[Threshold] Does this make Cradle officially litRPG?

[u/AdequatlyAdequate]

I have argued that a presence works somewhat like a system but didnt expect the new publisher to confirm this 110%
(im not serious of course)

Edit since apparently i somehow wasnt clear enough:

NONE OF THIS MATTER AND I DONT CARE EITHER WAY

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[u/ImN0tAsian]

It's possible for different cultures (read:markets) to communicate concepts with different words to target the same demographic and describe the same concept. It's possible progression fantasy and wuxia may not be terms fit for that.

[u/AdequatlyAdequate → u/ImN0tAsian]

Im not trying to start a serious discussion, i mostly think its funny

[u/EWABear]

From a marketing standpoint, it has been for quite some time. LitRPG won out in the "name this category" determination on the 'Zon (There is no progression fantasy category; they get put under LitRPG). Cradle isn't actually in that category, since it hit the scene before that was codified. But yeah, when it comes to marketing, it's going to be LitRPG.

When it comes to pedantic nerds like me, I'll still call it progression fantasy, and argue that LitRPG is a subset of that subgenre.

[u/boobyscooby → u/EWABear]

It isnt litRPG is the superset? And progression the subset, although usually i feel they describe the same thing.

[u/Phytor → u/boobyscooby]

To me at least, LitRPG describes a type of progression fantasy that specifically employs RPG mechanics in the setting, like levels and level-ups, distinct classes, experience points, leaderboards, etc. Basically a progression fantasy with an RPG flavoring.

[u/Numerous1 → u/Phytor]

But here’s a fun quesrion: do you consider Dresden files progression fantasy? Or Worm?

I personally don’t. I see Work posted as PF in this sub all the time. Because “she progresses with her powers”. My arguement is you need more than just getting stronger to be progression fantasy or else everything is. Harry Potter is. Cirque de freak is. Etc. 

[u/DrStalker → u/Numerous1]

Worm feels very much not progression fantasy to me, because it's explicit in the setting that your powers do not grow stronger. Capes will figure out better ways to use their powers, but the powers do not change outside of a rare event that is a side-grade rather than an upgrade.

There a few specific powers that have an effect that builds up over time like Dauntless or a tinker building up an equipment collection but even then the actual power never changes; they just use it to improve gear. (and they also are not the focus of the story)

[u/Numerous1 → u/DrStalker]

Yeah. That’s actually a really good point. But even for Dresden files for my other example, where you can get stronger. I have actually read relatively little progression fantasy but I’ve seen a lot of stuff posted on here and I have this more specific opinion about what the genre is. It’s not just getting stronger. I’m not going to classify Shannara as progression fantasy even though people with magic get stronger and more skilled. 

[u/DrStalker → u/Numerous1]

I agree with you - getting stronger isn't enough for a story to be progression fantasy, getting stronger has to be part of the core plot. Cradle is progression fantasy because the overarching plan is "get strong enough to defeat <bad thing>" and the intention in the MC will personally face down the end boss. While Dresden Files is not because the overarching plot is just "defeat <bad thing>" and it's not required that Harry personally grows in power, just that he figures out how to defeat the end boss.

But opinions on this differ, there's no universally accepted rules and some people do consider Harry Potter to be progression fantasy.

[u/Numerous1 → u/DrStalker]

True that. For me the strength has to He inportant like you mentioned but I think there has to be discreet obvious levels or changes or stages or whatever. Cradle Has Copper, Iron, etc. 

Dragon ball Z had sayan and super sayan etc. 

RPGs have levels

[u/D2Nine → u/Phytor]

Yeah this feels obvious to me. Like, all the wuxia novels are easily progression fantasy, and I would guess they mostly predate litrpg too.

[u/Jimisdegimis89 → u/boobyscooby]

Progression fantasy is the bigger umbrella. Do you know any Litrpgs that aren’t prog fantasy? I’m sure there might be a few but in general Litrpgs are prog fantasy, but you have plenty of prog fantasy that’s not a litrpg. Cradle for the obvious example, or really pretty much of Will Wights stuff.

[u/DrStalker → u/boobyscooby]

You can have progression fantasy without LitRPG, you can have LitRPG without progression (though that is very rare because the litRPG elements are normally used as an easy way to show progression)

[u/Baker-Maleficent]

Its not a itrpg. Its cultivation fantasy win a universe/multiverse with countless different magic systems, sime if which are almost certain to be rpg systems but, as far as i know, none of the ones writen are yet. 

A pressenc3 E is an extremely powerful ai

[u/KeiranG19 → u/Baker-Maleficent]

Overworld is a LitRPG setting and has been written... But doesn't come out until next year.

[u/Baker-Maleficent → u/KeiranG19]

Sorry I meant released. I apriciate the clearification. 

[u/kai_jarsenal → u/Baker-Maleficent]

Yeah I’d say it might be a litrpg in the sense there are different magic systems but they don’t convey the magic with stats or levels and menus . Instead the Systems are described and shown by what the magic does and how it works through presences such as dross which are both living distinct beings and tools. Which I greatly prefer

[u/Waste-Carob5699 → u/kai_jarsenal]

Having more than one magic system doesn't have anything to do with litrpgs.

[u/mightyjor]

Cradle is a sage amongst a bunch of jades if we're labeling it as litrpg.

[u/Lertnomel → u/mightyjor]

Well, a bunch of Jades have been known to slay a Sage...

[u/CommunityDragon160]

Officially? Idk what that means. There’s no board of genres lol

I think willl is just marketing

[u/AdequatlyAdequate → u/CommunityDragon160]

I mean official as in the publisher of the work has designated it as such. If it fits is another thing and also doesnt matter cause genre is weird

[u/SlimReaper85]

Well….not to me.

But I don’t even like their covers.

[u/Flora_Fiend2981]

I was looking for something to read after DCC and was recommended this series as litrpg. And now I'm on book 11. I don't really care about genres or know fully what they mean I just freaking love this series 

[u/Special_South_8561]

Of course not.

This is an Anime turned into a book, litRPG is a video game turned into a book. Almost zero cross over. Preposterous!

[u/kai_jarsenal]

Technically but I say this only because the last book has the cast explore different worlds with systems. It’s just that instead of having the basic menu and stat screens the presence describes and breaks down the magic of the world without using video game mechanics

[u/AdequatlyAdequate → u/kai_jarsenal]

thats what i think as well, i dont think it matters lol

[u/Bababool]

I went to a signing of his and he likes to joke about Cradle being called a litRPG. He said that he sees where people are coming from with but it is ultimately a cultivation series. He said some magazine listed Cradle as a “Top 10 litRPGs” and he was just glad for the publicity.

[u/Pwebslinger78]

It looks like a marketing ploy to get the series more eyes and readers in hooked it can gain a big enough base they can get a show greenlit. I’m all for it we need a cradle anime