These creations characterize a particular class of video video games developed utilizing a selected software program engine. The software program supplies instruments and assets that allow customers, no matter their programming expertise, to design and construct role-playing video games. These video games are sometimes characterised by their 2D, tile-based graphics and turn-based fight methods, though variations exist. An instance would possibly embody a fantasy journey the place the participant controls a hero, explores dungeons, and battles monsters to save lots of the dominion.
The importance of this style lies in its accessibility and the empowerment it supplies to aspiring sport builders. The software program’s user-friendly interface permits people to appreciate their inventive visions with no need in depth coding data. This has fostered a vibrant neighborhood of creators and gamers, resulting in the event and distribution of quite a few distinctive and fascinating gaming experiences. Traditionally, it represents a key growth in democratizing sport growth, making it extra accessible to a broader viewers.
The next sections will delve into the particular options, frequent traits, notable examples, and the enduring enchantment of those software-driven creations, offering an in depth overview of this distinctive aspect of the gaming panorama.
1. 2D Pixel Artwork
2D pixel artwork is intrinsically linked to many creations constructed on the RPG Maker VX engine. The software program’s capabilities and limitations have traditionally fostered a particular aesthetic, shaping the visible identification of quite a few video games developed utilizing this platform.
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Nostalgic Attraction
Pixel artwork evokes a way of nostalgia, harking back to basic 8-bit and 16-bit console video games. For a lot of gamers, this visible fashion supplies a comforting and acquainted aesthetic, interesting to those that grew up with older gaming methods. Inside RPG Maker VX video games, this nostalgia generally is a key consider attracting gamers and establishing a particular tone or environment.
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Useful resource Effectivity
In comparison with extra advanced 3D graphics, pixel artwork is considerably much less demanding on system assets. This makes RPG Maker VX video games accessible to a wider vary of computer systems, even these with restricted processing energy. This effectivity permits builders to focus their efforts on different elements of sport design, reminiscent of story, gameplay mechanics, and character growth.
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Creative Expression
Regardless of its seemingly easy look, pixel artwork permits for a big diploma of inventive expression. Expert artists can create detailed characters, environments, and animations utilizing a restricted variety of pixels. This could result in visually placing and memorable video games, even with technical constraints. The distinctive fashion turns into a trademark of many profitable creations.
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Ease of Creation
Whereas mastery requires talent, the essential ideas of pixel artwork are comparatively simple to study. This makes it an accessible artwork kind for aspiring sport builders who could lack formal inventive coaching. RPG Maker VX supplies instruments and assets that additional simplify the creation and implementation of pixel artwork belongings, encouraging experimentation and creativity.
The enduring reputation of 2D pixel artwork throughout the RPG Maker VX ecosystem underscores its effectiveness as a visible fashion. Its mixture of nostalgic enchantment, useful resource effectivity, inventive potential, and ease of creation makes it a pure match for the platform and its neighborhood of builders.
2. Flip-Based mostly Fight
Flip-based fight is a distinguished function in lots of video games developed utilizing RPG Maker VX. This technique dictates the stream of battles, influencing strategic decision-making and character development.
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Strategic Depth
Flip-based fight permits for strategic depth, as gamers have time to evaluate the battlefield, contemplate their choices, and plan their actions accordingly. This contrasts with real-time fight methods, the place choices should be made quickly. In video games made with the VX engine, this strategic ingredient is usually emphasised by character lessons with distinctive skills, elemental weaknesses, and standing results that necessitate cautious planning.
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Accessibility and Management
The deliberate pacing of turn-based fight enhances accessibility for gamers of various talent ranges. The system permits gamers to fastidiously contemplate every transfer, decreasing the reliance on reflexes and dexterity. This may be notably interesting to gamers preferring a extra cerebral and fewer action-oriented gaming expertise. RPG Maker VX’s default battle system exemplifies this strategy, offering a basis simply custom-made to extend or lower complexity.
