The Argument for Character Creation in RPGs

It's not a big deal to everyone, but I am a major supporter of Character Creation in RPGs. I would never demand indie developers make customizable characters given how much work goes into making a video game, but I do like to see big studios deliver. If they have the budget to create stunning worlds and stories with top-tier artists, writers, and programmers, there’s little reason they can’t design a story that allows players to shape their own character.

For me, the best part of a game’s story is how my character affects it. It’s a different experience from playing a set protagonist, like Geralt in The Witcher. That’s not to say games with predefined characters are lesser in any way—I just prefer games where I can make the story feel like my own.

It's More Than Appearance

It surprises me how many large studios still underinvest in customization. They’re competing with games like Baldur’s Gate 3, Cyberpunk 2077, Elden Ring, and Dragon’s Dogma—all of which offer ways to make your character feel unique. Even a basic character creator would suffice. You can't tell, me after all this time, studios haven't realized just how much character creation entices the masses.

Baldur's Gate Customization - Race Window

Making the character customizable is easily the most powerful form of agency you can give your audience (when the story allows for it). The player is making early choices that strengthen their bond to the character. It provides an emotional investment that encourages them to immerse themselves in the story and the world. It is also super-powerful to see how any choices made in the character builder (such as background) affect the story. I would argue, too, that it encourages players to invest in the game lore, as well.

The player is a part of the story-telling process, whether you like it or not. They drive the story. When the player is immersed in a story with a character they identify with, they want to see it through. If you can make the player feel like they're telling a story about themselves or their character, it's a far more satisfying and personal experience.

The player base loves to see themselves in games, but they also love to see themselves in a fictional light. In this case, it's something they aren't or something they want to be. It provides an opportunity to escape personal insecurities or mundane constraints, and to explore fantastical personalities that feel empowering (often through choice).

Take Mats Steen, aka Ibelin in World of Warcraft, whose story was documented in The Remarkable Life of Ibelin. His in-game character allowed him to live beyond his physical limitations, experiencing Azeroth as the person he wanted to be. Stories like his highlight why character customization and roleplay are so impactful, and it's one of my favorite parts about the gaming community.

Ibelin, aka Mats Steen's character in World of Warcraft.

Widening the Audience

Character preference exists on a spectrum. Some players refuse to play as a female or male protagonist, while others won’t touch a game unless the character meets their aesthetic standards. I’m personally picky—especially when they have overly virtuous personalities that feel more condescending than righteous.

A lot of pre-made characters seem fashioned out of cookie-cutter looks and personalities you see in similar genres. It's even worse when a character's personality is terribly boring and they expect you to love the character somehow. Big pass. At that point, the story had best be top-shelf. Generally, though, in every situation, the choice of how your character looks and acts makes a story so much more interesting.

One of my favorite games with personality in the choices was Dragon Age II. It was usually clear how your character was going to respond, and you didn't have to endure the forced personality of a bleeding-heart character. Hands down, the sarcastic choices were the best every time.

The Exception

Obviously this doesn't work for every game. I would not expect a developer to create customization options in the instance that they're telling a character-driven story and the gender or appearance is so set in writing that changes would break their personalities, backstories, or character arc. I hate to be such an entitled gamer, but if a story can stand without the protagonist being exactly as they are, I would prefer to see them be customizable.

A game about James Bond or Jack Reacher, for instance, would probably be weird with a customizable protagonist. They're iconic figures with very specific stories. I wouldn't expect a game like that to rewrite those characters. In that instance, I wouldn't ask for customizable options unless it was about an off-shoot character in that game universe that was interacting with those characters or their environments.

Beyond this, I can't think of any other reason as to why a huge studio couldn't possibly run free with customization options. I just imagine I would be trying to sell to every gamer I could. I am easily way more likely to throw $40 down for a game that has customization options, and I know I'm not alone, here.

Whether you agreed or disagreed, let me know down below. 💕

Until next time, gamers!