Defining RPGs with Tags

Over on the Lazy RPG Talk Show I talked about defining the OSR, my attempt to try to better define what separates one RPG from another. I think it's useful for GMs to be able to describe RPGs to one another and to our groups so we know what separates one game from another and what we might expect when we run a particular game at the table. Terms like "OSR" aren’t really clear outside of Matt Finch's four principles for old school gaming: Rulings, not rules. Heroic, not super-heroic. A world that doesn't conform to the power of the characters. Player-testing, not character-mechanics driven. I thought better defining the characteristics of RPGs can help us talk about them so today I offer what I like to call "tags". These tags help define various aspects of RPGs so we can better clarify what separates one RPG from another. The list below isn't all-inclusive or definitive. I'm sure you have your own way to describe RPGs but I think taking a shot at defining these tags might help. I also…