Life changes

[der_kluge]

I stopped running the last campaign I ran, but I think it had a lot to do with the fact that it was a high level 3.5 game, and I just got bogged down with the mechanics, and it had no soul.

I'm having a lot more fun just playing. I don't have time to devote to DM'ing anymore. I don't foresee having time to devote to it for a couple of more years, actually.

I think having a really good GM really helps a lot. I'd quit playing D&D if I had a crappy GM.

As for hobbies, I think it's high time you had a kid. They can consume a *lot* of time, and they're great fun.

 

[elforcelf]

Maybe you could just read the books,not play or d.m. I have not d.m.ed for 20 years beacuse I can not find anyone. So,for 20 years I have just read the books.

 

[Acquana]

Ah, the march of time ...

Honestly the thing to remember is what made you specifically feel good about the gaming. If the gaming, the rules, the dice, aren't what turned you on ... maybe it was the storytelling. Start reading, and start writing! Maybe it was the social interaction with your friends. Make excuses for your friends to come over, become the party host! Maybe it was the genre. Start reading into old mythology, folktales, and pulp fantasy!

The important thing is knowing what it was that you really liked about the game, if it wasn't the game itself. Myself, I love, love, love storytelling in all forms. I acted through middle school, I'm working on my own comics, I write in my spare time, and I can do just about all those with roleplaying. In my own games we have very little combat, it's almost entirely about character. And that's what we love.

If the game isn't bringing you joy, just find something tangental that you really love. There's so much in this world!

I really enjoyed meeting you and your wife at the GenCon that I went to, so I wanna know that where ever you are, you're still cheerful and having fun!

Let us know how things are going now and again! After all, it's not like this place isn't named after you!

 

[IronWolf]

You have to go with what feels right. If RPGs aren't fun anymore then you are doing the right thing by looking at other hobbies. It may just be that time. Besides, you can always come back and start gaming again anytime you want. To stop now does not mean stopping forever. And on that note, I suggest *not* selling your gaming books as if you do come back (whether in 5 years, 10 years or whenever) you will be glad to have those books to look back on! I know I am glad I didn't dump any of my old D&D books when I took a leave of absence from gaming.

Good luck finding a hobby that will give you a breath of fresh air!

 

[Umbran]

I'll admit, I find it a bit odd that people find leaving the hobby to be such a big deal. Heck, I find it odd they refer to "leaving" the hobby. The hobby is never farther away than your bookshelf and your phone - get a couple people together, pull out the books, and whammo, there you are. "Leaving the hobby" is like saying going out on your porch is leaving the house.

Finding a new hobby isn't redefining yourself. It is merely discovering somehting about yourself you may not have known. And anyone who stops doing that probably ought to be in a casket anyway. So go ahead and explore. The Hobby won't get all jealous and spiteful that you went out and spent time with some other hussy hobby.

 

[Ankh-Morpork Guard]

The Hobby won't get all jealous and spiteful that you went out and spent time with some other hussy hobby.

Obviously, someone's never tried to leave The Hobby.

 

[Steve Jung]

Obviously, someone's never tried to leave The Hobby.

I know. The last time I tried, they put a pegasus head in my bed.

If D&D isn't fun for you anymore, Eric, then it's not worth spending time on. As far as missing your players, is there something else you can do with them?

 

[der_kluge]

I know. The last time I tried, they put a pegasus head in my bed.

Steve, I LOL'd at this.

But I do have to know - how did you know it was the head of a pegasus, if it was just the head??

 

[Dannyalcatraz]

Trying to help

But I do have to know - how did you know it was the head of a pegasus, if it was just the head??

Horse Feathers!

I'm currently going through some burnout myself. I've been playing RPGs since 1977 and I love 'em...but my current group is plain vanilla 3Ed D&D only, and has been since the game came out- before then it was 2Ed & the occasional game of RIFTS. Once upon a time, I played in 4 campaigns at a time, each in a different system; its been 5 years since I've played a superhero or western or sci-fi PC- and even when I run a game, it must be D&D and nothing else. I actually stopped my last campaign because I had essentially run dry of good ideas for adventures (and other stuff like players moving out of state, admittedly).

So I empathize with you EN!

1) Is it just D&D that is leaving you cold or is it all RPGs? Perhaps a change of game will do you good, and there are plenty of them out there.

2) RPGs and healthy living are not any more incompatible than reading good literature and healthy living. Instead of grabbing Jolt Cola and Tostitos when you sit down to game, grab a glass of O.J. and some trail mix.

3) I don't know you, so I don't know your other hobbies and personal preferences. Personally, I enjoy playing volleyball among other things- especially against good players. Its nearly as good exercise as basketball but has much less contact, so there's less chance of injury, and there's nothing like a 60mph spike to the face to sharpen your focus. I also get enjoyment and exercise out of playing catch with a frisbee or football, walking my dog or playing with her (she's a Border Collie, so wearing her out takes work), or playing in the occasional soccer or street hockey game (usually as the goalie). Hells Bells- even walking (especially in certain environments, like a museum) or biking can be good fun!

 

[Rel]

I'll admit, I find it a bit odd that people find leaving the hobby to be such a big deal. Heck, I find it odd they refer to "leaving" the hobby. The hobby is never farther away than your bookshelf and your phone - get a couple people together, pull out the books, and whammo, there you are. "Leaving the hobby" is like saying going out on your porch is leaving the house.

Aw, c'mon Umbran. You surely must admit that roleplaying isn't quite like many other hobbies. I mean, if you like playing guitar then you can just pick it up and play. And if you want to play with others then you can probably find a local guitar class where you can do so. The cooperative nature of roleplaying means that establishing ties to a good group is essential for it to be the most fun it can be. Look at how many people there are at ENWorld alone who would like to be playing but aren't because they can't seem to find a decent group (or any group at all for that matter).

None of which is to say that Eric should continue playing if he isn't enjoying it. I merely contend that roleplaying is a bit different than most other hobbies in terms of the time you commit to it and the social circumstances under which you commit that time. Leaving that behind will leave a substantial void in your schedule and perhaps even your social circle. And reestablishing those ties isn't always easy.

Nonetheless, I echo Steve Jung in urging Eric to find ways to stay in touch with the players if they're good people who he likes to be with.