Fighting DM Burn-Out

[diaglo]

haven't really experienced it myself.

i love this game.

it usually burns out before i do.

darn new editions.

 

[MoonZar]

Hello,

When i Dm-burnout, i'm watching animation and fantastic series to refuel my inspiration. This help a lot to take some idea of these material and change it for DnD.

 

[MetalBard]

You can't fight it. Just start playing for a little while. I know this can be tough. I consider myself a recovering DM. Oh, I'll DM again, but ever since ending my epic Forgotten Realms campaign (more or less same characters for about 3 years) and being DM for previous long-term campaigns, I've really enjoyed playing. I've never had the change to play a long term character before and now I've play a white robe wizard in dragonlance to 11th level! One character for more than a year! I really appreciate the DM who's kept the game going so I could play.

Just take a break and play for a while!

 

[maggot]

Hey, thanks for all the advice. I actually play in 2 games while DMing the one. And still I would rather DM than play. So I guess I'm kind of burned out on all of them. Maybe it's time for a complete hiatus.

 

[JoeGKushner]

Maybe we should have a sticky on GM burn out?

1. Change game systems.

2. Play with new people.

3. Stop playing.

4. Stop GMing.

5. Read something for pleasure that's not game related and isn't on your normal list.

6. Start exercising with weights/running to get the brain flowing.

7. Prioritize your life and determine if the time/effort ratio is right for you.

8. Try running some premade adventures.

9. Try running some home brewed if you do premade.

10. Ask one of the other players to help you co-GM, taking over the role of minor NPC's, helping to run combats, etc...

11. Stop working so hard at GMing. If it feels like your eyes are bleeding everytime you put pen to paper, that's a warning sign. Find out where your trouble areas are. Is it players? Time spent playing? Inability to come up with 'original' ideasA?

12. Speaking of originality, there is nothing new under the sun. Everything is a variant.

13. Treat yourself to some new books via E-bay or in PDF format to cushion the price blow.

 

[maggot]

Great list. Thanks! I'm leaning toward stop playing/stop gming, and then starting over with new people, new game system, and a new genre. That should shake me out of this funk. Hopefully in time to wrap up the old game.

 

[Thornir Alekeg]

Hey, thanks for all the advice. I actually play in 2 games while DMing the one. And still I would rather DM than play. So I guess I'm kind of burned out on all of them. Maybe it's time for a complete hiatus.

This sounds to me more like an RPG burnout than a DM burnout. If your groups is a bunch of good friends, I would recommend the following:

1) Talk to your group and explain the situation. Maybe there are ways you can remove some of the things you are not enjoying like shopping trips and player complaints.

2) Consider doing other activities instead of RPGs. Play some Munchkin or wargames or other board games instead.

3) You seem to enjoy the plotting/planning aspect. Have you considered writing? Maybe that will please your creative side while not having to stress about playing things out.

Good luck.

 

[Ry]

Play a few games with a piss-poor DM... works for me

Amen.

 

[TheGemini]

Just take a break and play for a while!

This works well for me.

As a player, I am continually encumbered with DM's who recruit and then burn out. But you don't have to QUIT, just take a break. See how you feel in a couple of months. I would MUCH rather have the DM take a break to PREVENT burnout than squeeze out a few more months of play and watch him quit DM'ing the campaign entirely.

 

[Angel Tarragon]

No doubt I'm echoing what others have said, but whatever:

Be a player in someone elses game.