Bethesda’s lead reveals that the studio has discovered there’s no single definition of an RPG during the gap between Fallout 4 and Starfield.

The debate over what truly defines an RPG has flared up again, thanks to insights from Bethesda Game Studios veteran Emil Pagliarulo in a recent interview. It seems like the perfect time for some holiday cheer, but here we are diving into genre specifics.

For years, gamers have been dissecting the elements that make an RPG. Leveling systems, skill trees, and character customization are all staples, yet developers often blend features from various genres, complicating the definition. Pagliarulo noted that Bethesda came to this realization during the gap between Fallout 4 and Starfield.

“During the time between Fallout 4 and Starfield, […] we learned that there is no single definition of an RPG,” Pagliarulo explained. “Take Cyberpunk 2077, for instance—it’s one of my favorites, but some folks don’t classify it as an RPG. The concept is always shifting. Does it mean your game has traits, backgrounds, and dialogue?

“Is an RPG defined by The Outer Worlds 2, where a single dialogue choice can alter everything? That’s how some people see it. The definition is quite broad. Our focus is on delivering a compelling story for players.”

Regardless of the ongoing debate, it’s clear that Bethesda remains a leading force in the RPG landscape, and the anticipated Elder Scrolls 6 is set to continue that legacy as a sequel to one of the genre’s finest. I’ll leave the discussion here—it’s the holidays, and I have some eggnog waiting for me.

Todd Howard has teased that Elder Scrolls 6 “most definitely” features more trees than Skyrim, so I’m adding Valenwood to my location speculation board.