Do you gaming groups that only play on system?

[DragonLancer]

I've played and GM'ed more game systems than I care to remember in my decades of role-playing. The last 15 odd years we've been primarily a Pathfinder 1st edition group. Right now I am DMing a D&D2024 campaign on alternate Sundays. The other Sunday I'm playing in a Call of Cthulhu game. I know that when my campaign ultimately ends (they are only just 4th so it'll be a while) that one player wants to desperately run Pathfinder 2nd edition, which I don't really have much interest in as right now I just want to play some D&D. I won't say no to PF2 though.

I guess my point is that when we were a lot younger and had more free time, playing lots of different games was our way of gaming. These days most of us are in our early 50s, with a couple 30-somethings, and it's harder to get gaming time outside of our Sunday night slot. With that in mind I'd rather just focus on one game now.

 

[TaranTheWanderer]

I have a friend who only plays 3.5. He will begrudgingly play other games because we are his only gaming group but he confided that he doesn’t have the time or desire to read giant tombs of rules in his spare time. He spends all day reading 400 page accounting documents and doesn’t want to read - he wants to play.

As a result, when we play other systems, he has to rely on us for rules and stuff and his lack of system mastery frustrates him. He never feels like he’s contributing.

 

[Wolfpack48]

I have a friend who only plays 3.5. He will begrudgingly play other games because we are his only gaming group but he confided that he doesn’t have the time or desire to read giant tombs of rules in his spare time. He spends all day reading 400 page accounting documents and doesn’t want to read - he wants to play.

As a result, when we play other systems, he has to rely on us for rules and stuff and his lack of system mastery frustrates him. He never feels like he’s contributing.

That's an interesting take -- I don't think whenever we have tried a new system that everyone was required to study up on the detailed nuance of the rules -- mostly we'd rely on the GM if there needed to be a rule explanation, but I've never sat down at a new RPG game where I couldn't learn the basics of play in less than 10 minutes. I guess some people really need to be ensconced deeply into the ruleset to enjoy playing.

 

[Wolfpack48]

I've played and GM'ed more game systems than I care to remember in my decades of role-playing. The last 15 odd years we've been primarily a Pathfinder 1st edition group. Right now I am DMing a D&D2024 campaign on alternate Sundays. The other Sunday I'm playing in a Call of Cthulhu game. I know that when my campaign ultimately ends (they are only just 4th so it'll be a while) that one player wants to desperately run Pathfinder 2nd edition, which I don't really have much interest in as right now I just want to play some D&D. I won't say no to PF2 though.

I guess my point is that when we were a lot younger and had more free time, playing lots of different games was our way of gaming. These days most of us are in our early 50s, with a couple 30-somethings, and it's harder to get gaming time outside of our Sunday night slot. With that in mind I'd rather just focus on one game now.

That makes sense as regards ramp up time and maximizing play time over system learning when schedules are tight. It's probably the best reason for sticking with a system.

 

[TaranTheWanderer]

That's an interesting take -- I don't think whenever we have tried a new system that everyone was required to study up on the detailed nuance of the rules -- mostly we'd rely on the GM if there needed to be a rule explanation, but I've never sat down at a new RPG game where I couldn't learn the basics of play in less than 10 minutes. I guess some people really need to be ensconced deeply into the ruleset to enjoy playing.

Well, the issue isn’t with a one-shot. It’s more a concern when we play the new system over a longer campaign or campaign arc. Those that have the time, learn the ins and outs quicker and therefore open up more options for themselves. Those that don’t have to rely on the basics or what people tell them. He’s a tactician so it’s hard for him to feel like he’s playing to his potential if he only knows the basics. Plus he feels bad for constantly slowing down the game to ask people for advice. So, everyone is gaining mastery much faster than he is. I can see how it’s frustrating for him.

 

[TiQuinn]

I hate to say this but part of the problem is Two Rivers is pretty small. I don’t know what your driving range is for other games around Wisconsin but the fact that you’re in an area without a lot of large pool of players is making it difficult too.

 

[Golden age Superhero]

See the thing about is we played a mock combat to get a feel for the game and then we did one adventure. I did mention that I wanted to run a game too since my previous group used to take turns. It was never mentioned beforehand that they only wanted to play 3.5 and play this game for 2-3 years. If they had made that clear I would have been perfectly fine with that. I am flexible and really just want to have people over to play for social enjoyment and to roll some dice.

My guess is that since I mentioned that I prefer lighter RPGs they thought I would not play 3.5 even though I clearly was playing their game of choice. Really this whole passive/aggressive nonsense really pisses me off. If was going to be charitable I am thinking that they haven't played with new players and somehow forgot to inform someone else that you play this way. I am willing to play anything, most of the time the system is not a deal breaker for me.

 

[Golden age Superhero]

I hate to say this but part of the problem is Two Rivers is pretty small. I don’t know what your driving range is for other games around Wisconsin but the fact that you’re in an area without a lot of large pool of players is making it difficult too.

Tell me about it.

 

[Wolfpack48]

See the thing about is we played a mock combat to get a feel for the game and then we did one adventure. I did mention that I wanted to run a game too since my previous group used to take turns. It was never mentioned beforehand that they only wanted to play 3.5 and play this game for 2-3 years. If they had made that clear I would have been perfectly fine with that. I am flexible and really just want to have people over to play for social enjoyment and to roll some dice.

My guess is that since I mentioned that I prefer lighter RPGs they thought I would not play 3.5 even though I clearly was playing their game of choice. Really this whole passive/aggressive nonsense really pisses me off. If was going to be charitable I am thinking that they haven't played with new players and somehow forgot to inform someone else that you play this way. I am willing to play anything, most of the time the system is not a deal breaker for me.

You asked earlier whether there was something wrong with you, and I'd answer no. You may have been "guilty" of expressing an opinion, but they interpreted that in a pretty harsh way. Did you enjoy playing with this group? Do you think it's even worthwhile to try to respond back and clarify that you have no issues playing 3.5? Normally, I wouldn't try to reconcile these things, but it does seem you have limited options for your geographic area. I guess the other question is whether you are willing to switch to virtual gaming? I know I prefer in-person, but it may be worth examining.

 

[Warpiglet-7]

Sorry to hear it OP.

I don’t have the time or drive I did to venture away from D&D…not sure I want to but the fact is we know the rules. I have a room full of board and war games but after they sit so long I have to relearn them all over to say nothing of other players.

My other game is probably going to be dragonslayer as a sometimes change from 5e since it is nothing to learn for former AD&D players and can be a lighter alternative.

Bottom line is we don’t have time to system hop and most of us like fantasy fiction such as LOTR and Conan etc and historical fiction as well.

No telling exactly what happened and hope you find what inspires you! If you have not tried online play it’s not the same to me but it is still fun. What I found was using a camera made a difference even though I was the only one online for a few sessions due to illness. Another time we played fantasy grounds during the pandemic. I still was allowed to roll real dice and was not forced to perfectly learn the interface. It was ok. Best of luck to you!