What Makes a Roguelike? Defining the Classic Genre

In the vast and varied world of video games, few genres have sparked as much debate and passion as roguelikes. These games, known for their punishing difficulty and endless replayability, have captivated players for decades. But what exactly defines a roguelike? The answer isn’t as straightforward as you might think, and it’s a question that has led to heated discussions among gamers and developers alike.

The term “roguelike” comes from the 1980 game “Rogue,” which laid the foundation for an ...