Uncovering the Roots of Fantasy RPGs: What Was the First RPG?

Fantasy role-playing games (RPGs) have been a staple of the gaming world for decades, captivating players with their immersive worlds, engaging storylines, and exciting combat mechanics. But, have you ever wondered about the roots of these beloved games? Who created the first RPG, and how did it shape the future of gaming? In this article, we will explore the origins of RPGs and uncover the first game to bear this iconic title. So, join us as we embark on a journey through the history of fantasy RPGs and discover the game that started it all.

The Origins of Role-Playing Games

The Evolution of Fantasy Gaming

Early Fantasy Wargames

Early fantasy wargames, also known as tabletop or miniature wargames, emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These games typically involved the use of miniature figures and dice to simulate battles between armies. While these games were primarily focused on military strategy, they laid the groundwork for the development of fantasy RPGs.

Chainmail and Dungeons & Dragons

One of the earliest known fantasy wargames was called Chainmail, created by a group of American game designers in the 1970s. Chainmail combined elements of historical wargaming with fantasy elements such as wizards, elves, and dragons. This game laid the foundation for the creation of Dungeons & Dragons, which would later become the first true RPG.

The Birth of the RPG Genre

Dungeons & Dragons

Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) is widely considered to be the first RPG. Created by Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson in 1974, D&D was a revolutionary game that combined elements of fantasy, role-playing, and storytelling. Players assumed the roles of fictional characters, such as wizards, warriors, and rogues, and embarked on adventures in a fantasy world.

Other Early RPGs

While D&D was the first RPG to gain widespread popularity, it was not the only game of its kind. Other early RPGs, such as Gamma World (1978) and Traveller (1977), emerged in the 1970s and early 1980s, each with their own unique setting and game mechanics.

The Impact of Dungeons & Dragons

Popularizing the Genre

D&D quickly gained a dedicated following, and soon after its release, other RPGs emerged, leading to the growth of the entire genre. RPGs expanded beyond tabletop games and eventually evolved into video games, further popularizing the genre.

Shaping the Future of Gaming

D&D and other early RPGs played a significant role in shaping the future of gaming. They paved the way for the development of modern video games, which often incorporate RPG elements such as character progression, quests, and open-world exploration. Additionally, RPGs helped to establish the concept of player agency, allowing players to make choices and affect the outcome of their gaming experience.

Exploring the Early Years of Dungeons & Dragons

The Creation of Dungeons & Dragons

The Origins of the Game

Dungeons & Dragons, also known as D&D, was created in 1974 by Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson. The game was born out of a fusion of various genres, including fantasy, medieval history, and pulp fiction. The primary inspiration for the game was a combination of mythology, fairy tales, and literature from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The development of the game was driven by a desire to create a collaborative storytelling experience that allowed players to take on the roles of adventurers exploring a fantastical world.

Inspirations and Influences

The creation of D&D was influenced by a wide range of sources, including medieval literature, mythology, and pulp fiction. Some of the most significant inspirations for the game included the works of J.R.R. Tolkien, H.P. Lovecraft, and Robert E. Howard. These authors’ works provided the foundation for many of the game’s core elements, including its focus on exploration, combat, and role-playing.

The Development of the Game

Gygax and Arneson developed the game over a series of sessions, testing various rules and mechanics until they arrived at a playable version. The initial version of the game was played by a small group of friends in the basement of Gygax’s home. The game’s mechanics were constantly evolving, with new rules and features being added as the game progressed. The development of the game was also influenced by the feedback of its early players, who provided valuable insights into what worked and what didn’t.

The Early Years of Dungeons & Dragons

The Original Players

The original players of D&D were a group of friends who gathered in Gygax’s basement to play the game. These players were largely drawn to the game because of their interest in fantasy literature and gaming. They were excited by the prospect of exploring a fantastical world and taking on the roles of adventurers.

The First Campaigns

The first campaigns of D&D were largely improvised, with Gygax and Arneson creating the game’s story and world on the fly. These early campaigns were often focused on exploration and combat, with players battling monsters and uncovering treasure. As the game evolved, the campaigns became more complex, with players taking on a wider range of roles and exploring more intricate storylines.

In conclusion, the creation of Dungeons & Dragons was a collaborative effort driven by a desire to create a new form of storytelling. The game was influenced by a wide range of sources, including fantasy literature, mythology, and pulp fiction. Its development was shaped by the feedback of its early players, who provided valuable insights into what worked and what didn’t. Today, D&D remains one of the most popular and influential fantasy RPGs in the world.

The Evolution of Dungeons & Dragons

Expanding the World of Dungeons & Dragons

The Advanced Dungeons & Dragons Line

AD&D 1st Edition

In 1977, Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson created the first edition of Advanced Dungeons & Dragons (AD&D), which expanded upon the original Dungeons & Dragons game. The first edition was a comprehensive rulebook that included new character classes, spells, and monsters. It also introduced the concept of “campaign settings,” which were detailed worlds with unique histories, cultures, and geography. The first edition of AD&D was a massive success and established the game as a cultural phenomenon.

