The world of role-playing games, or RPGs, started out small, with relatively basic games like The Legend Of Zelda. But in the past decade or so, RPGs have really come into their own, and they are now perhaps the most competitive genre in video gaming. Years must be devoted to the development of an RPG for the game to be on par with the other products that are out there, and fans of the genre don't give a second thought to pouring dozens, even hundreds of hours into an RPG that's really up to snuff.

Because of the meteoric rise of the RPG genre, there are higher demands on the amount of content that needs to be put into an RPG than in the games of any other genre. Yet, despite this, they keep coming out in full force. Developers are willing to go that extra mile to create the next chart-topping RPG, because a good one can easily generate a widespread fan base. Because of the character and story development element of RPGs, those who enjoy an RPG are almost guaranteed customers for a sequel, and even additional games in the series.

So what does it take to be the next Final Fantasy? That's the kind of question that dozens upon dozens of developers are asking themselves every time they begin a new RPG series. I have pinpointed five key elements that historically have all been factors in the success of the best role-playing games. These are pivotal elements that most other games rarely even have to worry about, yet when an RPG is lacking in even just one, the whole game is at risk for falling apart.