The Game Awards' RPG Category: A Call for Greater Nuance

The annual Game Awards consistently ignite discussion and sometimes disagreement, particularly regarding why certain games receive accolades while others are overlooked. The 'Best RPG' category is often at the heart of this contention, primarily because its broad definition struggles to encompass the distinct design philosophies that define the genre's diverse offerings. Historically, this category has seen a wide array of titles nominated and honored, ranging from Dragon Age Inquisition and Bravely Default to Disco Elysium. While all are undeniably role-playing games, their fundamental approaches to player engagement and storytelling vary significantly.

The Evolving Definition of Role-Playing Games

The concept of a role-playing game, or RPG, has undergone substantial transformation since its origins in tabletop games like Dungeons & Dragons. Over time, the genre has diversified into numerous sub-categories, including tactical RPGs, action RPGs, and MMORPGs, among others. This constant evolution means that a definitive, universally agreed-upon understanding of what constitutes an RPG remains elusive. While this flexibility allows for innovation and growth within the genre, the absence of clear delineations becomes problematic when attempting to critically assess and rank games for awards. When titles are competing for the 'Best RPG' honor, the criteria for evaluation become paramount, highlighting the need for a more nuanced understanding of the genre's various forms. For instance, games like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, often celebrated as a prime example of a modern JRPG with its turn-based combat and predetermined narrative, stands in stark contrast to Western RPGs that prioritize player agency.

This year's Game Awards nominations further underscore this dilemma, featuring games that exemplify distinct approaches to RPG design. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, despite its French origins, faithfully adheres to the JRPG design ethos. It presents a meticulously crafted, linear narrative where players are more akin to active observers, influencing character development through skill builds rather than shaping the overarching story. In this style of RPG, the protagonist's background and personality are largely predefined, allowing players to experience a specific, author-driven fantasy. Conversely, titles like Obsidian's Avowed and The Outer Worlds 2 represent the Western RPG tradition, offering extensive character customization. Players can create their own avatars, defining physical traits, backstories, and attributes, thereby placing themselves at the center of the narrative. These games emphasize player choice and exploration within open or semi-open worlds, where decisions about how to approach quests and encounters directly impact the unfolding journey. The freedom to choose one's path, whether through diplomacy or combat, is a core tenet of their appeal. Even a game like Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, while grounded in historical realism and focusing on a fixed protagonist, still grants players significant agency in shaping Henry of Skalitz's personal journey, fostering a deep sense of immersion through player-driven choices within a set framework.

Rethinking RPG Categories for Future Awards

The current 'Best RPG' category at The Game Awards is arguably too broad, making it challenging to effectively compare and honor games that, despite sharing the RPG label, offer fundamentally different player experiences. The diverse design philosophies evident in this year's nominees—from the narrative-driven structure of Clair Obscur to the player-centric freedom of Avowed and The Outer Worlds 2, and the unique action-oriented gameplay of Monster Hunter Wilds—highlight the inadequacy of a single, all-encompassing category. This broad classification often means that deserving titles with distinct strengths may be unfairly judged against games that prioritize different aspects of the role-playing experience. For instance, comparing Clair Obscur, which excels in scripted storytelling and turn-based combat, with Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, a game lauded for its player agency and exploration, is akin to comparing apples and oranges, as their core design objectives are divergent. Similarly, Monster Hunter Wilds, with its focus on intricate combat mechanics and gear progression over a deep narrative, seems to exist in a league of its own, suggesting it might be better suited for an action RPG specific award rather than competing directly with story-heavy RPGs.

To truly acknowledge the vast creativity and innovation within the role-playing genre, The Game Awards should consider expanding its RPG categories. Implementing distinct categories such as 'Best Traditional RPG' (for games like Clair Obscur and JRPGs), 'Best Western RPG' (for titles like Avowed, The Outer Worlds 2, and Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2), and 'Best Action RPG' (for games like Monster Hunter Wilds, Elden Ring Nightreign, or Wuthering Waves) would provide a more equitable and accurate means of recognition. This approach would not only celebrate the diverse ways in which developers interpret and evolve the RPG formula but also offer audiences a clearer understanding of the nuanced distinctions between these games. Such a restructuring would ensure that each game's unique value is acknowledged within its appropriate context, helping players discover new titles that align with their specific preferences and appreciating the full spectrum of role-playing experiences available in the gaming landscape.