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Narrative Integration
Flip-based fight will be built-in seamlessly with the narrative construction of a sport. Fight encounters can function alternatives to develop characters, reveal plot factors, and underscore thematic parts. As an illustration, a difficult boss battle would possibly characterize a big turning level within the story, requiring the participant to make the most of particular methods or skills discovered all through the sport. Video games developed on this engine usually use fight eventualities as extensions of the narrative, reinforcing story parts.
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Customization and Variation
Regardless of the prevalence of the normal turn-based formulation, RPG Maker VX supplies sturdy instruments for customizing and modifying the battle system. Builders can introduce distinctive mechanics, reminiscent of combo methods, restrict breaks, or tactical positioning parts, to distinguish their sport and improve the participant expertise. This permits for important variation throughout the framework of turn-based fight, enabling builders to create various and fascinating battle eventualities.
The implementation of turn-based fight inside these video games permits for a mix of strategic gameplay, narrative integration, and accessibility, making it a defining attribute of many experiences created utilizing the engine. The diploma of customization additional contributes to the range and enchantment of such titles.
3. Customizable Belongings
The diploma to which assets will be tailor-made considerably influences the character and individuality of initiatives developed with the RPG Maker VX engine. Customizable belongings are elementary to differentiating one challenge from one other, and they’re a defining attribute of the platform’s flexibility.
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Graphical Sources
Graphical parts, together with character sprites, tilesets for environments, and battle animations, will be extensively custom-made. This permits builders to maneuver past the default assets supplied with the engine and create a singular visible identification for his or her sport. For instance, a developer may fee customized pixel artwork to depict particular characters or design tilesets that replicate a selected setting, reminiscent of a futuristic cityscape or a mystical forest. The flexibility to import and make the most of customized graphics instantly influences the sport’s total aesthetic and enchantment.
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Audio Parts
Sound results and background music contribute considerably to the environment and immersion of a sport. RPG Maker VX helps the usage of customized audio information, enabling builders to combine distinctive soundtracks and soundscapes into their initiatives. A developer would possibly compose unique music to match the tone of their sport or implement particular sound results to boost the affect of in-game actions and occasions. The cautious choice and integration of customized audio parts can dramatically elevate the participant’s expertise.
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Database Parameters
The engine’s database encompasses a variety of parameters that govern gameplay mechanics, together with character lessons, expertise, objects, and enemy attributes. These parameters will be extensively custom-made to create distinctive methods and challenges. A developer may design a brand new character class with specialised skills or modify the properties of things to create a fancy crafting system. The pliability of the database permits for fine-tuning of gameplay parts and the creation of bespoke experiences.
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Scripting Modifications
Whereas the engine supplies a sturdy set of built-in options, scripting capabilities lengthen its performance even additional. Builders can use scripting languages, reminiscent of Ruby, to create customized gameplay mechanics, person interfaces, and visible results. This permits for the implementation of superior options that aren’t natively supported by the engine, reminiscent of advanced AI behaviors, dynamic lighting results, or mini-games. Scripting affords the best diploma of customization, enabling builders to appreciate just about any design imaginative and prescient.
The prevalence of adaptable belongings within the software program’s initiatives accentuates particular person creativity and permits for challenge diversification throughout the platform. This customizability is crucial to the sustained curiosity and inventive output witnessed throughout the software program’s neighborhood, enabling builders to tell apart their initiatives and implement novel gameplay ideas.
4. Scripting Capabilities
Scripting capabilities throughout the RPG Maker VX atmosphere characterize a pivotal ingredient in augmenting the engine’s inherent performance, thereby increasing the potential complexity and uniqueness of resultant video games. The combination of scripting languages permits builders to transcend the restrictions of the default interface and implement customized behaviors, methods, and interfaces.
