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Some common challenges include difficulty finding a group of players with compatible schedules, difficulty finding players who are committed to a long-term campaign, and difficulty finding players who are a good fit for a particular game or campaign. Additionally, Game Masters or Dungeon Masters may have difficulty finding consistent players, which can make it difficult to plan and run a successful campaign. There are some online tools and communities that can help players and GMs find and connect with each other, but these can still be hit or miss.
Based on the context above, below is a list of the typical challenges of finding or organizing games, regardless if it is face-to-face, at a hobby store, or online using an online or local organized play match service or even an online Virtual Tabletop App.
Difficulty finding a group of players with compatible schedules
Difficulty finding players who are committed to a long-term campaign
Difficulty finding players who are a good fit for a particular game or campaign
Difficulty finding a consistent group of players
Difficulty planning and running a successful campaign
Difficulty finding and connecting with players and GMs through online tools and communities.
Below is a list some tips regarding attitude, consistency, table etiquette and putting one's self "out there" to gain confidence, practice, and meeting others.
Maintaining a positive and open attitude can help make it easier to connect with other players and GMs.
Being consistent in attendance and communication can help build trust and reliability among players and GMs.
Being aware of and following table etiquette can help create a more enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
Putting yourself out there and taking the initiative to seek out and join games can help increase the chances of finding a group that is a good fit.
Practicing and honing your skills as a player or GM can help increase confidence and make it easier to connect with others who share your interests.
Joining communities and online groups that are focused on role-playing games can be a great way to meet other players and GMs.
Be open to trying new games and different styles of play, it can help you to expand your horizon and find new opportunities to play and meet people.
Volunteer to run games, even if you are not an experienced GM, it can be a good way to build experience and grow your network.
Be open-minded and respectful towards different styles of play, different games, and different players, it will help you to find more opportunities and make friends.
Resources and ideas where people can go to look or find games, players, and like-minded individuals. For example, Gaming Conventions, online Discord Servers, local or online Organized Play groups, and online LFG/LFP forums. One can use online match-making services like Start Playing and Warhorn for example.
Gaming conventions: Many conventions have areas dedicated to role-playing games, where you can find games and players in person.
Online forums: Websites such as Meetup, Reddit, and Facebook have groups dedicated to role-playing games, where you can find games and players in your area.
Discord servers: Many communities and groups have Discord servers where you can find games and players, and also there are Discord servers that are dedicated to matchmaking for specific games.
Local organized play groups: Some hobby stores, libraries, and community centers have regular role-playing game events, where you can find games and players in person.
Online matchmaking services: Websites such as Start Playing and Warhorn are specifically designed to help players and GMs find each other, and can be a great resource for finding games and players online.
Virtual Tabletop apps: Some of them like Roll20 and Foundry have built-in tools to help players and GMs find each other and schedule games online.
Local gaming stores: Check with your local gaming store, they may have a notice board or schedule of events for local roleplaying groups, or offer space for groups to play.
Online Communities: Websites like RPG.net, Boardgamegeek, and RPGGeek have forums where players and GMs can connect and schedule games.
Social Media: Some groups, campaigns, and conventions have social media accounts where you can find information about games, players, and events.
A few things to keep in mind.
Attitude.
Experience.
Availability.
Learn table etiquette and don't share your frustration over the fact that you cannot find any games. Experience as many one-shots and pick-up games as you can and learn how to run your own games eventually. If you are only able to play on the third Sunday of each or every other month than you are less likely to find a game. Also don't sign up and then ghost or flake out. This harms the integrity of the game and the moral of the others.
Some good points to keep in mind when looking for role-playing games.
Maintaining a positive attitude and being open to new experiences can help make it easier to connect with other players and GMs.
Having some experience as a player or GM can be helpful, but it's not always necessary. Many groups are happy to teach new players or help new GMs get started.
Having a consistent availability, such as being able to play regularly or on a consistent schedule can make it easier to find a group that is a good fit.
Being aware of and following table etiquette can help create a more enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
It's important to try different types of games and styles of play, it can help you to expand your horizon and find new opportunities to play and meet people.
Practicing and honing your skills as a player or GM can help increase confidence and make it easier to connect with others who share your interests.
Volunteering to run games, even if you are not an experienced GM, can be a good way to build experience and grow your network.
Being respectful towards different styles of play, different games, and different players, it will help you to find more opportunities and make friends.
Be honest and upfront about your availability and be punctual to the games, if you are unable to attend, let the GM and the group know in advance.
Don't share your frustration over the fact that you cannot find any games, it can be perceived as negative attitude and can make it harder to find a group.
Be aware that if you sign up for a game and then flake out or ghost, it harms the integrity of the game and the moral of the group, and it may make it harder to find games in the future.
For DM/GMs: Handling players who regularly miss sessions can be a difficult challenge for a GM. It can break the immersion of the game and potentially ruin the campaign for the other players. Here are a few potential strategies a GM might use to address this issue:
Communicate: Have a conversation with the player and try to understand the reason for their absence. Is it a scheduling conflict, lack of interest, or something else?
Set Expectations: Clearly communicate the expectations for attendance and participation in the campaign. Let the player know that their absence has an impact on the game and the other players, and that regular absences may result in their character being removed from the campaign.
Be flexible: Be open to the idea of the player participating in the campaign in a different way, such as through online play or playing a different character that can be played by another player when they miss a session.
Enforce Consequences: If the player continues to miss sessions, the GM may have to enforce consequences, such as removing the player's character from the campaign or asking them to leave the group.
Look for a replacement: If the player is unable to participate in the campaign, the GM can look for a replacement player to fill the role.
It's important to remember that every situation is unique and the best approach will depend on the individual players and the campaign. A good rule of thumb is to always try to be understanding and respectful, but also to be clear about the expectations for participation and the impact that absences can have on the game and the other players.
For Players & Participants:
What can a player do if they feel neglected or harassed by the GM or other players. What can be done about an adversarial GM or players when playing in RPGs?
If a player feels neglected or harassed by the GM or other players, it's important for them to speak up and express their concerns. Here are a few things a player can do in such situations:
Suggestions Only:
Communicate: Speak with the GM or other players directly and let them know how you feel. It's important to be honest and specific about the issues you're experiencing.
Seek mediation: If the GM or other players are unwilling or unable to address your concerns, seek mediation from a neutral third party, such as a different GM or a member of the gaming community.
Document the behavior: Keep a record of any incidents of neglect or harassment, including date, time, and the names of those involved. This information can be helpful if further action is necessary.
Take a break: If the situation is causing you distress, it may be best to take a break from the game until the issues can be resolved.
Report the behavior: If the situation is severe and/or persistent, it may be necessary to report the behavior to the appropriate authorities.
It's important to remember that everyone should feel safe and respected when playing in RPG's, an adversarial GM or players can be detrimental to the experience and the atmosphere of the game. A good practice is to have a code of conduct or a set of rules established before starting the game, and to be aware that any kind of discrimination, harassment, and bullying will not be tolerated.
It's also important to remember that a GM is not above the players, they are facilitators and should be willing to listen to the players and make adjustments to the campaign or game if necessary. If the GM is unwilling to listen or make adjustments, and the situation cannot be resolved, it may be necessary to look for a different GM or gaming group.
