What is "Role playing" and role playing games online: MMORPGs

Role playing, or RP, is acting out a role by changing one's behaviour. An example of RP is when reading a fictional book. The reader places themself in the protagonists perspective, and takes on a role mentally. This can be done consciously or unconsciously, and can take several forms, but this article refers to RP in video games. 

The first console released RPG, Dragonstomper, allowed the player to take on the role of a dragon hunter. The player is commissioned by the king to slay a dragon and reclaim a magic amulet. RPG games continued evolving, and today famous RPG releases such as elder scrolls, final fantasy and two worlds are famous. For more info on the history of RPGs, visit Role playing games (RPG) and their evolution into MMO RPG.

Interestingly, players in RPGs will attempt to either associate their character to be similar to themselves or total opposites. This applies to both a single player RPG and an online MMORPG. MMORPGs enable multiple players to exist and interact with the same online world. MMORPGs is an acronym for massively multiplayer online RPG, and allows for a more customizable, social and arguably fun experience. Most MMORPG games online feature a linear storyline set out by the developers, but there is another sub-genre of MMORPG.

RP within a Sandbox environment

Sandbox MMORPGs feature open persistent worlds that do not restrict a players actions. This enables players to create their own adventures and begin RP. The simplest form of RP is to take on a character, join some friends and set a goal. This subject is articulated at Adventure, Wanderlust and Exploration in sandbox mmo games. The medieval sandbox MMORPG Life is Feudal takes it a step further.

Terraforming and free building are core features in Life is Feudal. More info on the subject at Best sandbox games: terraforming and free building.  But to simplify, players will be able to shape their own terrain and buildings. This gives players the freedom to prepare their own RP scenarios in great detail, including the setting. This transforms the imaginative aspects of RP into literal ones, creating a massively immersive experience.