Frequently Asked Questions
The most-asked questions about role-playing games of the 2000s.
What does this encyclopedia cover?
This fan-made reference compiles information on role-playing games released between 2000 and 2009, spanning console, PC, and early mobile titles. It is organized by franchise, platform, and subgenre rather than strictly by release date.
What counts as a 'role-playing game' in this era?
The encyclopedia includes turn-based JRPGs, isometric CRPGs, action-RPG hybrids, and early MMORPGs, provided that character progression, stat-based combat, or narrative choice systems form a core pillar of gameplay. Pure action titles with only cosmetic level-up mechanics are excluded.
Which platforms were most important for 2000s RPGs?
The PlayStation 2 dominated the mid-decade JRPG scene, while the PC remained the primary home for Western CRPGs and MMORPGs. By the late 2000s, the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 began hosting major open-world RPGs such as Oblivion and Fallout 3.
Who are the most frequently referenced developers in this era?
Square Enix, BioWare, Obsidian, Bethesda, and Level-5 appear most often across entries. Mid-size and independent studios such as Troika, InXile, and Spike Chunsoft also feature prominently for titles like Arcanum, the Vampire: The Masquerade series, and Persona.
Where should a newcomer start reading?
The 'Starter Pathways' section in each franchise entry lists the recommended first-play title and the two or three follow-ups that best showcase the series' evolution. For a single game to try first, the editorial notes highlight Persona 3 and Dragon Age: Origins as accessible gateways.
What subgenres does the encyclopedia distinguish?
Entries are tagged with labels including classic JRPG, Western CRPG, action-RPG, MMORPG, roguelike, and tactical RPG. A single title can carry multiple tags; for example, Fable is listed under both action-RPG and narrative RPG.
What landmark moments does the encyclopedia highlight?
The 2003 release of Knights of the Old Republic is cited for bringing BioWare-style CRPG design to consoles, and the 2006 launch of Persona 3 is noted for weaving social-simulation mechanics into a turn-based structure. The 2008 arrival of Fallout 3 is flagged as the point where the open-world RPG became a dominant Western design paradigm.
Which designers or directors are profiled?
Short biographical entries cover figures such as Hironobu Sakaguchi, Ray Muzyka, Tim Cain, Todd Howard, and Shigenori Soejima. Each profile links the person to their most influential 2000s titles and situates their design philosophy within that decade's trends.
How does the encyclopedia handle fan theories and community lore?
A clearly labeled 'Community Notes' subsection in each entry collects widely discussed fan interpretations, speedrun records, and modding history without presenting them as canonical fact. These notes are community-sourced and updated periodically by contributors.
How is Part 1 different from later parts of the encyclopedia?
Part 1 focuses on titles released from 2000 through 2004 and emphasizes the PlayStation 2 and early-PC era. Part 2, planned for a future release, will cover 2005 through 2009, giving more space to the Xbox 360 and PS3 generation, the rise of persistent-world MMOs, and the broader shift toward open-world design.