Roleplay (RP) is a term that belongs to the online and offline game world, which we hear frequently among players, especially during the pandemic process. The in-game action that this word refers to has gained such popularity among gamers that the word has become a buzzword in the publishers’ language.
So, how well do we know this phrase that the gaming world is so familiar with? In this article, we will examine in detail what roleplay means and how it is done.
What does roleplay mean?
The way to understand what roleplay means, which we are used to using in English, of course, is to learn the Turkish of the concept. The translation of Roleplay into Turkish is quite simple: pretending.
In an environment that consists entirely of fiction like a game, we adopt the role attributed to us at that moment; We are roleplaying when we realistically fulfill all the requirements of that role. For example, if we are in the role of police in the game we play; Strive to do everything a real cop would do makes us roleplayer.
What are the types of roleplays?
- Text-based role-playing
- Live action role-playing
- Desktop role-playing
There are three types of Roleplay. Thanks to these three different types, people have the chance to gain different experiences by exploring various ways of acting. Also, knowing these genres facilitates the process of adapting to the world of roleplay.
Text-based role-playing: A preferred method in online games
Text-based role-playing is a preferred method in online games. The only reason for this is that this genre is completely based on writing. This genre can be mundane and even boring because it only develops through writing; The prejudice that it can suffocate the game is quite common. However, it is observed that this prejudice of the vast majority is broken once they are involved in a text-based role-playing game.
While playing a text-based role, you are expected to convey every move, thought and word of the character you play to the other party in written form. During this type of role-play, if your character will open the door and be surprised; You must express this in writing.
Watch out for OC and Canon when doing text based roleplaying:
While playing a text-based role, it is necessary to pay attention to the “Original Character” (Original Character) and Canon tags, known as OC for short. OC means you created the character from A to Z. This indicates that all the good and bad traits that the character will have, and all the behaviors they will exhibit, depend entirely on your initiative. Canon, on the other hand, means to take on the role of an already existing character. The person who takes on a certain character who he is, what kind of person he is; he is expected not to change the character and to play as it is known. The Canon concept requires no extra intervention.
Live-action role-playing: Face-to-face is generally preferred
Live action role-playing, also known as ”LARP” (Live Action Role Play), is generally preferred face-to-face; however, it is a role-playing type that can be done in the virtual environment. Expected from you during LARP; It is to adapt mentally and physically to the character you will portray, to live and let live the character. Wearing a costume, wearing a mask, paying attention to the physical characteristics of the character… It is imperative to play the role the way it is.
Live action role-playing terminology:
The main concepts used while playing LARP are necessary for LARP players to know the game well and play according to the rules:
- Boffer: It is a foam-filled gun. Used during LARPs such as combat, combat.
- Game Master: It is the person who manages and directs the game. He is responsible for all innovations and changes to be made. In LARPs that take place in the virtual environment, this person is called a “Storyteller” (Storyteller).
- NPC: The abbreviation of “Non-player Character”, NPC is the name given to the characters that are not open to play. These characters are usually played by the Game Master.
- PC: An abbreviation of “Player Character”, PC is the name given to each player. If you’re in the game during a LARP, you’re a PC too.
- Crew: The person who helps the Game Master organize the game. NPCs, usually played by the Game Master, are sometimes played by the Crew.
Desktop role-playing: The genre where players gather around the table
Another role-playing type that is preferred to be done face-to-face and can be done in a virtual environment if desired is desktop role-playing. Here you have to gather around a table and both set the plot and create the characters step by step. It is imperative that you determine where you will be in the game during desktop role-playing. While some are concerned with the plot and the game setup, others are more concerned with aspects such as war and struggle. When there is a balance in the distribution, a complete environment and a perfect flow emerges, and thus the players set up the game where they can have a pleasant time.
The use of dice in this type of game is quite common. Rules determined by the Game Master are assigned to each side of the dice. Thus, during the game, the moves of the players may change according to the result of the dice, by using the dice when necessary.
Desktop role-playing terminology:
Desktop role-playing also has its own terminology. As with the role-playing genres mentioned earlier, a mastery of the terminology also benefits the player in desktop role-playing:
- Game Master: It is the person who manages and directs the game. He is responsible for all innovations and changes to be made.
- Game Mechanics: It is the set of rules valid during the game.
- Adventure: It is the game itself; however, according to Game Master’s limitation, it is said to only one story in the game or the beginning of the game.
- Campaign: It is the name given to consecutive events. It means continuing the story by including new characters or using old characters.
What are roleplay categories?
Apart from the three main genres, Roleplay also has some major categories. Mastering these categories will increase your ability to understand the game no matter what genre you play:
- Fandom: If the universe you set as the playground is an existing universe, it is called Fandom. For example, if you are going to roleplay through the Harry Potter universe, your universe is a Fandom. You can add either OC or Canon to this universe.
- AU: AU, short for “Alternative Universe”, is a subcategory of Fandom. The point where it differs from Fandom is the changes you make to the characters in the universe.
- Cross-Over: Cross-Over is also a subcategory of Fandom. When you combine multiple universes, you create a Cross-Over game. Creating a game by combining the Harry Potter and Star Wars universes is an example.
- Original: It is the name given to roleplays that you create completely by yourself and are not affected by any existing elements.
- Group: It is the name given to roleplay played with more than one player.
- One-on-One: It is the name given to the roleplay in which two players play each other. These roleplays are usually 1×1 fictional and accept a maximum of 1-2 side characters.
Some tips about Roleplay:
You can find a new way to socialize
By joining the multiplayer servers of roleplayed games from various forums and sites, you can meet brand new people and establish good relations by furthering this acquaintance with future games. It can definitely be said that role-playing is one of the new ways to socialize at this point!
Playing on foreign servers can improve your foreign language
It is possible to say that Roleplay games will be useful especially for those who want to improve their English. It will be easier than you think to practice foreign languages in games like these, which are mainly based on descriptions. A little tip: “Let me play games and improve my English. If you are one of those who say ”, it would be more advantageous to choose roles such as shopkeeper and customer in the game.
Adding contrasts to your character makes it attractive
Let’s say you play the role of a strong war commander in the game. The expectation of most people from this warlord will be to have war-related traits. No one expects him to be able to write good poetry from such a role. To create a warlord who can write good poetry; it will make you an interesting player, put you in close branding of Game Masters!
Care must be taken not to make the story ordinary.
Maintaining that story is as important as creating a good story. A good story will cease to be good as soon as it becomes ordinary and will begin to lose interest. We recommend that you proceed without forgetting that you can make the story progress without becoming ordinary by making both individual and joint efforts with other players, and keeping in mind that the stories are open to new fiction and characters.
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