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One of the most popular and long running RPGs is [[Dungeons and Dragons]] which was created in the [[USA]]. It became so popular that it spawned a children's cartoon of the same name.

One of the most popular and long running RPGs is [[Dungeons and Dragons]] which was created in the [[USA]]. It became so popular that it spawned a children's cartoon of the same name.

Traditionally, an RPG was played by a group of friends with pen and paper and one of the group assuming the role of "Game Master" and effectively running the game. Nowadays there are a great number of RPGs available in videogame format - everything from online games designed for any number of players (for example [[World of Warcraft]], [[Phantasy Star Online]], and [[Everquest]]) to single player story led games (for example, the Final Fantasy series).  Proponents of tabletop RPGs criticize computer and console-based RPGs for their relative inflexibility, since even the best computer-model can't be as ingenious as an actual game-master can.

Traditionally, an RPG was played by a group of friends with one of the group assuming the role of "game master" and effectively running the game. These are often called "tabletop" RPGs because they employ rulebooks, pen/pencil, paper and dice of assorted shapes. Nowadays there are a great number of RPGs available in videogame format - everything from online games designed for any number of players (for example [[World of Warcraft]], [[Phantasy Star Online]], and [[Everquest]]) to single player story led games (for example, the Final Fantasy series).  Proponents of tabletop RPGs criticize computer and console-based RPGs for their relative inflexibility, since even the best computer-model can't be as ingenious as an actual game-master can.

Since the 1980s, RPGs have come under a great deal of criticism from groups who feel that playing these games is inherently dangerous, especially to children, and could potentially lead to [[insanity]], [[murder]], [[suicide]], and [[occultism]].<ref>[http://www.crossroad.to/articles2/2003/occult-rpg.htm Kjos Ministries]</ref><ref>[http://theescapist.com/ The Escapist]</ref>

Since the 1980s, RPGs have come under a great deal of criticism from groups who feel that playing these games is inherently dangerous, especially to children, and could potentially lead to [[insanity]], [[murder]], [[suicide]], and [[occultism]].<ref>[http://www.crossroad.to/articles2/2003/occult-rpg.htm Kjos Ministries]</ref><ref>[http://theescapist.com/ The Escapist]</ref>