Due to the inconsistency of in-person gaming, I’m going to try my hand at running a D&D game online (3LBBS only). I tried doing this last fall, but the game flopped right out of the gate. Lots of pre-game interest with a number of players messaging me and declaring that they would play; however, most never showed up. I’m told that’s normal. Still sucks.
The real thing that pissed me off was that two people I know very well and have gamed with for decades decided to play. Cool, but why might that piss me off you might ask. Well, dear reader, both knuckleheads showed up completely unprepared to play. My only real pre-game requirements were to: 1) familiarize oneself with Discord and the channel, 2) be prepared with a serviceable microphone, 3) read a 1-page campaign primer (1 freaking page!), and 4) create your character (instructions were made available, and I was also available to players for questions). None of that was done. I love those fools, but their actions (or lack of actions) pissed me off something fierce. Now I know why session zeros are thing.
On top of all of that, there were some experiencing tech issues. I spent more time getting everyone connected and on the same page. I should have just booted the unprepared players so I could dedicate myself to those ready to go. But, I guess I really wanted to keep an already small group together. A mistake. In short, the session was underwhelming, and the players didn’t click. I don’t blame the other two players for bowing out. It was the first time in decades that I felt incompetent at running a game.
Ugh. Still a little pissed…but, if I’m honest, I’m more disappointed with myself. I know better. Live and learn.
Anyway, I’m going to try starting another online game. Not sure what online format I want to use. I tried Discord, but it was not a good gaming experience. I’m considering Role Gate. Or, perhaps I’ll try my hand at Play-by-Post. I’ve done some of that before (even in my forums), but mostly for interactions taking place in between regular gaming sessions. Not sure what site I would use for that. Rpol? That site has been around awhile, but I’ve never used it. Any suggestions?
As for campaign details, I think I’ll run the game in my Bazen Pur setting. In anticipation of that possibility, I posted some of that information for potential players in my Resources section.
Peace
Discord works well as a platform for online TTRPG play. I’ve been part of numerous games that have used it, both as a player and as a GM. Having said that, it does require work on the part of the GM to create the channels (note the plural there).
I normally work with five or six text channels and one voice. The text channels are:
Campaign Info — This is all of the background information such as rules, setting, content warnings, and instructions for using all of the channels.
Scheduling — This can be combined with Campaign Info if you don’t expect to update that channel once the game has started. It’s where you put information about the next session. Players use it to confirm that they’re coming.
Characters — This is for character sheets and portraits.
In Game — This is where in-game information is shared. This includes handouts, images, maps, and place and NPC names, etc. Take the time to caption all images, so that people can find them again.
Die Rolling — One channel for the die bot and all rolls are handled here. This avoids confusion and cluttering the other channels.
Out of Game — This is where people can dump memes and other stupid stuff not needed for the game. It’s also where all of the snarky comments can go. Again, server hygiene makes the game flow better.
Also, everyone should be on camera. I’ve played with just mics and if you do that, you can’t tell that someone has gotten up for a bio break. When you have cameras, everyone pays more attention. It’s just mutual respect.
Good luck with however you proceed. I wish you well.
Hi Hephaestus,
Good stuff! I agree with the model/framework you suggested for setting up the channels to run a game on Discord. My setup was very similar in that I also used multiple channels; although, I did not have a scheduling channel. No doubt Discord can work. I just did not have a good experience that time around. But, to be fair, that wasn’t really a Discord issue.
I really appreciate your comments about cameras being on. I did not do this (it was voice only). This was a mistake, for some of the reasons you mentioned. I suspect this also inhibited the group from connecting. If I use Discord again, I will definitely make this change.
I appreciate you taking the time to reply and provide tips. Thanks!