What is the main reason for rpg's using unrealistically young characters in games is

[darkchrono]

Most everyone agrees that the far majority of rpg's uses unrealistically young characters to in their games that act far more maturely and pull off tasks that people in real life their age could only dream about pulling off.

But what do you think is the main reason for the use of these young main characters. Since Japan is the place where most of these games come from is it just common place in their culture to create stories in which young people have the ability to rise to the occasion.

Or is it just that the people who make these games know what age-range the majority of their fan base encompasses and because of that they just create their games in a manner in which the majority of their fans can relate to.

Or do you think it is some other reason.


It's all well and good to have young people in their games. But sometimes I feel that when they allow these young characters to do unrealistic things for their ages it makes it a bit more difficult to get interested in the story and the characters.

[Tavrobel]

It's to appeal to a demographic. People wanna see other people that they think are like themselves (just imagine all the people who say "OMG I'M LIKE CLOUD BECAUSE HE'S BADASS!"). Whether it be illogical, irrational, or just plain nonsense, what works, is what works. That which is unrealistic, is often the most interesting.

Just because one might find it uninteresting, doesn't mean other people feel the same way. There's something to be said about getting swept away in the narrative, and letting things run their course and enjoying it rather than picking it apart the entire time. Give it a chance, THEN pick it apart all you want.

EDIT: I forgot, there's also the concept of storytelling. A story is more interesting to tell as having a character who changed his/her personality due to an adventure. If you had a character that did not change or have some form of epiphany, then what is the point of the story?

[Zeromus_X]

Or is it just that the people who make these games know what age-range the majority of their fan base encompasses and because of that they just create their games in a manner in which the majority of their fans can relate to.

Yeah, pretty much. I don't see many 50 year olds interested in RPGs at least.

It certainly doesn't detract from the story at all. I've gotten used to it by now, and I won't let it ruin my enjoyment of a game for no reason.

Edit: And really, it's a Role-Playing Game. They don't all have to conform to reality.

[Sephex]

No one wants to play as an old man in most cases. Well, with RPGs I guess.

[Vyk]

I don't want to play as an old man. But I really don't want to play as a 15 year old brat either. Those kids know nothing of the world and really wouldn't make it. I like getting swept up too. But that sorta breaks the illusion. Probably the reason FF6 and 7 are my favorites. Mature characters, mature plot. Mature atmosphere. I'm tired of the coming of age stuff

[I Took the Red Pill]

If a game uses a young character it's:

1. Because it appeals to the demographic
2. They're still young and probably immature. Therefore, the character tends to mature over the course of the game, and by the end of the journey they will have "blossomed". Character development.

[ljkkjlcm9]

honestly, I don't even pay attention to how old they are, it makes no difference to me. Plus Cyan was my favorite character in FFVI and he was old, not quite as old as Strago, but still old.

You people must remember, humans only lived til their 30s/40s at one point (after they lived to be like 900... lol) many of the great warriors you hear about in the "ancient" times were 16-20, so yeah...

THE JACKEL

[darkchrono]

Actually if you pay attention to history channel stuff most warriors or great leaders were still in their 30's or mid to late twenties (even back in the day when people didn't live as long).

[ljkkjlcm9]

no, most of the generals, that doesn't mean the best fighters were.

THE JACKEL

[BakerMan]

It appeals to the age group playing RPG's.

[-N-]

Even given the demographic argument, I still think its utterly disgusting to have excessively young lead characters. The 'change' argument is weak; 'change' can occur in any human at any time, and there is no increased likelihood of it as you are young; if there is, then prove it to me. It's probably the main reason I've grown out of what kids call 'RPGs' these days and doesn't make me particularly care to go back.

[darkchrono]

I liked the way Xenogears set their group system up. In Xenogears even though the very central characters in the game were teenagers. The ones in the party who were making all the decisions were the older characters (although Citan was still pretty young to be playing the role he did (though it was acceptable)) and the teenagers in the group were pretty much just following their lead.

The only area in Xenogears that I thought was a little outlandish in regards to the age thing was that they made Maria as young as they did and she still was able to pilot that big gear. Though Maria was just a secondary character so it wasn't that big of a deal.

[Vyk]

Personally... I think those ages were just slapped on there... Because I just had to look to make sure. I really didn't believe they were any younger than like 20. In fact I figured them to be 22+ (Fei and Elly at least). I guess its not really the age number, its the maturity and atmosphere... Xenogears was not made specifically to peddle to a 13-year-old demographic. Or even an 18-year old demographic. They did something right. But it wasn't slapping the number "18" on their main characters.

[Captain Maxx Power]

No one wants to play as an old man in most cases. Well, with RPGs I guess.

Ahem...





Old people can be awesome. And usually sport beards, which adds to their awesomeness.

[PhoenixAsh]

I don't see why no old characters would be annoying, except possibly in FFVIII where there was noone at all to fill a 'wise' role. Young characters are easier to develop as has been said. Perhaps more importantly, the other benefit of old people mentioned - that they have more worldly knowledge, is useless for the player to relate to when they're exploring a new world completely. Auron and Lulu were great characters in FFX, but the fact that they kept quiet about so many things in the world until after Tidus had been there was strained enough. Imagine if they were the leads.