Definition

• Potential character investment is divided into multiple domains
• Most domains are represented by a numeric attribute
• Character classes largely define starting domain/stat allocation
• The domain stats are either directly invested in or are an indirect sum of the investment in that domain
• An example of multiple values per domain: some games require the player to invest in both spell power and mana pool size to effectively use magic
• May have starting classes that establish an initial character direction
  • The player can then either follow that direction or deviate from it
  • Classes may have a few unique starting abilities, but they generally don’t have a class-specific progression tree
• Usually uses a level system
• While a player can invest in many domains, focused builds are usually optimal
• Usually skills are less intrinsic and mostly conferred through equipment

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A key distinction between class-based and domain-based, is domain-based games allow players to start with a particular class, and practically develop that character into a different class.

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The other two systems often have attributes, but the attributes usually map less cleanly to particular domains.

For example, in D&D 3.x, both Paladins and Sorcerers rely on Charisma for radically different magic domains.

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Examples

• Barony
• Dark Souls
• Dungeons of Dredmor
• Dungeon Siege
• Path of Exile
• System Shock 2
• Elder Scrolls series