RPGs have had a profound impact on gaming cultures around the world, shaping preferences, industry trends, and player communities. In Japan, RPGs slot mahjong became cultural pillars during the 1980s and 1990s. Games like Dragon Quest were so influential that new releases reportedly affected school attendance due to their popularity. JRPG aesthetics—such as turn-based battles, melodramatic storytelling, and anime-inspired visuals—became symbols of Japanese gaming identity.

In the West, RPG culture developed differently. Western RPGs focused on player autonomy, open-world exploration, and systems-driven gameplay. Titles such as Ultima and The Elder Scrolls shaped expectations for immersive world design and sandbox gameplay. WRPGs often emphasized moral choices and emergent storytelling, aligning with Western preferences for freedom and realism.

Korea and China later rose as major RPG markets, particularly through MMORPGs. Games like Lineage and World of Warcraft shaped internet café culture, creating social hubs for multiplayer RPG experiences. These regions helped establish free-to-play and microtransaction models that remain prevalent today.

The cultural diversity surrounding RPGs highlights how the genre adapts to regional tastes while maintaining global appeal.