Who came up with the idea of role playing on chat rooms and forums?

The concept of role playing in chat rooms and forums evolved from earlier forms of role-playing games (RPGs), particularly tabletop RPGs like Dungeons & Dragons, which began in the 1970s. As online communication became more prevalent in the 1990s, users on platforms like Usenet and IRC began to adapt these gaming concepts to text-based interactions. While no single individual can be credited with the idea, it emerged organically as online communities sought creative ways to engage and interact through storytelling and character development.