The debate about what defines a role-playing game (RPG) has resurfaced thanks to recent comments from Emil Pagliarulo, a veteran of Bethesda Game Studios, in an interview with GamesRadar+. Pagliarulo emphasized that there is no single definition for RPGs, which has led to numerous discussions among developers and players. While elements like leveling systems, skills, and customizable characters are common features in the genre, many developers also incorporate elements from other genres, further complicating the delineation of the term.
An RPG can be many things
The evolution of the RPG concept is a topic that Pagliarulo points out as constant, with contemporary examples like Cyberpunk 2077 and The Outer Worlds 2. In these titles, the narrative and player decisions play a crucial role, challenging traditional definitions of the genre. “What we really learned between Fallout 4 and Starfield is that there is no single definition of an RPG,” Pagliarulo stated, adding that some players don’t even consider Cyberpunk 2077 as such.
The fact that Bethesda is working on Elder Scrolls 6 also raises expectations about how this next installment will develop within the framework of an RPG. According to Todd Howard, it can be confirmed that Elder Scrolls 6 “definitely” will feature more trees than Skyrim, which adds an element of intrigue about the location of the new game. Despite the ongoing debate about the definition of the genre, what is clear is that Bethesda is focused on providing a quality narrative, an aspect that many consider essential in the RPG experience.
With this reflection, the gaming community eagerly awaits news about Elder Scrolls 6, which promises to continue the tradition of one of the best RPGs of all time.
