By john Western literature, particularly fantasy fiction, has played a profound role in shaping the earliest RPGs. During the 1970s and 1980s, developers were heavily rajatoto88 inspired by the works of J.R.R. Tolkien, Robert E. Howard, Fritz Leiber, and other fantasy authors whose worlds were filled with magic, heroism, and ancient lore. These novels helped define archetypes—elves, dwarves, necromancers, and epic quests—that became embedded in RPG DNA.
The tabletop RPG Dungeons & Dragons (1974), itself strongly influenced by Tolkien and pulp fantasy, served as the blueprint for computer RPG design. Early titles such as Akalabeth, Ultima, and Might and Magic used narrative structures and world-building styles reminiscent of literary fantasy. The emphasis on party adventuring, dungeon exploration, and turn-based encounters echoed narrative patterns seen in classic novels.
Throughout the 1990s, Western RPGs continued to draw from broader literary traditions. Games like Planescape: Torment explored philosophical themes inspired by surreal and metaphysical fiction. Meanwhile, Baldur’s Gate adopted D&D’s narrative depth, bringing novel-like storytelling to computer screens.
In later decades, RPGs broadened their influences, incorporating modern fiction, horror, and even political literature. However, the foundational impact of Western fantasy remains clear, and many RPG tropes still echo the heroes, villains, and worlds crafted by early authors.