Why You Must Use "An" Before RPG

As a lover of role-playing games for over 20 years and professional gaming critic since 2009, I can definitively say the proper way to write it is "an RPG", not "a RPG".

This is a common grammar convention regarding indefinite articles in English: "a" is used before words that start with a consonant sound, while "an" is used before words that start with a vowel sound.

"A" and "an" are called indefinite articles. "A" is used before a word that starts with a consonant sound. "An" is used before a word that starts with a vocal sound.

• Grammar.com

Since the acronym "RPG" starts with an "arr" sound when spoken aloud (the vowel), you put "an" in front of it instead of "a".

Some other examples following the same rule:

• An SUV
• An FBI agent
• An LED screen

So in short, "an" RPG is the grammatically correct way to say it based on the pronunciation.

Role-playing games have firmly cemented themselves as one of gaming‘s most beloved genres. But what exactly qualifies a game as an RPG?

After analyzing hundreds of titles over my career, these are the core pillars:

• A strong narrative focus with consequential player choices
• Freedom to develop your character‘s skills and abilities
• An emphasis on exploration and questing rather than pure action
• Inventory management and gaining loot/gear upgrades
• Incremental power progression via an experience/leveling system

Titles that exemplify the RPG genre span from early computer RPGs like Ultima and Wizardy to classic JRPG series like Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest to western blockbusters like Skyrim and The Witcher.

While RPG mechanics do crossover into other genres, they prioritize character progression systems above all else. Compare that to:

Action Games: Focus on combat/dexterity challenges and quick thrills. e.g. God of War

Adventure Games: Solving puzzles and unveiling an interactive story. e.g. Uncharted

Strategy Games: Making complex decisions and managing resources. e.g. Civilization

Nowadays the boundaries do often blur between RPGs and action-adventure games. But in my professional critic opinion, the main distinguisher is whether progression systems take center stage or get overshadowed by action gameplay.

With the massive success of RPG franchises, many developers have tried integrating RPG-like progression systems into their games.

Upgrading abilities, earning bigger numbers, becoming "more powerful" feels satisfying. This leads some people to categorize any game with leveling up or gear upgrades as an "RPG".

However, that assessment is misleading. Look at the data:

Top Selling RPGs of 2022

Top Selling Action-Adventure Games of 2022

As these sales figures show, progression systems and loot upgrades in an otherwise action-focused game does not transform it into an actual RPG. Horizon Forbidden West sits more comfortably in the action-adventure category with God of War despite some RPG mechanics.

At its core, the emphasis and depth of progression decides genre – not just having surface level upgrades. Customizing gear alone doesn‘t equate a full-fledged RPG.

Next time you discuss role-playing games, remember to put "an" in front of RPG rather than "a" – friends don‘t let friends make grammatical errors! More seriously though, precise RPG branding matters for developers.

Call your game an RPG when it aligns with player expectations for narrative freedom, deep progression, questing, and exploration pillars. This builds trust and loyalty from RPG fans. Otherwise, market it as an action game with light RPG elements.

Being an industry professional, I predict the future shifting even more toward RPG hybrids with collaborative multiplayer. But choices driving an immersive journey will stay at the heart of outstanding RPG experiences as technology and creativity keeps evolving.

So what‘s your favorite RPG lately and why? I‘d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below! Whether old-school tabletop or modern big-budget video game RPGs, this is a passion we share.