JRPGs and WRPGs are both derived from table-top RPGs but evolved along different lines from the 80s, separated by the geographical and cultural divides to the point of being distinct genres in their own right. I would argue that the 'J' and 'W' are more to signify the origin of the genre rather than the origin of the game itself.
Therefore, it is the style of the game (how the story is told, who the main character is, player influence etc.), not its origin that determines whether it is a JRPG or a WRPG. Dark Souls and Demon Souls for instance, are very much WRPGs made by Japanese developers. On the other hand, we've had games like Septerra Core that are very much JRPGs made by Western developers. Also, would you call any Western developed game that used the tools in 'RPG Maker' a WRPG? Everything about them screams JRPG.








