Aging and Gaming

[Thomas Shey]

I have this problem with Hero System (Champions). I’ve played it from 3rd edition through to 6th, and find that they have started to merge together in my mind of late.

I had that one, certainly, since I started all the way at 2e (technically 1e, but 1e had some things that made it to even my analysis at the time "not ready for primetime.")

 

[Dannyalcatraz]

I just turned 57 in October. My biggest problem is a combination of real-life obligations impinging on game night with increasing frequency, coupled with a new problem- not being in an active group at the moment.

I haven’t gamed in several years because my old group and I drifted apart. Thing is, while that was the catalyst, it’s not like I’ve exactly put any effort into finding a new group, and that’s on me. I’m not exactly sure why I haven’t, either. I mean, I can identify elements that contribute to that inertia, but when I think about finding a new group, I can usually find ways to circumvent those issues if I found a group I wanted to join.

And still I just…don’t.

 

[The Soloist]

I just turned 57 in October. My biggest problem is a combination of real-life obligations impinging on game night with increasing frequency, coupled with a new problem- not being in an active group at the moment.

I haven’t gamed in several years because my old group and I drifted apart. Thing is, while that was the catalyst, it’s not like I’ve exactly put any effort into finding a new group, and that’s on me. I’m not exactly sure why I haven’t, either. I mean, I can identify elements that contribute to that inertia, but when I think about finding a new group, I can usually find ways to circumvent those issues if I found a group I wanted to join.

And still I just…don’t.

I know it's not the same, but I found solace in playing RPGs solo. It has it's own rewards and you can play when ever you have time, be it for just one hour or three. I recommend either Ironsworn (fantasy), Hostile Solo (sci-fi) or Scarlet Heroes (old-school fantasy).

 

[ShinHakkaider]

I just turned 57 in October. My biggest problem is a combination of real-life obligations impinging on game night with increasing frequency, coupled with a new problem- not being in an active group at the moment.

I haven’t gamed in several years because my old group and I drifted apart. Thing is, while that was the catalyst, it’s not like I’ve exactly put any effort into finding a new group, and that’s on me. I’m not exactly sure why I haven’t, either. I mean, I can identify elements that contribute to that inertia, but when I think about finding a new group, I can usually find ways to circumvent those issues if I found a group I wanted to join.

And still I just…don’t.

I'm kinda in the same boat. I finished running a 10 year long campaign back in 2016-17(?) and while I have games I want to run? Finding a compatible group is the thing that's REALLY keeping me from gaming again. My last group was GREAT and spoiled me. They were good PEOPLE first and foremost and just fun to run games for. We've all drifted apart and scattered to the four winds so getting us back together for anything long term doesn't seem like it's going to happen.

I'm hella picky about who I spend my time with. I play TTRPG's for fun and if I dont enjoy the people that I spend that time with I'd just as soon as be doing something else. There's also the fact that NYC is a BUSY city and despite the population it's always been hard to find a decent gaming group (for most things other than D&D) here.

Anyway I've gotten comfortable with the idea that I'll probably never run or play my games of choice with a decent group ever again.

 

[Thomas Shey]

I just turned 57 in October. My biggest problem is a combination of real-life obligations impinging on game night with increasing frequency, coupled with a new problem- not being in an active group at the moment.

I haven’t gamed in several years because my old group and I drifted apart. Thing is, while that was the catalyst, it’s not like I’ve exactly put any effort into finding a new group, and that’s on me. I’m not exactly sure why I haven’t, either. I mean, I can identify elements that contribute to that inertia, but when I think about finding a new group, I can usually find ways to circumvent those issues if I found a group I wanted to join.

And still I just…don’t.

If you played with one group for many years, the idea of putting a new one together (or finding an extent one) and getting used to all the socio-dynamic elements anew can be, I think, a little intimidating even if you don't realize it on a conscious level.

 

[Belen]

Also, many older and more experienced players like crunchier games with more character options to play with. For all of its flaws, D&D offers an experience that can keep people engaged for many years. I find that harder to offer with other games. I can with Warhammer Fantasy, but that is crunchier than D&D 5e.

What? No. The crunchy stuff is a young person thing. The older I get, the less crunch I want in my games. I do not have time to deal with that mess. I want to sit down, play, have fun, and not get mired in useless crunch.

 

[Belen]

I just turned 57 in October. My biggest problem is a combination of real-life obligations impinging on game night with increasing frequency, coupled with a new problem- not being in an active group at the moment.

I haven’t gamed in several years because my old group and I drifted apart. Thing is, while that was the catalyst, it’s not like I’ve exactly put any effort into finding a new group, and that’s on me. I’m not exactly sure why I haven’t, either. I mean, I can identify elements that contribute to that inertia, but when I think about finding a new group, I can usually find ways to circumvent those issues if I found a group I wanted to join.

And still I just…don’t.

I get it. I went for 10 years in that state. Of course, I had just had my first kid and moved to a new region, but I could have easily started a new online game or found local players. I did not because of inertia and, honestly, a bit of depression.

I can say that I ended up being happier when I forced myself to game again.

 

[Piperken]

Rather randomly I was reminded of this topic today when I came across a Middle Earth-related song, because I realized that maybe I forgot a few things that have changed with age...

I think everyone can benefit in small ways by taking a few moments to be circumspect like this. I think it's great you were able to identify what aspects in role playing you take joy presently.

Separately, I've appreciated peoples' comments on finding a place for themselves in solo/journal ttrpgs; that was a perspective I hadn't considered before!

 

[The Soloist]

Separately, I've appreciated peoples' comments on finding a place for themselves in solo/journal ttrpgs; that was a perspective I hadn't considered before!

You can play almost any RPG solo using an oracle like the Mythic GM Emulator 2e. Trevor of Me, Myself and Die gives an excellent demonstration:

 

[el-remmen]

I want to add that while I 100% understand being picky about who you spend your time with and what on, but no one’s time is so precious that you shouldn’t at least take a chance to meet new folks and find games/gaming you can enjoy. Sure, it might not work out but you might also discover something you didn’t know you’d like or meet someone within the group to recruit for another group later, and so on.