Every DM wants a chance to play...?

[Majin Cthulhu]

I have a very similar problem. I really want to play in a game, instead of GMing it, but I have the toughest time just focusing on one character. I have pretty much always GMed with my group, in various games. Occasionally someone will run a game of something-or-other, but otherwise I'd always be the GM.

Now, my group is playing Exalted, and someone else is in charge. Its really hard for me to think like one character and to stay in character. I need to let the GM describe things to me isntead of trying to decide what the world looks like for myself. Its a chore, but I'm going to work through it and become a player. I just have to keep telling myself "I am only one person now, I am only one person now."

 

[Iced Tea]

Man i think i have quite the opposite problem. I have been blessed with pretty good GMs. However, those Gms have decided to make something of their lives and go to college (i will too dont worry hopefully) well, anyway. with them going off to college last year and soon for another year, it has left me with only 2 other people, friends of mine, who seem willing to play D&D. both of them have tried to be DM, but weren't very succesful at it. Now it has fallen to me. Now that i am DM/GMing, it seems taht i have little spare time left to do anything i want, mainly cause my friends are bored all day and constantly want to come over and game or what not. Sometiems a man just wants to be byehimself and rest and do what not.they want to get together today, so that means i should get started because i only have about 3 hours left to put together a decent game. sigh, I like playing, but now it has fallen to me (that and i am the only one i know with a full set of 3.5 material ) but i also started a campaign in my brothers world so i will have my little fix everyso often.

 

[Orryn Emrys]

I understand your consternation, Mr. Tea... though I've never personally run aground on the time and effort it takes to prepare a game. More specifically, I've been DMing for so long that it's all part of the plan, week in and week out. It's like a second job... only I get to pick the hours. The busier my life gets, the more I've got to be sure to leave myself time for game prep. It can be challenging... but very rewarding.

In fact, another player in my regular group ran a few game sessions about a year ago, then gave up for the exact same reason. I think he'd be a top-notch game master, but he works a lot of hours and has a lot of extra-curricular activities... and a family... it was just too much. A pity, but I understand completely. If I hadn't made DMing such a big part of my life before I even got out of high school, I'd probably not have the outlook I do now.

I really don't think I'd be able to enjoy playing D&D every week if I wasn't refereeing at least one game.... I wouldn't know what to do with myself.