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Superior Eventing
The eventing system throughout the engine permits builders to create interactions and eventualities inside their video games. Scripting enhances this technique by offering the power to execute advanced logic and algorithms inside occasions. This consists of creating dynamic dialogue methods, intricate puzzle mechanics, and adaptive enemy AI that reacts to participant actions in nuanced methods. An instance is growing a quest system the place subsequent quest phases are generated procedurally based mostly on earlier participant decisions, going past easy conditional branches.
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Customized Battle Methods
Whereas the engine affords a default turn-based battle system, scripting permits for the creation of totally new battle methods tailor-made to particular sport designs. This consists of real-time fight, action-based fight, or strategic grid-based fight. Builders can implement distinctive mechanics reminiscent of combo methods, timed button presses, or positional benefits that considerably alter the tactical issues of fight. Video games showcasing this usually current revolutionary gameplay not doable with the default engine setup.
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Interface Modification
The usual person interface of the engine will be restrictive for builders in search of a particular presentation. Scripting permits the entire overhaul of the interface, permitting for the creation of customized menus, standing screens, and HUDs. This consists of implementing graphical parts which are visually distinct from the default belongings and offering gamers with info in a extra accessible or immersive method. For instance, a developer would possibly create a radial menu for merchandise choice or a dynamic well being bar that displays the character’s present standing with visible cues.
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Gameplay Mechanics Extension
Scripting empowers builders to increase the core gameplay mechanics of the engine past its inherent capabilities. This consists of implementing options reminiscent of crafting methods, fishing mini-games, day/night time cycles, or climate results. Builders can combine exterior libraries or APIs so as to add additional performance, reminiscent of on-line multiplayer help or integration with social media platforms. Video games incorporating these options display a higher stage of depth and engagement, enhancing the general participant expertise.
The scripting capabilities, due to this fact, function a crucial instrument for builders using this sport engine to appreciate bold and unique initiatives. These capabilities enable for deep customization and growth of core functionalities, allowing the creation of gaming experiences that deviate considerably from the engine’s base framework.
5. Story-Pushed Narrative
The emphasis on a compelling storyline kinds a core tenet inside many video games developed utilizing the RPG Maker VX engine. The platform’s inherent design and have set usually lend themselves to initiatives the place narrative parts are central to the general participant expertise.
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Character Growth
Story-driven narratives prioritize the creation of well-developed characters with distinct personalities, motivations, and backstories. Inside RPG Maker VX video games, that is manifested by detailed character sprites, dialogue sequences, and occasion scenes that reveal character traits and relationships. For instance, a personality would possibly start as a naive villager however endure important development and transformation as they confront challenges and make troublesome decisions all through the sport’s storyline. This funding in character growth strengthens the participant’s emotional connection to the sport world and its inhabitants.
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World-Constructing
The institution of a wealthy and immersive sport world is essential for efficient storytelling. RPG Maker VX supplies instruments for creating detailed maps, cities, and dungeons that replicate the historical past, tradition, and lore of the sport’s setting. Descriptive textual content, environmental particulars, and interactions with non-player characters (NPCs) contribute to the general world-building course of. A well-developed world supplies a backdrop towards which the story unfolds, enhancing the participant’s sense of immersion and funding.
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Plot Complexity
Story-driven narratives usually function advanced plots with a number of layers, twists, and subplots. RPG Maker VX permits builders to implement branching storylines, a number of endings, and complex quest chains that problem gamers to make significant decisions and affect the end result of the sport. A sport would possibly current the participant with ethical dilemmas which have far-reaching penalties, forcing them to fastidiously contemplate the implications of their actions. This complexity provides depth and replayability to the sport, encouraging gamers to discover completely different paths and uncover hidden secrets and techniques.
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Thematic Resonance
Efficient storytelling usually explores common themes that resonate with gamers on a private stage. Video games developed with the engine steadily deal with themes reminiscent of friendship, betrayal, sacrifice, and redemption. By exploring these themes by the narrative and characters, the sport can evoke robust feelings and provoke thought-provoking reflection. A sport would possibly look at the results of struggle, the significance of forgiveness, or the wrestle towards oppression. This thematic resonance enhances the sport’s affect and leaves an enduring impression on the participant.
