Interviewing New Players

[Seonaid]

First question, "You want to hit the mall?" or "A few freinds are hitting the ."movie gaming group will like" movie, want to come with?".

<snip>

Invite them over to somewhere to play a few videogames and measure thier reactions, some groups can handle players who yell out ethnic slurs along with trash talk, some groups can't.

I don't agree with this one. I definitely wouldn't be comfortable hanging out on the first date, so to speak. You don't know me so you want to get to know me, that's cool, but I also don't know you. Yes, a public place like a mall or a movie theater is okay, but why would I say yes if I don't know you?

I agree that it's not good to game with people you don't like. But asking them before meeting them to come over or to hang out is not the best way to get to know them, IMO.

 

[The_Universe]

What do you like to play? Why?

What have you played in the past? (in case it wasn't obvious from the above)

Just so you know, we do X, is that cool with you? (X = something unique to your group, or at least somewhat different that your group does.)

What kinds of characters do you like to play?

Have you had experience with Y? (Y = common campaign element or theme that may not have been present in previous experiences)

If that works out, start with a game, and then move on to "hanging out" from there.

 

[xnosipjpqmhd]

"Are you a good house-guest?"

Who would answer "no" to this? Seems a little too subjective.

ironregime

 

[Sidereal Knight]

In my opinion, the interview was key... Call me paranoid, but I wouldn't invite a complete stranger to my house for 4 hours. I need to know more about someone before I extend an invitation.

Earlier this year, my group decided to add another player or two. We had several responses to our ENWorld ad, and met three of them for coffee. Luckily all of the existing group members were able to attend, so we all got to meet the prospective players and ask some questions.

Things we asked:

What RPGs have you played?
What RPGs do you like best? Least?
What is your play style? (Tactical, storytelling, etc.)
What character classes do you prefer to play?
What character classes to you avoid playing?

In my opinion, the new person is not only a new player... he or she may also be a new friend. I would suggest asking about personal background (job, hobbies, family, preferred reading material, etc.).

Make sure you bring up any special considerations, such as pets or children in the home. Also, smoking may be an issue you will want to address.

We were lucky enough that all three people we interviewed would have been welcomed on a trial basis. Ultimately, we decided to add only one person, and he has been a good addition to the group. If another spot opened up, it's likely that we would contact the other folks first.

 

[Harmon]

What happened with your last group?

How many groups have you gamed with?

What was the longest running group you have ever been with?

Are all your friends gamers?

What books do you read?

Do you have your own set of books? Are you gonna bring them or expect to have them loaned to you?

Do you wash your hands after using the restroom? (This tells you how clean they try to be.)

At the coffee shop, or resturant spill a little of your drink on the table (don't make a mess), if they help you clean up then they will more then likely be good guests, if they expect the waitress to get the mess then no they will not.

Have them meet you at an exact time- if they show early then this is good, if they are late, then expect them to be unreliable.

Watch them. Do they say "excuse me," when they pass by someone? Do they smile at the waitresses or help at the place where you meet? Do they shake hands like a limp dead fish or like a person with a vise grip?

Have them ask you questions too, or volunteer the answers to your own questions. They might have issues with your answers.

Good luck.

 

[Lonely Tylenol]

"How would you get to the game?"
- The correct answer is you would drive. Again, bad experiences with those who can not afford their own transportation or those who don't have the wherewithal to obtain a drivers' licence. If I lived in a town where public transportation was a bigger player, than this question might be less inmportant.

Where the heck do you live, that people without cars are some sort of paraiahs?

 

[Aus_Snow]

Where the heck do you live, that people without cars are some sort of paraiahs?

Uh, yeah. Two of the people I regularly roleplay with don't own cars, and don't even drive. They work, however, and have busy social lives. What gives? :\

 

[Darmanicus]

Just see if you get along with the person, you don't really need to ask anything specific, it'll usually just come out during the course of yer meet.

 

[fusangite]

Uh, yeah. Two of the people I regularly roleplay with don't own cars, and don't even drive. They work, however, and have busy social lives. What gives? :\

I was going to make a similar comment earlier on but then I read the Baron's post more carefully. He was specifically referring to carless people in small communities. I don't know how to drive. But that's directly associated with my decision to live in communities where I can retain an independent lifestyle without bumming rides off people all the time. In North America, at least, you need between 100,000 and 500,000 (depending on the kind of government and culture you have) in a community before the carless lifestyle starts working. I tried living in a town of 84,000 with no car for a few months -- it was not on.

 

[Aus_Snow]

I was going to make a similar comment earlier on but then I read the Baron's post more carefully. He was specifically referring to carless people in small communities. I don't know how to drive. But that's directly associated with my decision to live in communities where I can retain an independent lifestyle without bumming rides off people all the time.

Ah. Right you are, fusangite. I should've looked (more thoroughly) before I typed.

My apologies, Baron Opal. I think that I agree with your suggestions and conclusions. . . now that I've read them.