D&D General Prep is Not Play. . . Or is it?

[R_J_K75]

I don't consider prep to be play but rather a necessary evil that comes with being a DM. I used to read campaign books and rule supplements a lot, but I don't recall just sitting down and creating an adventure or location just for fun. I only did it if I had a reason to do so, i.e. I had a game to run or needed to expand on a region the campaign is set in. Nowadays I do as little prep as possible which is usually the day before or day of the game. it just seems more like work because the ideas don't flow as naturally as they used to.

 

[GrimCo]

For me, prep is not play. It is something that can be fun and creative activity on it's own, but it all boils down on how much free time i have for it. Last few years, i develop rough concept and throw down few ideas, have basic adventure world skeleton and then flesh out what's needed in play, usually trough on the spot improvisation.