Time to Hang It Up? (Gaming Group Struggles Pt 2)

[Retreater]

A week and a half ago, I messaged my group that we needed to wrap up the current campaign arc in a satisfactory way. They were getting very near the climactic encounter anyway, and I wrote that we would jump ahead to that scene. It was going to be epic. Storylines would come together. They would get closure on 6 months of gaming.

My fiancée (who lives with me) and one other player showed. One player cancelled due to child care issues (understandable). The other two players, I got no response from.

I'm feeling a little bummed. All the work I put into the campaign has been for nothing. The 3D battlescape I created as an awesome fight centerpiece was used by two players. The big plot twist centered on a character whose player couldn't be troubled to show up or even give a common courtesy message.

I think it's safe to say I should fold this group? Maybe I'll take a break and work on other hobbies?

 

[iserith]

My solution to players occasionally missing games is to have more players in the group than seats at the table. Generally I shoot for 8 to 10 players for a 5-player maximum session, with a quorum of four. Then when I announce a game day, everyone signs up, first come, first served. (Though if there are more people who can play, the players usually step aside for someone who hasn't played as much.)

If I ever ran into a situation where I absenteeism became a significant problem for one or more players, I would ask them to be honest about their commitment and request feedback on the game itself (both my content and the group dynamic). Then I would address myself to correcting what was in my control.

I also strongly recommend gaming online, even with local friends. It's much easier for adults to get together if they don't have to physically go to someone's house or other place. It's not quite the same experience as getting together in person, but in many ways it is better in my opinion.

 

[cmad1977]

Fold that group.

 

[Larnievc]

Start a new game with the people who normally turn up. But do take a break.

This may be a bitter pill but don’t over invest in the game. It’s s thing that adults often just can’t commit the way they could when younger and footloose and fancy free.

 

[Retreater]

Start a new game with the people who normally turn up. But do take a break.

This may be a bitter pill but don’t over invest in the game. It’s s thing that adults often just can’t commit the way they could when younger and footloose and fancy free.

It's difficult because I want to be a good GM and give the players a great experience they can look forward to. But it's also demoralizing to have sessions like this one.
I do agree that I need a break to recharge, compile a new group, etc.

 

[dragoner]

Sorry to hear about your troubles, I am very familiar with them as well. Taking a break is sometimes good if it feels right to do, RPG's will still be here when you get back.

 

[cmad1977]

Roll20 has worked well for me. I have an extremely regular group that plays every Sunday. Most of us live in the SAME CITY but playing online helps keep everyone able to make most sessions.

 

[Nagol]

A week and a half ago, I messaged my group that we needed to wrap up the current campaign arc in a satisfactory way. They were getting very near the climactic encounter anyway, and I wrote that we would jump ahead to that scene. It was going to be epic. Storylines would come together. They would get closure on 6 months of gaming.

My fiancée (who lives with me) and one other player showed. One player cancelled due to child care issues (understandable). The other two players, I got no response from.

I'm feeling a little bummed. All the work I put into the campaign has been for nothing. The 3D battlescape I created as an awesome fight centerpiece was used by two players. The big plot twist centered on a character whose player couldn't be troubled to show up or even give a common courtesy message.

I think it's safe to say I should fold this group? Maybe I'll take a break and work on other hobbies?

I did that to a DM once. He has a glorious end planned for his last session of the campaign. 4 days earlier a family emergency hit and although the crisis was over early enough that I could have attended, my relief completely blew any thought that there was something going on out of my mind until 2 days after I was supposed to show up.

Perhaps there is an explanation even if not an excuse?

 

[Retreater]

I've looked into online games, specifically using Fantasy Grounds. I've GMed a sample session using the software, as well as playing in a handful of games as a player. It just seems so very complicated. I was spending hours planning a single combat.

 

[Retreater]

I did that to a DM once. He has a glorious end planned for his last session of the campaign. 4 days earlier a family emergency hit and although the crisis was over early enough that I could have attended, my relief completely blew any thought that there was something going on out of my mind until 2 days after I was supposed to show up.

Perhaps there is an explanation even if not an excuse?

I mean, it's possible. Just seems par for the course for these players who have had spotty attendance for the past several months.