Keeping the players focused?

[Breakstone]

I've had problems in the past in my game when the players just weren't into the game. They were distracted, making jokes, or talking about other subjects.

Does anyone have any tips on keeping the players focused?

 

[Sagan Darkside]

Salutations,

I have found that the general environment of the gaming impacts a lot of it.

Before we played at my place, we played at a buddy's house- and used his couches in a room with tv and video games.

It got better once we moved it to my place- I have a room set aside for gaming, and everyone sits up and faces each other. The tv is also in another room.

It may also depend on the type of game your players want- if they are casual players, then they may just want to joke around and such.

The only other tip I can think of besides talking to them about it is trying to change up your sessions. Have on session be a tough dungeon crawl, the next a political-type rp'ng, another a run-around type. Try to keep track of whats gets your players involved the most- and try to work more of that into your adventures.

Good luck
SD

 

[Sam]

I've had problems in the past in my game when the players just weren't into the game. They were distracted, making jokes, or talking about other subjects.

Does anyone have any tips on keeping the players focused?

When that's happened in my game (which is very infrequently), it's usually because we're in the middle of a role-playing heavy situation and it's just one of those times when they'd rather hack than talk. Happens to the best of us from time to time.

When it does happen, I normally try to move into a combat session, even if its an obligatory thug attack. If that doesn't get them back into shape, I'd probably end the session. Its not worth getting worked up about it. Sometimes the group mind just isn't into gaming.

That said, if you've got a situation where you, as a GM, would like them to stay in character the whole evening, and they, as players, are more likely to quote Monty Python, or "attack the darkness", then you need to try to reconcile your styles. You may need to find a new group, or perhaps you and your group can find a middle ground.

 

[Piratecat]

We use The Piggy. We have a piggy bank on the gaming table; OOC puns cost $.05, OOC comments ("You see that TV show?") cost $.10, and old war stories ("I used to have this cool character...") cost $.25. I've heard of some people who charge $.50 for Monty Python lines, too.

This isn't for everyone, but it works great for us. The mere reminder of the Piggy keeps us focused and on topic, so its only rarely that people pay. Even better, we use the money for soda!

Anyways, we use this in all four games I regularly play in, and we wouldn't give it up.

 

[haiiro]

Where you play can make a big difference. I always find sitting in a chair - not on the couch, or in an armchair, etc. - makes a big difference. Being around a table with maps, minis and all makes it easier to focus than lounging around the living room.

The single biggest factor for me, though, has always been the DM's own focus level - if she's focused and intent on the game, everyone else perks up and tries to meet that standard. Most of the time.

One group I game with has this house rule: if you want to say something OOC, you have to put your hand on top of your head. You look like a dork, but it makes it clear what's IC/OOC, and keeps you from talking OOC too much. Works well.

 

[jdavis]

We used to play where once you sat down everything you said was in character, if you wanted to say something out of character you either had to stand up or state this is out of character first. It worked alright but we don't play that way anymore, the sessions are more relaxed and we we laugh and have fun with the game instead of taking it serious.