Theory behind class design in rpgs and general video games?

Devs usually base class design on the idea that you have to have defensive classes, damage classes and support classes. For the most part that's pretty much how any class-based RPGs work.

I can't imagine how you could make a class-based crafting RPG. It'd be more like a job simulator lol. Final Fantasy XIV does have several crafting/gathering classes outside of their combat classes, though.

Obviously the most important parts of class design are making sure they are unique and balanced. In a lot of class-based RPGs I see, some of the classes are basically just the exact same thing with a different look. The playstyles are exactly the same but they wield different weapons and wear different armor. Their skills/abilities are just renamed versions of the same thing. It's very common. Also very common is RPGs that have the one class with the stat/skill combo that can be exploited to own everything in the game with ease.

any ideas?????/

Please, edit your posts instead of mindlessly bumping your thread.