Experience point

Key facts and history

The manual for early computer role-playing games claimed developers were inspired by "historical research, a knowledge of various martial arts, and practical experience in the Society for Creative Anachronisms"^[2] In some early computer role-playing games, there were no ultimate quests or missions, with the focus entirely on survival and gaining enough experience to improve your character.^[2] Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson first used the phrase "experience point" when they were developing Dungeons & Dragons.^[3] Because the abbreviation EP already denoted "electrum pieces" in Dungeons & Dragons' money system, a different shorthand for "experience point" was required.^[3]

Lawrence Schick, among the earliest employees of TSR, proposed using XP as the abbreviation so that Gygax could finish the game manuals in time for release.^[4] A level-based experience system appears in most early role-playing video games because the majority of them are adaptations of Dungeons & Dragons.^[5] In online games, certain participants employ automated software—called bots—to grind or leech on their behalf, letting them advance with little personal effort.^[6] Such bot usage commonly breaks the game's terms of service.^[6]

What the cited sources add

Barton notes that for countless Tolkien-enamored teenagers of the 70s and 80s, D&D was simply a more enthralling way to experience lavish fictional places.^[2] Barton also states that players might have just as much fun with the game even if they are not aware of a quest, as wandering about killing monsters and gaining treasure and experience points are plenty of fun.^[2] The Tharsis Gate source explains that on MUDs with 50 levels, they may require you to reach level 51 in order to be able to remort, or they may require you to be 1 experience point away from level 51.^[7] According to the same source, when you remort you almost universally keep your money and equipment, even though you have started back at level 1 or 2.^[7]