PBEM RPGs -- Questions

[Ottergame]

You have to have everyone there with you in a face to face game too. It's easier to line up people for an online chatroom game. The pace isn't to great in a chatroom game either, I have figured it to be something like 4-5 times slower than a face to face game. But at least I don't have to wait several hours/days between actions.

 

[Agamon]

The pace and play style is different, but I'm not sure if it's better or worse. There are a number of advantages to playing PbEM over table top, the biggest being the level of roleplaying. My last homebrew D&D campaign was great, rp-wise, but doesn't even compare to the two PbP games I'm playing right now.

If the game you're playing isn't roleplay intensive, then it wouldn't be well suited to PbEM. I play in Living Greyhawk because it's fun to sit with some friends for a few hours and kill some monsters and take their stuff. But I can't imagine playing that way in a PbEM, it'd be terribly dull.

 

[nimisgod]

PBEM RPGs certainly cater to a specific type of gamer. They are slow and if the GM is not organized enough, confusing. Add to those the fact that not a lot of PBEM RPGs last long.

On the other hand though, PBEM RPGs tend to be very thorough in RP. It allows everyone involved to flesh out their stories in writing. It also allows people from all over the world to participate in a wonderful and creative pasttime.

How do I know? My own PBEM has been running for almost 2 years now. I currently have 10 players (and still kinda looking for two more), only a few of which were there at the beginning. People will flit in and out depending on whether the GM's style is suited for them.