Over the past decade, a new wave of fantasy subgenres has been taking the literary world by storm—LitRPG (Literary Role-Playing Game) and Progression Fantasy. These emerging genres, which merge video game mechanics with traditional fantasy storytelling, have captivated a growing audience of readers who crave adventure, leveling up, and immersive worlds.
In this article, we’ll explore what LitRPG and Progression Fantasy are, why they’ve gained popularity, and what their rise means for the future of the fantasy genre.
What is LitRPG?
LitRPG, short for Literary Role-Playing Game, is a subgenre of fantasy and science fiction that blends traditional storytelling with the mechanics of video games. In a LitRPG novel, the protagonist is often aware they are in a game-like world or an actual virtual reality setting where they must level up, gain experience points, unlock skills, and complete quests.
Key Elements of LitRPG:
- Game Mechanics: Characters track experience points (XP), health bars, mana, and even item stats. There is usually a system of leveling up, which is often displayed to the reader through character sheets or HUD-like interfaces.
- Quest-Based Storytelling: The narrative often revolves around completing quests or missions, with characters motivated by rewards, loot, or leveling up.
- Virtual or Game World: The setting is frequently a game world or a world designed to function under video game rules, where players know they’re part of a system.
Popular examples of LitRPG novels include The Land series by Aleron Kong, Awaken Online by Travis Bagwell, and Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman. These stories dive into the lives of characters who navigate fantastical worlds full of game mechanics, strategy, and competition.
What is Progression Fantasy?
Progression Fantasy is a closely related subgenre that focuses on a character’s continuous and measurable growth in power, skill, or ability. Unlike traditional fantasy, where a hero may start as a chosen one with inherent power, Progression Fantasy characters typically begin with limited abilities and must work hard to improve. Their journey is filled with tangible progress as they hone their skills, gain new abilities, and unlock their full potential.
Key Elements of Progression Fantasy:
- Incremental Growth: The character’s abilities, strength, or skills evolve over time in a clear, logical manner. Readers can track their growth as the character faces greater challenges and overcomes obstacles.
- Training and Mastery: Characters often spend significant time training, learning new skills, or mastering techniques, with their progress presented as a central theme.
- Challenge and Escalation: As the character grows, so do the stakes. The challenges become increasingly difficult, pushing the protagonist to their limits.
Popular Progression Fantasy novels include Cradle by Will Wight, Mother of Learning by Domagoj Kurmaic, and The Wandering Inn by Pirateaba. These stories focus on characters striving to grow stronger and ascend through dedication, grit, and hard work.
Why Are LitRPG and Progression Fantasy So Popular?
The rise of LitRPG and Progression Fantasy is largely driven by their unique appeal to modern readers, particularly those who are fans of video games, anime, and tabletop role-playing games. Here are some of the reasons these genres have exploded in popularity:
1. Engagement with Gamified Systems
Both genres bring game mechanics into the realm of fiction, tapping into the gamification trend that has captivated millions. Readers who are gamers can easily relate to the structures of leveling up, acquiring skills, and completing quests. The familiar mechanics offer a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction as the character progresses, much like in a video game.
2. Reader Empowerment
In Progression Fantasy and LitRPG, characters aren’t born powerful—they earn it. Readers often find inspiration in seeing protagonists work hard, fail, adapt, and eventually triumph. This resonates with audiences seeking stories of self-improvement and personal growth, where hard work and dedication are rewarded.
3. Clear Goals and Stakes
These genres tend to feature clear, well-defined goals that keep readers hooked. Whether it’s reaching a new level, unlocking a rare skill, or defeating an overwhelmingly strong enemy, there’s always a sense of purpose. Each step forward feels like a victory, giving readers a continual sense of progress and satisfaction.
4. Escapism with Structure
While fantasy often offers a sense of escapism, LitRPG and Progression Fantasy add an extra layer by giving readers a structured, rule-based universe. Unlike high fantasy, which can sometimes be abstract or ambiguous in its magic systems, these genres provide clear rules and boundaries. This appeals to readers who prefer well-defined systems that make sense within the world’s logic.
The Future of Fantasy: What the Rise of LitRPG and Progression Fantasy Means
The growing popularity of LitRPG and Progression Fantasy is reshaping the landscape of modern fantasy, pushing it in exciting new directions. Here are some key trends and future possibilities:
1. Cross-Media Synergy
As LitRPG and Progression Fantasy gain more readers, there is potential for cross-media adaptations. We are already seeing video game-like elements appearing in mainstream fantasy TV shows and movies, and it’s likely that these genres will inspire new video games, anime adaptations, and more. Platforms like Webtoon and Wattpad are seeing an influx of serialized Progression Fantasy and LitRPG stories, which could lead to multimedia projects in the future.
2. The Rise of Web Fiction and Indie Publishing
The popularity of LitRPG and Progression Fantasy has been accelerated by indie authors and web platforms like Royal Road and Kindle Direct Publishing. Authors can easily serialize their work, build fanbases, and publish without the constraints of traditional publishing. This has created a massive influx of fresh, innovative content, allowing these genres to flourish outside the boundaries of traditional publishing houses.
3. Increased Focus on Interactive Storytelling
The success of these genres could lead to more interactive storytelling formats. Digital platforms might begin incorporating more interactive elements where readers can shape the story’s outcome, much like in video games. This blending of reading and gaming could lead to entirely new storytelling experiences, combining narrative depth with interactive play.
4. Diversification of Fantasy
Traditional fantasy has often been focused on large-scale battles between good and evil or grand political intrigue. LitRPG and Progression Fantasy open up new types of narratives, focusing on individual growth, skill mastery, and the internal journey. As these genres continue to rise, we may see more fantasy books focusing on personal, character-driven stories where readers can track the evolution of both abilities and personality in real time.
5. New Fantasy Audiences
These genres have brought new readers into the world of fantasy. Gamers, anime fans, and readers who may not have been interested in traditional fantasy are now engaging with these genres, expanding the fantasy reader base. As LitRPG and Progression Fantasy grow, they will likely attract even more diverse audiences, further broadening the reach of fantasy literature.
Conclusion
The rise of LitRPG and Progression Fantasy signals a new era for the fantasy genre, one that appeals to both seasoned fantasy readers and newcomers from the world of gaming. These genres, with their clear structures, immersive worlds, and focus on character growth, are reshaping how we experience fantasy. As the audience for these genres continues to grow, we can expect to see even more innovative storytelling, cross-media projects, and diverse narratives that will redefine the future of fantasy literature.
With more authors and readers joining the trend, it’s clear that LitRPG and Progression Fantasy are here to stay—and they’re leveling up the entire fantasy genre along the way.
Check out Daniel Greene’s explanation of the genre here.