GMing: What If We Say "Yes" To Everything?

[Li Shenron]

Just a thought experiment:

What if for a new campaign or just a one shot, the GM said "Yes" to literally everything the players asked or wanted to do. Not "Yes, but," but just "yes, you can do/be/use that."

Normally, the GM hedges, using die rolls or negotiation to craft play and control pacing, and sometimes to maintain a level of control over the world and the characters. What would a game look like where the GM gave up even a hint of control and just narrated the results of the PCs' choices and successful actions?

As a player, I have fun solving challenges. If I sense that the DM isn't giving me any, I walk out.

 

[Reynard]

As a player, I have fun solving challenges. If I sense that the DM isn't giving me any, I walk out.

So ask questions that when the answer is "yes" you find yourself challenged.

 

[Reynard]

The responses so far seem to presuppose there is some sort of competition happening and therefore "Yes" is some kind of win button. I find that odd. Surely we play RPGs for more than just "beating" the GM.

 

[TiQuinn]

So ask questions that when the answer is "yes" you find yourself challenged.

This is definitely what I’ve been doing. Even when in control of your own narrative, it’s not satisfying to feel like you can’t fail or have conflict.

 

[FrogReaver]

"Can I play a half giant, half pixie from Mars?"
Yes.

"Can I convince the king to make me a baron?"
Yes.

"Can I sneak up behind the dragon and steal that cool cup?"
Yes.

It is still a roleplaying game. Assume everything works as normal, except the answer to every "can I?" question is "Yes."

Okay. And how are the DC’s for those attempts set?

 

[Bagpuss]

Just a thought experiment:

What if for a new campaign or just a one shot, the GM said "Yes" to literally everything the players asked or wanted to do. Not "Yes, but," but just "yes, you can do/be/use that."

As a player you would quickly get bored as there is no challenge to anything.

As a DM you would get bored as you can present no challenges to the party.

(See 7th Sea 2nd Edition)

 

[FrogReaver]

I see alot of no challenge responses, I’m not really on board with the idea, but saying it’s possible doesn’t mean it’s likely.

 

[KYRON45]

Saying "yes you can make the attempt" is not the same as saying "yes, you just succeed".
I get the premise of the OP. As a DM i start saying no in session 0 otherwise my games would end up looking like a cross between Monty Python, Family Guy and some third ridiculous thing that finishes this thought.

 

[Reynard]

Okay. And how are the DC’s for those attempts set?

By the rules of the game in question.

 

[Reynard]

As a player you would quickly get bored as there is no challenge to anything.

As a DM you would get bored as you can present no challenges to the party.

(See 7th Sea 2nd Edition)

You are still playing a game, with whatever the game's action resolution rules are. What I am talking about is whenever there is a question a player asks OF THE GM, the Gm answers with "Yes." Not "autosucceed."