Frequently Asked Questions
The most-asked questions about role-playing games of the 2020s, part 2.
What exactly is 'RPGs of the 2020s: Part 2' and how does it differ from Part 1?
It is the second volume of an unofficial, fan-maintained encyclopedia that catalogs and analyzes role-playing games released or substantially updated during the 2020 decade. Part 2 picks up roughly from 2022 onward and also provides expanded retrospectives on titles that were only briefly mentioned in the first volume.
Who are the principal designers and creators profiled in this volume?
The encyclopedia gives dedicated entries to studio leads such as Swen Vinck of Larian, Hidetaka Miyazaki of FromSoftware, and Jade Raymond's successors at Ubisoft's RPG-focused teams, as well as to influential writers, composers, and community modders who shaped the decade's narrative and mechanical trends.
Where should a complete newcomer begin reading?
The editors recommend starting with the 'Landscape Overview' chapter, which maps the major sub-genres (CRPG, action-RPG, JRPG, indie roguelike-RPG) and their defining titles. From there, the 'Starter Pathways' sidebar suggests three short reading routes depending on whether you prefer story-driven, system-heavy, or hybrid experiences.
What time span and release windows does Part 2 actually cover?
The core coverage runs from January 2022 through the latest confirmed 2025 releases, with a forward-looking section tracking announced-but-unreleased titles. A brief appendix also revisits late-2021 launches that were too rushed to receive full treatment in Part 1.
Which platforms and rule systems are included in the scope?
The volume spans PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and mobile, and covers both video-game RPGs and tabletop systems that saw major 2020s editions such as the 5th-edition D&D reprints, Pathfinder 2e, and the various OSR (Old School Renaissance) releases.
What is considered the single most notable moment documented in Part 2?
The community widely points to the 2023 release of Baldur's Gate 3 as the volume's anchor event, since it simultaneously set a new benchmark for player agency, multiplayer co-op in a CRPG, and critical consensus scoring. The encyclopedia devotes an entire thematic chapter to the design choices and development story behind that title.
How is the encyclopedia organized so I can find a specific game or mechanic?
Entries are indexed three ways: alphabetically by title, chronologically by release date, and thematically by mechanic (e.g., 'build-crafting,' 'dialogue trees,' 'procedural dungeons'). Cross-references link related games, shared developers, and recurring design patterns across the decade.
What distinguishes 2020s RPGs from earlier decades according to this volume?
Part 2 highlights the era's shift toward hybridized genres—blending roguelike loops with RPG progression, embedding party-based tactics in open worlds, and leveraging live-service updates to extend campaign narratives well past launch. It also notes the growing emphasis on player expression through character customization and the rise of indie RPGs that rival AAA scope.
Does the encyclopedia cover controversies or community debates?
Yes; a dedicated 'Points of Contention' section addresses recurring disputes such as the loot-box and microtransaction backlash, the 2023 layoffs that affected several RPG studios, and ongoing debates over whether action-oriented combat is diluting the traditional CRPG identity. Each entry presents multiple community perspectives rather than taking a single editorial stance.
How can readers suggest corrections or propose new entries?
The project maintains a public issue tracker and a moderated Discord channel where fans can flag factual errors, request missing titles, or submit short community-written profiles. Accepted contributions are credited by username in the next revision, and the editors aim to publish an updated snapshot every six months.