Do you gaming groups that only play on system?

[MNblockhead]

As a GM, I tend to play one system for a long time because I run long campaigns, don't have time to dedicate to multiple ongoing gaming commitments, and it is easier because of the investment in content and time already made. I ran 5e campaigns from 2014 until the beginning of 2024. Half of that was one five-year campaign. That said, I also ran the occasional one shot, usually with light rule systems: Paranoia, The Expanse, InSpectres, etc.

As a player, I am willing to play most systems. I just don't have the time to commit to another ongoing campaign, even as a player. I feed that need with on-line one shots and conventions.

I've thought about looking for a regular in-person game that I could join as a player because I miss in-person play and would like to actually get to meet some people outside of work in the city I recently moved to. But I would only be able to do it Monday or Tuesday night, which is probably the worst days to try to find a regular group.

 

[Wolfpack48]

I'm not sure there are a lot of young people who are passionate about 3.5, a 23-year old system.

This doesn’t sound like it has anything to do with 3.5.

 

[Whizbang Dustyboots]

This doesn’t sound like it has anything to do with 3.5.

And if they were young enough to have an issue with a 61 year old for ageist reasons, they probably wouldn't be using their beloved 3.5 as an excuse, but a system at least a decade newer.

 

[Golden age Superhero]

Well the DM has a ton of house rules and was disappointed that we weren't really interested in reading more for a rules heavy game.

 

[Wolfpack48]

And if they were young enough to have an issue with a 61 year old for ageist reasons, they probably wouldn't be using their beloved 3.5 as an excuse, but a system at least a decade newer.

Ghosting a player who casually mentions they like lighter rule systems sounds like they have a personal issue with the player. Maybe it’s not ageism, but it sure as hell doesn’t sound like a “we only love 3.5 issue.”

 

[Wolfpack48]

Well the DM has a ton of house rules and was disappointed that we weren't really interested in reading more for a rules heavy game.

Solving a problem like that requires discussion, not ghosting players. You’re better off finding a more reasonable group.

 

[billd91]

They didn’t really ghost the OP. That would entail no contact. They just declined the game, possibly for reasons beyond what they stated. That might mean they weren’t up front with total clarity, but I’m not sure that’s really necessary. People can decline to game with each other for any reason they want and the motive isn’t always nefarious, nor is it a problem that requires a solution.

 

[Whizbang Dustyboots]

Ghosting a player who casually mentions they like lighter rule systems sounds like they have a personal issue with the player. Maybe it’s not ageism, but it sure as hell doesn’t sound like a “we only love 3.5 issue.”

Literally no one in this thread thinks this is a "we love 3.5" issue.

 

[jdrakeh]

I have a lot of friends who only play D&D 5e.

 

[JediSoth]

I've had group that only played one system. Back in the 3.X days, my group would only play D&D and when I suggested one night that we give my D&D brain a break and play a Star Wars one-shot or something else, a couple of players stood up to leave if we weren't going to play D&D (which really pissed me off because I was hosting, DMing, and all I wanted was a one-session break).

My current group has games they prefer and games they won't play, but generally are game to try anything once, and some things more than once. We'll have a D&D campaign, then a few one-shot of something else, or a short campaign in a different system entirely before moving on to the next D&D campaign. It's kind of nice.