(This is a suggested term paper topic)

Role-playing games (RPG) are a type of computer game by which the player assumes the role of players (fictional), by means of quests, leveling up, items, skills, experience points and such. Among the popular examples of RPGs are Diablo, Neverwinter Nights, Dungeons and Dragons, and such.

Many players prefer this type of game since it encompasses almost every element in virtual gaming. Here are some theoretical (yet somewhat realistic) lessons RPGs teach the players:

1. Money – most RPGs have currencies by which a character can buy/sell items depending on the need. Players then learn how to save and raise money for certain items and circumstances.

2. Statistics computation – since RPGs have character statistics (such as strength, life, dexterity, intelligence, and such), players learn the statistics based on character class (type of character), computations and allocations of skill and statistics points.

3. Creativity – RPGs are fictional but it does not hinder players from being creative. Through virtual effects, actions, and quests, a player may learn principles of battle, strategies, style, and even the elements in the game which are mostly based on reality.

RPGs are a good source of diversion from the “real world”. Many people are advocates of computer games since these games serve as their get-away from reality. For example, students play games to be distracted from writing term papers and doing home works. Of course, playing games should be done in moderation.

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Lisa Crowley is a Psychology graduate in the west. In college, her term papers mainly tackled on people’s response to different situations (such as computer games, entertainment, death, events). With these, Crowley became trained to write and study further issues regarding people and objects around them. She currently lives in Wisconsin with her family.