For those of you who have set up play-by-post games, how do you do it?

[Faolyn]

By "set up," do you mean the arrangements about posting frequency, or something else?

Heh, I just posted my clarification as you posted this.

Nah, we'd decide as a group how often we want to require posts. But things like "how many channels should we set up?" Just one, or is it a good idea to have multiple channels for various aspects of play?

 

[Whizbang Dustyboots]

So, whether making a game on Discord or on a message board, how many channels/boards do you create to begin with?

I just have an in-character and an out-character thread. On Discord generally, I also add channels for handouts/reference material.

 

[Hriston]

It's customary, from what I've seen, to have an "out of character" thread for bookkeeping type things, like if someone's going to be AFK for an extended period or something, and an "in character" thread for the game itself. I'm not sure if it's necessary though. I think everything could be discussed in one thread with some method for participants to specify when they are speaking as their character, so it depends on how separate you want to keep things, which might reduce clutter. The OOC thread, or even a third thread, is sometimes also used for recruitment, although it sounds like you already have your group so probably wouldn't need that. I've also seen a separate "rogue's gallery" thread where the PC sheets are posted and updated. I've used the recruitment thread for this before.

 

[dragoner]

So, whether making a game on Discord or on a message board, how many channels/boards do you create to begin with?

As many as you need, like an in character, out of character, character sheets, equipment, etc.; better to have too many, than to put too much in one thread or channel.

 

[Piperken]

A suggestion that your group can discuss if it's necessary or not. Some PbP groups use out-of-character tags, which everyone includes in their response for the purpose of just keeping everyone on the same page, so the OOC channels don't get clogged up w/ clarification requests.

It typically can include a location the current scene is taking place, which two or more characters are in direct interaction with one another (from pov of poster), which characters are in the background (possibly seen), but present. The latter could be having their own conversation, undertaking action of some kind, or passing through to another location.

 

[bloodtide]

PBP is HARD. And SLOW. And HARD.

Get a spot online and a group of players. All you can do is HOPE everyone posts something like everyday. It is nothing short of a pure nightmare waiting for even four people to post even a simple response.

Games with one DM and one player work best. Though you still want someone who WANTS to play the game....and maybe will agree to post at least once a day.

With a group of good players an posters the game can flow great. If not....

 

[aramis erak]

I'll note that my successful PBPs have been board games. One thing that was important was how to handle non-contribution at resolution time. It's something I've noticed the better PBPs on COTI have, too.