For me a game can be strictly defined as an RPG if it allows me to create my own stories, imaginary or not within the confines of its structure. Breath of the Wild, Skyrim, Final Fantasy XIV and Fable 2 are 3 such examples of games which I can play as I choose despite there being an overarching plot. In Fable 2 I can if I so wish ignore the plot completely and just pretend I am running a village pub.

This sort of open ended structure is not present in the majority of ‘RPG’ titles because they are limited by their story-led nature. Playing Final Fantasy for example is often like reading a novel but having to fight monsters before you can turn the page. The same can be said of most games of its ilk.