AD&D 2nd Edition

The second edition of AD&D was released in 1989, and it made significant changes to the game mechanics and world-building. The new edition introduced the concept of “campaign worlds,” which were interconnected settings that allowed players to explore different regions and cultures. The second edition also included new rules for character creation, combat, and magic. This edition was popular among players and was considered a significant improvement over the first edition.

AD&D 3rd Edition

In 2000, Wizards of the Coast released the third edition of AD&D, which was a major overhaul of the game. The new edition simplified the game mechanics and made them more accessible to new players. It also introduced new races, classes, and spells. The third edition was well-received by players and critics alike and remains one of the most popular editions of the game.

The Evolution Beyond AD&D

Dungeons & Dragons 4th Edition

In 2008, Wizards of the Coast released the fourth edition of Dungeons & Dragons, which was a radical departure from previous editions. The new edition emphasized combat and included a new rule set that simplified character creation and combat mechanics. The fourth edition was controversial among players and received mixed reviews.

Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition

In 2014, Wizards of the Coast released the fifth edition of Dungeons & Dragons, which was a return to the game’s roots. The new edition simplified the rules and emphasized storytelling and role-playing. It also introduced new mechanics for character creation and combat. The fifth edition was well-received by players and critics and remains the current edition of the game.

The Legacy of Dungeons & Dragons

The Influence of Dungeons & Dragons on the RPG Genre

Clones and Tributes

Basic Dungeons & Dragons

One of the earliest clones of Dungeons & Dragons was called “Basic Dungeons & Dragons,” which was released in 1977. This game was designed to be an introduction to the world of Dungeons & Dragons, and it simplified many of the rules and mechanics of the original game. Basic Dungeons & Dragons was also designed to be more accessible to younger players, and it featured simpler character creation and combat rules.

OSR (Old-School Renaissance) Games

The Old-School Renaissance (OSR) movement began in the late 2000s as a backlash against the increasing complexity of modern RPGs. OSR games sought to recapture the spirit of early Dungeons & Dragons by simplifying mechanics and emphasizing player creativity and exploration. Some popular OSR games include “Labyrinth Lord,” “OSRIC,” and “Swords & Wizardry.”

Other Inspired RPGs

Many other RPGs have been inspired by the original Dungeons & Dragons game, either by emulating its mechanics or by capturing its spirit of adventure and exploration. Some examples of RPGs that have been influenced by Dungeons & Dragons include “Gary Gygax’s D&D Adventure,” “Dungeon Crawl Classics,” and “Mythras.”

The Impact on Popular Culture

Television and Film

The influence of Dungeons & Dragons can be seen in many television shows and films, particularly those that feature fantasy or science fiction elements. For example, the popular animated series “The Simpsons” has featured several episodes that reference or parody Dungeons & Dragons, while the “Harry Potter” series has been compared to a type of tabletop RPG in which the characters embark on quests and face challenges.

Literature and Comics

Dungeons & Dragons has also had an impact on the world of literature and comics, particularly in the fantasy genre. Many fantasy authors have drawn inspiration from the game, and some have even incorporated it into their works. For example, the author Robert Jordan incorporated elements of Dungeons & Dragons into his “Wheel of Time” series, while the author R.A. Salvatore has written several novels based on the world of Dungeons & Dragons.

Video Games

Finally, the influence of Dungeons & Dragons can be seen in the world of video games, particularly in the role-playing game (RPG) genre. Many early RPGs were directly inspired by Dungeons & Dragons, and many modern RPGs continue to draw on its mechanics and themes. For example, the popular game “The Elder Scrolls” series features a world that is reminiscent of a fantasy Dungeons & Dragons campaign, while the game “Baldur’s Gate” is a direct adaptation of a Dungeons & Dragons adventure.

