment that is used and replenished.
3. Negative Progression
InevitableDeteriorate simply by virtue of playing the
game
3. Negative Progression
“[a]ging eventually takes even the most gifted character out of play, usually around age 50 or later.”
Inevitable
3. Negative Progression
PCs start sane and competent and rapidly
either die, go insane, or must retire.
By ChoicePlayers choose whether or not to engage with
system
3. Negative Progression
Implanting cybernetics reduces a character’s
“empathy score” – reducing their social
skills.
By ChanceCharacter worsening happens due to random
factors beyond the character’s control.
3. Negative Progression
1. Combat system includes “critical damage” tables with severe consequences
2. Characters that die (and are resuscitated) can suffer stat losses.
1. Character Progression2. Appeal of Character Progression Systems3. Negative Progression
1. Inevitable2. By Choice3. By Chance
4. Borderline Character Progression5. Progression in Digital RPGs6. Conclusions
Outline
Systems that resemble or “feel” like progression but work in slightly unusual ways.
Borderline Progression
Frontloaded ProgressionProgression occurs during character creation
Borderline Progression
Character growth and development (skills, career paths) takes
place before the first play session.
Unstable ProgressionProgression can be lost relatively easily or is
“re-invested”
Borderline Progression
“Progression points” can be spent on
permanent progression or re-assignable
aspects.
Reputation SystemsGenerally “incremental”, but often fragile and
in need of maintenance.
Borderline Progression
Character gains fame points for success. Fame makes future missions harder – enemies recognize
agents!
1. Character Progression2. Appeal of Character Progression Systems3. Negative Progression
1. Inevitable2. By Choice3. By Chance
4. Borderline Character Progression1. Frontloaded2. Unstable3. Reputation
5. Progression in Digital RPGs6. Conclusions
Outline
Many similaritiesThe genealogy is pretty clearTerminology: “leveling”, “grinding”
Progression is sometimes rejectedKeep characters behind for secondary motives
Progression as hurdle rather than rewardGrinding
Progression in Digital RPGs
Negative Progression is uncommon
Progression in Digital RPGs
Stat loss due to Aging
“Resurrection Counter”
Reputation systems are common
Progression in Digital RPGs
New forms of progression?
Inevitable ProgressionCharacter progresses even when the player
isn’t playing the game
Progression in Digital RPGs
1. Character Progression2. Appeal of Character Progression Systems3. Negative Progression
1. Inevitable2. By Choice3. By Chance
4. Borderline Character Progression1. Frontloaded2. Unstable3. Reputation
5. Progression in Digital RPGs6. Conclusions
Outline
Examining and tracing these systems over time can help better understand them
Better understand the design space
Identify areas for inspiration / new design directions
Establish connections to other areasGamification as progression?
Conclusions
Read the paper here:
José P. [email protected]
Roger [email protected]
Images used in this presentation are the property of their respective owners. Their use here qualifies as fair use under US copyright law for educational purposes and
critical commentary.
https://www.academia.edu/6789775/Examining_RPG_Elements_Systems_of_Character_Progression