Frequently Asked Questions
The most-asked questions about role-playing games of the 2020s, part 1.
What is 'RPGs of the 2020s, Part 1'?
It is the first volume of an unofficial, fan-written reference dedicated to role-playing video games released during the 2020s. Part 1 covers titles and developments from 2020 through 2022 and includes timelines, developer notes, and community context.
What types of games fall under the 'RPG' umbrella in this encyclopedia?
The scope spans turn-based, real-time, action, and hybrid RPGs in both Western and Japanese traditions, provided character growth, narrative agency, or party management form a central pillar. Purely mechanical roguelikes or action titles without progression systems are typically excluded.
Which studios and designers receive the most attention in Part 1?
FromSoftware, Atlus, Square Enix, and CD Projekt Red account for the bulk of the major-title coverage. Smaller teams and indie developers are also profiled, particularly when their work sparked significant community discussion or design innovation.
Where should a newcomer begin reading?
Start with the 'Timeline of Releases' section to build a chronological feel, then jump to individual title pages for the games you are most curious about. The 'Glossary and Terminology' page is also recommended before diving into deeper design-analysis entries.
Which titles generate the most community discussion in Part 1?
Elden Ring, Persona 5 Royal, and Final Fantasy VII Remake consistently top the most-viewed and most-commented pages. Cyberpunk 2077's post-launch rework period also drew sustained attention because of its troubled release and the long patch cycle that followed.
What made the 2020–2022 window distinctive for RPG design?
The period saw a strong shift toward open- or semi-open-world structures blended with traditional party and progression systems. Engine migrations, such as the move to Unreal Engine 5, and the lingering effects of pandemic-era development delays also shaped release schedules and content scope.
What counts as a 'notable moment' in this era?
Notable moments include Elden Ring's March 2022 launch breaking concurrent-player records, the multi-year Cyberpunk 2077 patch cycle, and the rapid growth of community-driven modding scenes around each major title. The encyclopedia flags these with dedicated 'Milestone' callouts on the relevant pages.
How does Part 1 differ from Parts 2 and beyond?
Part 1 is limited to 2020–2022 releases and the immediate design trends of that window. Later parts expand the timeline, add deeper comparative analysis across the full decade, and incorporate post-release DLC and sequel coverage.
Does the encyclopedia cover modding, fan content, and community culture?
Yes—each major title page includes a 'Community & Modding' subsection summarizing the most influential fan projects, speedrun scenes, and fan-fiction ecosystems. A separate 'Fan Culture' appendix tracks viral moments, meme origins, and notable community disputes.
What is the editorial philosophy behind this project?
The encyclopedia is entirely fan-written, non-commercial, and explicitly not affiliated with any publisher or developer. Entries aim to be factual and well-sourced while preserving the community voice that distinguishes a fan reference from a corporate wiki.