Rethinking RPG Carry Systems

In the realm of role-playing games (RPGs), most titles have adopted a conventional carry capacity system that fails to simulate the physical realities of burden. Players typically shoulder an arbitrary weight limit, leading to repetitive gameplay dynamics. However, landmark games such as Death Stranding 2, developed by Kojima Productions in Tokyo, and Kingdom Come Deliverance 2, produced by Warhorse Studios in Prague, are pioneering new standards that more authentically represent carrying mechanics.
These titles implement innovative systems that account for actual weight distribution, player movement impairment, and strategic inventory management. For example, Death Stranding 2 incorporates a physics-driven approach where weight impacts balance and stamina, challenging players to consider what and how they carry. Similarly, Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 brings medieval realism to inventory, compelling gamers to physically experience encumbrance.
Industry expert Dr. Amelia Ross, a game studies scholar at the University of California, commented, ‘These advancements signify a shift towards immersive, thoughtful gameplay. They reject the tediousness of arbitrary limits and embrace simulation that aligns with player expectations for realism.’ The trend reveals growing demand for depth and authenticity within RPG mechanics amid a saturated market.
This evolution reflects broader gaming trends emphasizing player agency and realism, resonating with a global audience that seeks meaningful interaction beyond superficial stats. As RPG developers explore these carry systems further, the future promises a departure from monotonous conventions towards engaging experiences that truly mirror the consequences of burden.
Ultimately, these innovative carry capacity models underscore a pivotal moment in RPG design worldwide. By asking ‘What if we actually carried the things we carry?’, developers invite players into a more grounded, emotionally rich narrative where even logistics become a dynamic challenge.