: Players control a specific character with unique backgrounds, motivations, and "stats" (attributes like strength or intelligence) that improve over time through a leveling system.
: In many formats, a dedicated facilitator (often called a Dungeon Master in D&D ) describes the setting and controls the "non-player characters" (NPCs) and enemies. The Three Main Branches of RPGs Role Playing Game (RPG) Research Papers - Academia.edu
While the genre has branched into many forms, most RPGs share several fundamental pillars:
