Experience point

Experience points are generally awarded for the completion of objectives, overcoming obstacles and opponents, and successful role-playing.

Thus, as the player character strengthens from gaining experience, they are encouraged to accept new tasks that are commensurate with their improved abilities in order to advance.

The term "experience point" was introduced by Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson in the creation of Dungeons & Dragons.

[2] Dungeons & Dragons needed an abbreviation for "experience point", but EP was already in use for "electrum pieces", part of the currency system.

One of TSR's first hires, Lawrence Schick, suggested the abbreviation to XP, to help Gygax complete the game manuals before release.

By gaining a level, a character's abilities or stats increase, making the character stronger and able to accomplish more difficult tasks, such as safely battling stronger enemies, gaining access to more powerful spells or combat techniques, or resolving more difficult social challenges.

For example, D&D 3rd Edition bases the creation of magical items around a system of experience expenditure (known as burning xp).

The d20 System introduced the concept of prestige classes, sets of mechanics, character developments, and requirements that can be leveled up.

Since many early role-playing video games are derived from Dungeons & Dragons,[9] most use a level-based experience system.

Other games use a system of "skill levels" to measure advantages in terms of specific aptitudes, such as weapon handling, spell-casting proficiency, and stealthiness.

Some games, particularly MUDs and MMORPGs, place a limit on the experience a character gains from a single encounter or challenge, to reduce the effectiveness of power-leveling.

Besides RPGs, perks have been used in various other video games in recent times, including first-person shooters such as Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (2007),[10] Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (2009), and Killing Floor (2009), as well as action games such as Metal Gear Online (2008).

The remorting character generally loses all levels, but gains an advantage that was previously unavailable, such as access to different races, avatars, classes, skills, or otherwise inaccessible play areas within the game.

Some players of online games use automated programs known as bots to grind or leech for them in order to progress with minimal effort.