Do you play in public?

[Bullgrit]

I posted in my blog about watching some guys play D&D at the local game store: Spectating D&D

From that experience, I want to ask:

Do you ever play RPGs in public? If so, do you consciously try to avoid living up to the stereotype of "only dorks/nerds/geeks play D&D"? Do you "control" yourself more in a public venue than if you were playing at someone's home?

Bullgrit
Total Bullgrit

 

[jaerdaph]

I've played RPGs in public. This being New York City, most people around are completely disinterested and leave you be, although you do get a few curious onlookers. Their reactions are generally positive, even if the "that's cool" responses far outweigh the "how can I learn more" ones. Most people seem to get it that continuous questions would be distracting to the game and keep them to a minimum. Haven't had anyone ask to join in yet though.

I'd say we are more restrained with the volumes of our voices in public than in a private home, mainly because we don't want to disturb others enjoying the space.

Most of my friends that I play with (myself included I hope) don't fit the "typical geek/nerd" stereotype, so I don't worry too much about that. Then again, when you work on Wall Street and you're playing a casual lunch time game in Battery Park in a $2,000 suit, it's kind of hard to look like a loser.

I've still never played with myself in public though...

*rimshot*

 

[Dog Moon]

Maybe those two people in your link felt confident enough in themselves that they felt it didn't matter what other people thought. We all occasionally do foolish or weird things in public. If all he did was say Huzzah! then good for him.

I've never played dnd in public, but I have played M:tG at a game store. Used to do it every Sunday for a LONG time. It's just a bunch of guys and girls hanging out and acting natural. I didn't 'control' myself at all. Why should I? And why should this other guy?

 

[ejja_1]

I play in public at my FLGS every Wednesday, and since it's mostly just geeks there we pretty much are ourselves. Although there is a rule about using profanity, you know wholesome family gamestore image needs to be preserved. Other than that I have gamed at several conventions but again, conventions usually are populated by geeks and freaks as well.

 

[Asmor]

There's different kinds of public.

I would play at a FLGS without a second thought.

I would play at my school's Campus Center, though I'd be a bit more reserved. Most of the people that hang out there play Magic and there's a couple D&D games going on once in a while anyways.

I would not play at a library, restaurant, bar, etc, even if noise wasn't an issue. Just too weird having people who have no idea what an RPG is where they could observe what's going on.

When I was younger, I didn't even like playing at my own house while my dad was home. Not like it was a secret or anything, but I find it difficult to cut loose and act like myself in his presence (for example, I rarely swear around my parents, or others, but when it's just friends I cuss like a sailor).

 

[thalmin]

I would play anywhere that was conducive to playing, but usually avoid playing at the store, only because I generally can't play for even an hour without interruptions (the penalty for having a busy store. )

 

[Dragon Snack]

Eh, who cares what someone else thinks? I think you being embarrassed that some guy swung an imaginary sword and said "clang" says more about you. I can't say I've ever done that in "public" (I wouldn't consider a game store very "public" though), but I know I've done it before (swung an imaginary sword that is, and I have played at game stores and cons).

I'm pretty laid back when I game, except for occasional fits of action. You probably wouldn't be embarassed to play with me. Until I got up and danced (or acted out some swordplay).

Relax, it's just a game. Have some fun...




*WARNING: the above poster has also been known to make animal noises in public...

 

[Ahnehnois]

Almost never have I played in public. However, we did get together at a Starbuck's once. I felt a bit limited in that I didn't want to shout or be disruptive, but our normal games aren't that loud anyway. The biggest difference was probably a slight reduction in obscene jokes. Good thing/bad thing? I dunno.

I wouldn't make a habit of exhibistionist D&D though.

 

[I'm A Banana]

Then again, when you work on Wall Street and you're playing a casual lunch time game in Battery Park in a $2,000 suit, it's kind of hard to look like a loser.

...except for those that have this kind of envy/anger at the inherent absurdity of a $2,000 suit, let alone sitting in a park with one.

what's wrong with you freaks....

...

 

[Lord Mhoram]

We don't much anymore, since the wife and I can game solo at home, and we host the weekly game.

I did run a D&D game for a game store when 3rd came out, to help generate interest and sales in the game. In college we playing in the big open access rooms in the dorms.