Party (role-playing games) explained

A party is a group of characters adventuring together in a role-playing game.^{[1] [2]} In tabletop role-playing, a party is composed of a group of player characters, occasionally with the addition of non-player character allies controlled by those players or by the gamemaster.^[3] In computer games, the relationship between the party and the players varies considerably. Online role-playing games parties often comprise player-controlled characters, as in tabletop games, except that the non-player allies are always controlled to a lesser or greater extent by the computer AI. In single-player computer games, the player generally controls all party members to a varying degree.^[4]

Party role in gameplay

Resource management is a crucial part of role-playing games, and any player-controlled character, whether they can participate in combat or not, are always useful if they have the ability to carry heavy or bulky items. Non-player characters or alternative player-controlled characters used by the player with only this purpose in mind are called mules. Usually, however, and exclusively in tabletop and single-player games, party members are valued for their tactical or story potential.^{[5] [6]}

Notes and References

1. Book: Adams, Ernest. Fundamentals of Game Design. 2010. New Riders. 978-0-321-64337-7. 2nd. 492, 517. 460601644.
2. Book: Deterding, Sebastian. Role-Playing Game Studies: Transmedia Foundations. Zagal. José Pablo. Routledge. 2018. 978-1-315-63753-2. New York, NY. Box 2.3, Box 7.1. 1019729171.
3. Book: Tresca, Michael J.. The Evolution of Fantasy Role-Playing Games. McFarland & Co. 2011. 978-0-7864-6009-0. Jefferson, N.C.. 159. 167, 188. 697175248.
4. Book: Altice, Nathan. I Am Error: The Nintendo Family Computer / Entertainment System Platform. 978-0-262-02877-6. Cambridge, Massachusetts. 212–214. 897401731.
5. Book: Bowman, Sarah Lynne. The Functions of Role-Playing Games: How Participants Create Community, Solve Problems and Explore Identity. McFarland & Co. 2010. 978-0-7864-5555-3. Jefferson, N.C.. 116–118. 610030194.
6. Web site: Grayson. Nathan. May 11, 2018. Picking An RPG Party Is Agony. 2020-10-02. Kotaku.