These numerous narrative parts are steadily interwoven inside video games crafted utilizing this sport engine to create partaking and memorable experiences. The mix of compelling characters, detailed world-building, intricate plots, and thematic depth contributes to the distinctive enchantment of story-driven video games on this ecosystem, offering gamers with immersive and emotionally resonant adventures.
6. Neighborhood Sources
The event panorama for titles created utilizing the RPG Maker VX engine is considerably formed by the provision and utilization of neighborhood assets. These assets embody a various vary of belongings and help methods, instantly impacting the feasibility, high quality, and accessibility of sport creation throughout the platform. A main driver of this affect is the collaborative nature fostered by the lively neighborhood, offering each direct help and available supplies that decrease limitations to entry for aspiring builders. The causal relationship is obvious: the RPG Maker VX engine’s approachable design has spurred the creation of a considerable neighborhood; this neighborhood then, in flip, generates and distributes assets that gasoline additional growth on the platform.
The significance of neighborhood assets is manifest in a number of key areas. Pre-made belongings, together with character sprites, tilesets, and audio tracks, allow builders to shortly prototype and assemble sport environments with out requiring in depth inventive or musical expertise. Moreover, quite a few on-line boards and tutorials supply steering on scripting, eventing, and different technical elements of sport growth, facilitating the decision of technical challenges and selling the dissemination of data. A notable instance is the lively participation on platforms such because the RPG Maker boards, the place skilled customers present troubleshooting help, share code snippets, and supply suggestions on work-in-progress initiatives. With out such collaborative help, many aspiring builders would possible face insurmountable obstacles, limiting the range and quantity of video games produced utilizing the RPG Maker VX engine.
In conclusion, neighborhood assets function a significant element of the RPG Maker VX growth ecosystem. They facilitate data sharing, streamline the event course of, and foster a collaborative atmosphere that empowers people to create and share their gaming visions. Understanding the symbiotic relationship between the engine and its neighborhood is important for each builders in search of help and people assessing the platform’s potential. Whereas challenges reminiscent of asset high quality management and copyright infringement exist, the general affect of neighborhood assets stays overwhelmingly constructive, considerably contributing to the vibrancy and accessibility of the RPG Maker VX gaming panorama.
7. Accessible Growth
The accessibility of growth constitutes a core precept underpinning the recognition and proliferation of video games created with the RPG Maker VX engine. This accessibility shouldn’t be merely a superficial attribute however somewhat a deeply ingrained attribute that shapes the panorama of sport creation on this platform, attracting a various vary of customers from hobbyists to aspiring professionals.
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Intuitive Interface
The software program options an intuitive graphical person interface that minimizes the necessity for in depth programming data. The eventing system, for instance, permits builders to create advanced interactions and eventualities by arranging visible instructions somewhat than writing code. This visible strategy lowers the barrier to entry, enabling people with restricted technical experience to shortly prototype and develop sport mechanics. A person can create a practical quest system with dialogue, goal monitoring, and reward mechanisms primarily by the eventing system, showcasing the engine’s approachable design.
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Pre-Constructed Belongings
The engine supplies a library of pre-built belongings, together with character sprites, tilesets, and sound results, which will be readily included into initiatives. These belongings present a basis for sport growth, permitting customers to give attention to designing gameplay and crafting narratives with no need to create all belongings from scratch. As an illustration, a developer may make the most of the default character sprites and tilesets to create a primary dungeon crawler, then regularly change these belongings with customized creations as their expertise and assets enhance. The provision of those assets accelerates the event course of and reduces the preliminary funding required to get began.
