billd91
Not your screen monkey (he/him) 🇺🇦🇵🇸🏳️⚧️
I don't think this is particularly the impact of character builder tools. If they're not engaging with the rules (or your texts), it's not because they're using a character builder. It's because they're not engaging with that method or facet of the game. Maybe you can prod them to be more into it, but a lot of people just aren't all that literate. And I don't mean with respect to ability to read words and comprehend them. They just don't like interacting with text very much.I think this has been a long time coming, going all the way back to the 2E Core Rules program. I think more and more players are using character creation programs as a substitute for actually reading the rules. They can't even identify when something isn't right with their character.
I come to the conclusion that they didn't even read the text I sent them, maybe at the least skimmed it but I doubt they even did that.
If I get a new player, I'll help them out for the first few sessions, making their first PC, but after 3-4 games it's their responsibility to take initiative and read the rules at least what applies to their character, general combat and skills. It's not fair for players to expect the DM to learn and memorize all the rules.
Consider recording a Tik Tok or two about rules relevant to them. Or, less jokingly, a short, bullet-pointed summary or PowerPoint that at least helps them avoid feeling mired in text.