pdzoch
Explorer
[MENTION=6685730]DMMike[/MENTION], Interesting thread, but I think the discussion is drifting into group dynamics and compatibility over DM game management (which is how I understood your post initially).
Group dynamics and compatibility (usually with the concepts of gaming styles of the group) is a challenge affecting every group of people who get together for a game, whether it be card game, board game, or RPG game.
Sometimes a group completely falls apart because of the differences within a group. (Someone's play style is just too aggressive, or obnoxious, or too serious or not serious enough for the rest of the group) Some groups might even exclude a member for fear of disrupting group stability. (Poker groups refuse to let a bad poker player join/ Bridge players jealously guard their partners). But many groups know there are differences within the group and they accommodate. (over in the board game circles, many player will play a game they do not prefer or play poorly just to be with the group knowing that they will get to play a game latter they prefer and inevitably someone else in the group might not be a favorite of).
With regards to RPG, the DMs role is central and akin to the host of any gaming party. He has to accommodate the gaming guests as much as to ensure everyone enjoys the game. But the game experience is everyone's responsibility.
So, can role players and roll players enjoy the same game together? Certainly! And they do, more often than not. It is still a challenge for the DM, and he/she will have to establish some rules (and bend on some others) to accommodate the group. Would those players prefer to be in a different group of like minded players. Maybe, but I think they will enjoy the company they keep just fine.
The gaming group is organic -- it evolves, changes and adapts. And if it can't it will most likely break up. Hopefully, they form anew with other groups and remain within the hobby.
Group dynamics and compatibility (usually with the concepts of gaming styles of the group) is a challenge affecting every group of people who get together for a game, whether it be card game, board game, or RPG game.
Sometimes a group completely falls apart because of the differences within a group. (Someone's play style is just too aggressive, or obnoxious, or too serious or not serious enough for the rest of the group) Some groups might even exclude a member for fear of disrupting group stability. (Poker groups refuse to let a bad poker player join/ Bridge players jealously guard their partners). But many groups know there are differences within the group and they accommodate. (over in the board game circles, many player will play a game they do not prefer or play poorly just to be with the group knowing that they will get to play a game latter they prefer and inevitably someone else in the group might not be a favorite of).
With regards to RPG, the DMs role is central and akin to the host of any gaming party. He has to accommodate the gaming guests as much as to ensure everyone enjoys the game. But the game experience is everyone's responsibility.
So, can role players and roll players enjoy the same game together? Certainly! And they do, more often than not. It is still a challenge for the DM, and he/she will have to establish some rules (and bend on some others) to accommodate the group. Would those players prefer to be in a different group of like minded players. Maybe, but I think they will enjoy the company they keep just fine.
The gaming group is organic -- it evolves, changes and adapts. And if it can't it will most likely break up. Hopefully, they form anew with other groups and remain within the hobby.