By john Long before RPGs took shape as video games, fantasy literature played a major role in defining their worlds, themes, and characters. The earliest RPG developers were situs toto lifelong readers of adventure novels and mythological epics. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings profoundly shaped the genre by establishing archetypes such as elves, dwarves, dark lords, magical artifacts, and epic quests. These tropes filtered into Dungeons & Dragons (D&D), the tabletop foundation upon which most digital RPGs rest.
But Tolkien wasn’t the only literary influence. Authors like Robert E. Howard, creator of Conan the Barbarian, contributed rugged sword-and-sorcery themes, inspiring RPGs with darker tones and more brutal combat. Michael Moorcock’s multiverse concepts introduced morally ambiguous heroes and cosmic struggles that later appeared in games like Baldur’s Gate and Dragon Age. Ursula K. Le Guin’s Earthsea series added philosophical depth, influencing RPG depictions of magic as something that required balance and responsibility.
When early computer RPG creators sought inspiration, they naturally adapted these literary structures. Ultima borrowed heavily from Arthurian legend and medieval chivalry. Wizardry and Might and Magic implemented Tolkien-like races, sprawling dungeons, and quests involving ancient evils and artifacts. Even science-fiction RPGs like Wasteland drew from post-apocalyptic literature such as A Canticle for Leibowitz and Mad Max, giving rise to morally complex wasteland adventures.
Japanese RPG developers were also influenced by Western fantasy, even though they reinterpreted it through their own storytelling styles. Dragon Quest blended medieval fantasy with charming anime aesthetics, softening the edges of its Western inspirations. Final Fantasy adopted crystals, elemental magic, and mythical creatures common in European folklore but used them in original narratives involving technology and metaphysics.
As the genre matured, RPG writers began exploring themes beyond classic fantasy. Influences expanded to include cyberpunk literature like William Gibson’s Neuromancer, which inspired games such as Shadowrun and later Cyberpunk 2077. Gothic and horror literature played a role in shaping dark fantasy RPGs like Bloodborne, echoing the works of Lovecraft and Stoker.
Today, RPG world-building remains deeply intertwined with literature. The genre’s ability to combine narrative depth with interactivity makes it a natural space for exploring mythological structures and epic storytelling. Whether through moral dilemmas, heroic journeys, or intricate lore, the literary DNA of RPGs continues to shape players’ imaginations and enrich gaming history.