Exploring Other Early RPGs

The Rise of Fantasy RPGs

Early Fantasy RPGs

• Tunnels & Trolls: Released in 1975, Tunnels & Trolls was the first commercially available RPG. It was created by designer Ken St. Andre and was inspired by tabletop wargames. The game used a simple dice system and allowed players to explore a fantasy world filled with trolls, orcs, and other mythical creatures.
• Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay: Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay was created by Games Workshop in 1986. The game is set in the Warhammer Fantasy world and features a grim dark setting, with a focus on combat and adventure. It uses a percentile-based system for resolving actions and has a strong emphasis on character development.
• Traveller: Traveller was first released in 1977 and was designed by Marc Miller. The game is a science fiction RPG that focuses on space exploration and adventure. It uses a simple dice system and allows players to create their own characters and stories.
• DragonQuest: DragonQuest was created by Don Kaye in 1980 and was one of the first RPGs to use a computer to generate random dungeons and adventures. The game is set in a fantasy world and features a complex combat system.
• Empire of the Petal Throne: Empire of the Petal Throne was released in 1981 and was designed by M. A. R. Barker. The game is set in the world of Tekumel, a fantasy setting that draws on elements of ancient civilizations. The game features a complex magic system and a focus on role-playing.
• Gods, Demons, and Heroes: Gods, Demons, and Heroes was created by Dennis Sustare in 1972 and was one of the first RPGs to use a percentile-based system for resolving actions. The game is set in a fantasy world and features a focus on combat and adventure.
• The Fantasy Trip: The Fantasy Trip was created by Steve Jackson in 1980 and was designed to be a more strategic RPG than its predecessors. The game uses a hex-based combat system and features a focus on tactics and planning.
• Call of Cthulhu: Call of Cthulhu was created by Sandy Petersen in 1981 and is based on the works of H.P. Lovecraft. The game is a horror RPG that focuses on investigation and survival. It uses a percentile-based system for resolving actions and features a strong emphasis on storytelling.
• Paranoia: Paranoia was created by Dan Gallagher and Greg Costikyan in 1984 and is a science fiction RPG that focuses on conspiracy and paranoia. The game is set in a dystopian future and features a complex system for resolving actions.
• Middle-earth Role Playing: Middle-earth Role Playing was created by Dr. Markus Altenried in 1982 and is based on the works of J.R.R. Tolkien. The game is set in Middle-earth and features a focus on storytelling and role-playing. It uses a percentile-based system for resolving actions.
• RuneQuest: RuneQuest was created by Steve Perrin and Ray Turney in 1978 and is set in the world of Glorantha. The game features a complex magic system and a focus on combat and adventure. It uses a percentile-based system for resolving actions.
• GURPS: GURPS (Generic Universal Role-Playing System) was created by Steve Jackson in 1986 and is a universal RPG system. The game can be used to play any type of RPG, from fantasy to science fiction to horror. It uses a percentile-based system for resolving actions and features a

The Future of Fantasy RPGs

The Evolution of the RPG Genre

Emergence of Dungeons and Dragons

The first role-playing game (RPG) was created in 1974 by Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson. The game, titled Dungeons and Dragons (D&D), was inspired by miniature wargames, pulp fantasy, and medieval tales. The game allowed players to assume the roles of characters in a fictional world, where they could explore, fight, and solve puzzles together.

D&D revolutionized the gaming industry and became the foundation for all future RPGs. It established the core mechanics of the genre, such as character creation, leveling, and combat. The game also introduced the concept of a Dungeon Master (DM), who acts as the game’s referee and storyteller.

Influence of D&D on the RPG Genre

Dungeons and Dragons had a profound impact on the development of the RPG genre. It spawned countless imitators and adaptations, leading to the creation of new games and settings. Many of these games borrowed heavily from D&D’s mechanics and rules, while others took a different approach.

Some notable RPGs that emerged in the wake of D&D include:

• AD&D: Advanced Dungeons & Dragons, a revised version of the original game, was released in 1977. It expanded on the original rules and introduced new content, such as new races and classes.
• Shadowrun: A cyberpunk-fantasy game set in a dystopian future, where magic and technology coexist.
• World of Darkness: A series of RPGs that explore the supernatural world, including vampires, werewolves, and other creatures of the night.

These games, along with many others, built on the foundation laid by D&D and expanded the possibilities of the RPG genre.

The Golden Age of RPGs

The 1980s and 1990s saw the rise of a new generation of RPGs, often referred to as the “Golden Age” of the genre. Games like Dungeons & Dragons 2nd Edition, Shadowrun, and Vampire: The Masquerade captivated players with their rich storytelling and immersive worlds.

During this time, RPGs also began to enter the mainstream, thanks in part to the success of games like Final Fantasy and The Elder Scrolls. These games introduced new mechanics and gameplay elements that expanded the possibilities of the genre even further.

Today, the RPG genre continues to evolve and grow, with new games and settings being released every year. From World of Warcraft to The Witcher 3, the legacy of D&D and the early RPGs can be seen in the vast, immersive worlds and deep storytelling that have become synonymous with the genre.

FAQs

1. What is an RPG?

An RPG, or Role-Playing Game, is a type of game where players take on the roles of characters in a fictional world, usually one filled with magic, adventure, and exploration. In an RPG, players make decisions for their characters, interact with other players and non-player characters, and work together to complete quests or overcome challenges.

2. When was the first RPG created?

The exact origins of the RPG genre are somewhat murky, but one of the earliest known RPGs is the 1974 game Dungeons & Dragons, created by Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson. This game combined elements of fantasy, adventure, and strategy, and allowed players to create and control their own characters as they explored dungeons, fought monsters, and uncovered treasure.

3. What was the first video game RPG?

The first video game RPG is generally considered to be the 1981 game Ultima, created by Richard Garriott. This game was a groundbreaking title that introduced many of the key elements that would become staples of the RPG genre, including a large, open world to explore, a complex storyline, and character development and customization options.

4. How has the RPG genre evolved over time?

Over the years, the RPG genre has grown and evolved to include a wide variety of subgenres, including action RPGs, turn-based RPGs, massively multiplayer online RPGs, and more. Many modern RPGs also incorporate elements from other genres, such as open-world exploration, survival mechanics, and strategic combat. Despite these changes, the core elements of the RPG genre – character development, exploration, and storytelling – remain at the heart of these games.

Playing an RPG for the first time