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Scripting Language Integration
Whereas the intuitive interface caters to inexperienced persons, the mixing of the Ruby scripting language permits for superior customization and extension of the engine’s performance. This scripting functionality empowers skilled builders to create advanced methods, modify current mechanics, and implement options not natively supported by the engine. A developer may create a customized battle system with distinctive mechanics or implement a complicated AI system for enemy conduct. The twin nature of the engine accessible to inexperienced persons but highly effective sufficient for skilled customers contributes to its broad enchantment.
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Intensive Documentation and Neighborhood Help
The engine advantages from complete documentation and a supportive on-line neighborhood. Tutorials, guides, and discussion board discussions present help to builders of all talent ranges, serving to them to beat challenges and study new methods. The neighborhood fosters a collaborative atmosphere the place customers share assets, present suggestions, and supply help to 1 one other. A person fighting a selected scripting drawback can usually discover a resolution or obtain steering from skilled neighborhood members inside a brief interval. This community of help additional reduces the limitations to entry and encourages experimentation.
In abstract, the accessibility of growth throughout the RPG Maker VX ecosystem stems from a mix of things, together with an intuitive interface, pre-built belongings, scripting language integration, and in depth neighborhood help. These parts work in live performance to decrease the limitations to entry, empowering a various vary of customers to create and share their gaming visions. This democratization of sport growth has contributed considerably to the engine’s enduring reputation and the huge library of video games created utilizing this platform.
Ceaselessly Requested Questions
This part addresses generally encountered queries relating to video games developed utilizing the RPG Maker VX engine, offering concise and informative solutions to make clear elements of their growth, traits, and accessibility.
Query 1: What distinguishes video games made with the RPG Maker VX engine from different role-playing video games?
Video games created with this specific engine usually function 2D, tile-based graphics and turn-based fight methods. The accessibility of the engine permits people with restricted programming expertise to develop and distribute their creations, resulting in a various vary of impartial titles.
Query 2: Are video games of this kind commercially viable?
Industrial viability will depend on numerous elements, together with sport design, advertising and marketing, and audience. Whereas some titles have achieved business success, many are distributed freely or bought at modest costs. The engine facilitates fast prototyping, however cautious consideration to element remains to be required for a profitable business launch.
Query 3: What stage of technical talent is required to create a sport utilizing this engine?
The engine is designed to be user-friendly, enabling people with restricted programming expertise to create video games. Nonetheless, familiarity with scripting languages, reminiscent of Ruby, can improve the engine’s capabilities and permit for extra advanced sport mechanics. Due to this fact, primary technical expertise are helpful however not obligatory for preliminary sport creation.
Query 4: The place can video games developed with this engine be discovered?
Video games are usually distributed by on-line platforms devoted to impartial sport growth, reminiscent of itch.io, in addition to developer web sites and boards. Many can be found as free downloads, whereas others are supplied for buy.
Query 5: What are the standard file codecs related to video games developed utilizing this engine?
Video games usually use proprietary file codecs particular to the engine for storing sport information, maps, and occasions. Distributions usually contain archive information containing all mandatory assets and an executable file to launch the sport on Home windows methods. Some video games may additionally be packaged for different working methods, relying on developer preferences.
Query 6: Are there restrictions on the varieties of video games that may be created with this engine?
Whereas the engine is primarily designed for creating role-playing video games, it may be tailored for different genres with ample customization. The engine’s licensing settlement specifies sure restrictions relating to business use and distribution, which builders ought to assessment previous to releasing their video games.
In abstract, video games are characterised by their accessibility, 2D graphics, and various vary of impartial titles. Builders can discover assets and help from the neighborhood, whereas gamers can uncover distinctive gaming experiences by numerous on-line distribution channels.
The next part will discover notable examples of video games, highlighting their inventive achievements and lasting affect on the gaming neighborhood.
Important Ideas for Growing Compelling RPG Maker VX Video games
The next tips present insights for crafting partaking and profitable initiatives utilizing the RPG Maker VX engine. The following pointers emphasize environment friendly workflow, compelling design, and sturdy testing practices.
