Exploration: My concerns for the new edition

[Hassassin]

If the players are so cautious, they are either doing it because of role-playing concerns (for example, archeologists in Call of Cthulhu) or the DM has given them past experiences where bravery and daredevil exploration failed badly. Some DMs may enjoy this style, I do not. (Perversely, I can enjoy it as a player.)

I don't think it's at all weird to enjoy it as a player, but not as a DM.

Some groups play the cautious approach by mostly talking among themselves, which can mean the DM has nothing to do. Other groups play it by asking a constant stream of questions from the DM regarding the environment and the possibility of different actions. When the latter happens, it is in my experience very enjoyable for both the players and the DM.

 

[howandwhy99]

I don't think it's at all weird to enjoy it as a player, but not as a DM.

Some groups play the cautious approach by mostly talking among themselves, which can mean the DM has nothing to do. Other groups play it by asking a constant stream of questions from the DM regarding the environment and the possibility of different actions. When the latter happens, it is in my experience very enjoyable for both the players and the DM.

I'll agree. It is thrilling to run a game where the players are very much enthused in running down their own objectives. It not only keeps my on my toes, it entertains to no end. I can't predict what they'll say or do next and their creativity in what they do can be awe inspiring at the best of times. I love it when players raise themselves to new levels.

OTOH, when players don't engage with other players or the DM, then I end up sitting. That's not pleasant at all. Some players simply don't engage IME. I can ask afterwards, ask for suggestions, new material all I want, but I typically get "I'm having a great time" from them. They just like watching. When the whole group sits and watches (or perhaps even worse, one person plays while the rest watch), then tedium sets in real quick. I mean, it's a room full of people staring at each other (and don't think it hasn't happened). They have tons of resources, tons of leads, even dozens of personal objectives they've chosen. But for whatever reason play can stop dead in the water and that's no fun no matter what side of the screen you're on.