They're Not RPG Elements @ Dwell On It

If you've ever posted on an RPG forum you've probably discussed the genre-blurring that seems all the rage.  Every game - particularly strategy titles - features "RPG elements".  In a brief piece at blog Dwell On It, they point out we've all got it wrong:

You see “RPG elements” on the back of game-boxes for assorted games, frequently tactical combat games, or mentioned in game reviews. The thing is, that what they’re referring to as RPG elements aren’t actually RPG elements.

The things they’re generally describing are classes, levels, abilities and experience points. Units or characters that get stronger and/or more versatile with experience. Those are what we used to call wargaming elements.