Tip 1: Plan the Mission Extensively Earlier than Implementation
Detailed pre-production planning is essential. This includes outlining the narrative construction, defining character arcs, designing map layouts, and establishing core gameplay mechanics. A complete design doc serves as a blueprint, minimizing scope creep and guaranteeing a cohesive ultimate product. This doc ought to embody detailed character profiles, world lore, an entire plot synopsis, and a breakdown of key gameplay methods. Neglecting this section can result in disjointed gameplay and a complicated narrative.
Tip 2: Prioritize Environment friendly Asset Administration
Sustaining a well-organized asset library is important for streamlining growth. This consists of correctly labeling and categorizing all graphical, audio, and scripting assets. Constant naming conventions and a transparent folder construction facilitate environment friendly retrieval and modification of belongings, decreasing wasted time and potential errors. Using model management methods can additional improve asset administration, permitting for straightforward monitoring of adjustments and collaboration amongst crew members.
Tip 3: Concentrate on Compelling Character Growth
Participating characters are important for immersive gameplay. Be sure that every character possesses a singular character, backstory, and motivations. Implement significant character interactions and dialogue that reveal their particular person traits and contribute to the general narrative. Think about using branching dialogue choices to permit gamers to affect character relationships and form the story’s final result. Generic or poorly developed characters can detract considerably from the participant’s expertise.
Tip 4: Implement Thorough Playtesting and Suggestions Cycles
Common playtesting is important for figuring out and addressing bugs, stability points, and design flaws. Solicit suggestions from a various group of testers, together with people conversant in RPG Maker VX and those that are new to the platform. Incorporate suggestions into subsequent growth cycles, iterating on gameplay mechanics and narrative parts to create a sophisticated and satisfying expertise. Neglecting this course of may end up in a flawed and irritating sport.
Tip 5: Optimize Efficiency for a Easy Participant Expertise
Be sure that the sport runs easily on track {hardware} by optimizing efficiency. This includes minimizing resource-intensive operations, reminiscent of extreme use of advanced scripting or giant picture information. Recurrently profile the sport’s efficiency to determine bottlenecks and deal with them accordingly. Think about implementing methods reminiscent of tilemap compression and sprite sheet optimization to cut back reminiscence utilization and enhance loading instances. A poorly optimized sport can endure from lag and instability, hindering participant enjoyment.
Tip 6: Make the most of the Neighborhood and Obtainable Sources
Actively have interaction with the RPG Maker VX neighborhood to leverage current assets and achieve insights. Quite a few boards, tutorials, and asset repositories supply invaluable help and steering. Sharing data and collaborating with different builders can speed up the event course of and enhance the standard of the ultimate product. Ignoring the wealth of knowledge obtainable can result in reinventing the wheel and lacking out on invaluable shortcuts.
By adhering to those tips, builders can considerably improve the standard, effectivity, and total success of their video games. Efficient planning, asset administration, character growth, testing, and optimization are essential for creating partaking and polished initiatives.
The next part will conclude this text, summarizing the important thing themes and underscoring the enduring relevance of the RPG Maker VX engine within the panorama of impartial sport growth.
Conclusion
This exploration of video games crafted with the RPG Maker VX engine has highlighted a number of key elements. These creations are characterised by their accessibility, 2D aesthetic, and capability for personalisation, fostering a vibrant neighborhood of builders and gamers. The engine’s intuitive interface, pre-built belongings, and scripting capabilities allow people with various ranges of technical experience to appreciate their inventive visions. These video games usually emphasize story-driven narratives and turn-based fight, providing distinctive and fascinating experiences for gamers.
The enduring relevance of RPG Maker VX stems from its capacity to democratize sport growth, empowering people to contribute to the gaming panorama. The continued growth and distribution of video games created with this engine suggests its lasting affect on each aspiring builders and gamers in search of distinctive and accessible gaming experiences. Continued exploration and growth inside this platform will undoubtedly yield additional innovation and creativity within the realm of role-playing video games.
