1 Shot Campaigns, and throw away characters.

[Morrus]

Yes, I can understand trade shows as I have a bit of experience in that area. I just feel that understanding a profession or race is better done over time. I as a GM typically expect very little until 5th lvl from my players as they are often still defining their characters. I find there is often a vast difference between gameplay styles with a 1st lvl character and a 5th or vs a 20th lvl character.

You're assuming we're only playing D&D. Thousands of games have much lighter rules. Your question becomes very different when not viewed through a narrow D&D lens.

 

[zarionofarabel]

I like to use one-shots as pickup games when members of the group are absent and the regular campaign wouldn't really function properly with said PC missing (which is almost always the way I run campaigns).

So I use simple systems, like Mausritter or my absolute new favorite, Mothership! Systems like those means it takes but a few minutes to make a PC, so very little time in the session is dedicated to character creation.

The throwaway nature of the PCs means a couple of things that I think really enhance the experience over a regular long form campaign. With a one-shot, because players know it will probably only be a single session, they tend to be WAY less risk adverse, which means PCs take all kinds of crazy risks that don't normally happen in a campaign where the players try hard to keep PCs from harm. It makes for some interesting and unusual gameplay, and lots and lots of laughs. I really love Mothership especially because it's a horror game, so a TPK at the end of the session is pretty much expected. Makes for a nice little concise story with a satisfying horror movie ending.

 

[payn]

I actually prefer some styles and genres to be one shots. In that case, I spend much less focus on the character aspects (species, ancestry, ethnicity) and more of a focus on the setting and story. Really leaning into the genre conventions. Its a nice change of pace.

 

[Lanefan]

I actually prefer some styles and genres to be one shots. In that case, I spend much less focus on the character aspects (species, ancestry, ethnicity)

Same here, but (if chance and time permit) all that focus goes into its personality instead. I'm only going to get one chance to play this character so I'd better do whatever I can to make it memorable.

 

[Artamo]

I have heard of a trend of 1 shot campaigns, and naturally following throw away characters. I am trying to understand the appeal. It seems like you go through a fair amount of effort only to get rid of the character in a game or two.

It depends on the game - For example, Call of Cthulhu often has your investigator getting eaten or going insane at the end which is perfect for a three or four hour game.

 

[BookTenTiger]

In our long-running 5e game we used to do one-shot games for flash backs into characters' pasts. Everyone would roll up a new character to play members of a thieves guild or a dwarven clan and we'd fill out a little bit more of the world.

 

[John R Davis]

Go to a few Cons so one off games are the thing there.
Weekly home games are always more than a one shot, but sometimes no longer than say doing a starter set, but not continue after that