Game Development Reference
In-Depth Information
Considering an RPG
When making a role-playing-style game, there is a lot to consider. So far, we have just
modeled our player using some standard statistics, but this could be done for any type of
game. The thing that sets RPGs apart is their sheer depth and interaction with the living
world.
If you are building an RPG game (or one with RPG elements), you need to get some re-
search under your belt and construct your world, the places you can visit (and why), and
the characters you will be talking to or fighting with. Some games even go so far as to
construct an elaborate backstory that has nothing to do with the actual game.
RPGs have a rich history as they have been around for a long time, and they provide you
with a wealth of information, examples, and resources to help you make a great game.
One such site is called
DriveThruRPG
(
http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/index.php
)
, which
even today has an ever-growing catalogue of playbooks, magazines, and materials. As this
site is constantly expanding, you have a perpetual resource to continue to build your game
beyond the bounds of its first release. If you intend to make the best game out there, it'd
be best to consider its long term future and additional content to add in later.
Note
A lot of the content on DriveThruRPG is on a paid basis; however, there is also a great
deal of free resources to get you started, and a lot of the magazines are free. Just be sure to
check the license of whatever you buy to either use it as is in your game or as a base for
your own content.
Always check the license of anything you use.
Breaking it down, the main parts of an RPG that this topic will focus on are as follows:
• Interactive NPCs
• Noninteractive NPCs
• Enemy characters
• Conversations
• Experience
• Maps and places
• Battles
Other things you should consider (but are not covered) are as follows:
