Triple Click The RPGs of 2025 (with Cameron Kunzelman)
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Nov 13, 2025 In this discussion, Cameron Kunzelman, a writer and podcaster who explores gaming cultures, shares insights on the RPG landscape of 2025. He debates the definition of RPGs, highlighting the balance between player agency and predefined characters in titles like Avowed and The Outer Worlds 2. The evolution of Assassin's Creed into RPG territory is also a focal point, as Cameron discusses its new mechanics and design philosophy. The conversation is spiced up with thoughts on modern onboarding design and the nostalgic influences of JRPGs like Claire Obscur.
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Watch Price Not Just Specs
- Monitor hardware pricing when adopting new consoles; specs alone don't guarantee success.
- Jason warns Valve's new Steam machine could fail if launch prices end up too high.
Two Ways To Define RPGs
- RPGs can be defined two ways: by player actions (mechanics) or by aesthetic content (setting).- Cameron argues role-playing centers on embodying choices through a character rather than strict feature lists.
Discovery Is Part Of Roleplay
- The sense of freedom in RPGs often comes from discovery as much as dialogue choices.
- Cameron and Jason highlight that wandering and finding factions can be core role-playing actions.
