I think a big part of it is how you frame your game? That’s both advertising / pre-session expectation setting and then clarity in session 0. It all works together to get everybody on the same page up front.
I’ve done that with 5 very successful online groups now. There was some churn up front in a couple of them as I ironed out vibes and compatibility via discussions and interviews, and I had to get better at how I did my framing to ensure there was inherent filtering going on in who replied, but things hum along nicely now.
Key aspects I establish before session 0 even:
- day and time. If I don’t have this listed up front (7-10Pm EST, Thursday’s bi-weekly) we figure that out first. Scheduling is the killer, getting everybody to be comfortable with a consistent space is key.
- General expectations. Here’s my starting assumptions about the game, here’s where I need you all as players to step up and contribute. No progressing further without some base excitement about what I’m proposing and initial buy-in via players tossing ideas out there.
- Firm session 0 building on above. Find out what excites the players in the campaign doc, get everybody cohered with connections with each other and the world. Ensure the table environment feels like a safe and inviting space to unleash our shared imaginations.
