Is "finding the right players" a solvable problem, or just luck?

[jdrakeh]

That may also be due to timing. The late 90s was when TSR was failing and D&D was losing significant market share. The years preceding 3e's release was prime for 3rd parties.

That's true.

 

[SableWyvern]

Getting rando off the street to play something besides 5e....not happening.

If a rando off the street is interested in playing at all, why would they only want to play D&D? Does, "rando off the street" actually mean, "An existing D&D fan sourced from a D&D community"?

If the rando knows basically nothing about TTRPGs, there is no reason for them to insist they only want to play D&D.

If the rando knows a a little, and has only really heard of D&D, they may express their interest as an interest in D&D but, in my experience they react very well to, "What I run isn't technically D&D, but it's essentially the same thing."

I've had a number of people approach me regarding gaming, either because they're interested in playing or just interested in understanding what it's about. I don't recall anyone being less interested after learning I run non-D&D games. In fact, they almost entirely haven't cared about the distinction at all.

It feels to me that many people are going to D&D communities looking for players and then becoming frustrated when they discover people in D&D-spaces want to play D&D.

 

[Scott Christian]

Yeah, it's a compliment that players like you enough that they want to bring their friends to you. But the truth is that you can't bring in everybody. A game for everyone is a game for no one. Paradoxically, your players have a great time because it's meant just for them (and you!)

If you don't mind my asking, what does your screening process look like?

Honestly, it's no different than if I were trying to make a friend. It's not really about "gaming qualities." I can't really quantify it, but upon reflection it's about consistency, honesty, communication, maturity, and kindness. Someone can have a bad day. Someone can go radio silent. Someone can be immature. But, if they are consistently those other things, then no big deal. Just like a friendship, there are highs and lows. But since I have been a teenager, I have mostly been about being in the middle. So maybe that's why I look for consistency.

A Note about "gaming qualities: I know this might not be the case for some, and I readily admit it might work the opposite for some tables. But I have always found that if we all like one another and are kind to one another (which means taking into account the other person's feelings), then table playstyle doesn't matter as much as what it seems on internet forums. Are there still better fits for a table full of kind players? Sure. Our table right now definitely does better with a more "railroady" scheme. But in my past experiences, with all types of campaign styles, it matters less and less if the people enjoy the company of one another.

(I am going to put a caveat in this: I have never played a campaign where we didn't have a foreseeable end date. Most of the time it's the GM saying: "I think this will take six months?" That is important, because for those playing there non preferred playstyle understand they aren't locked into a five-year story.)

 

[RenleyRenfield]

If a rando off the street is interested in playing at all, why would they only want to play D&D? Does, "rando off the street" actually mean, "An existing D&D fan sourced from a D&D community"?

Wow you took a wrong assumption and ran with it!

Rando off the street implies very strongly: "not sourced from any community in particular, just a random gamer as random gets".

I myself have wandered many big conventions, walked up to random people who were milling about, and offered to run them games of all sorts. As well, locally we have generic /RPG forums, clubs, and meetups. A surprising large number of people who go to those have never played any RPG at all.