D&D General Talking about Stepping Away from D&D?

[Retreater]

Have any of you had "the talk" at your table?
My players don't follow the news and likely know nothing (and care nothing) about the situation. But I'm running two weekly 5e games, and I'm not feeling it anymore.
I don't want to look at the books. I don't want to go with the group to watch the movie together. I don't want to drink from my D&D Tumbler. I don't want this brand in my life.
I'm wondering how the discussion might go. How do I address that I want to stop playing their favorite game because of some idealogical dispute with a corporation? How do I frame this in a way so we can all keep having fun without me looking even more dishevelled than usual?

 

[GMMichael]

Tell them you've found a game called Modos RPG?

 

[DeviousQuail]

Tell them it's burnout. Whether they understand or have an opinion on the OGL situation can help them understand why you're feeling this way. But even if they don't they should understand burnout. Asking to try a new system, switching to board/video games, or some other group activity for a while doesn't hurt. Worse case scenario if they want to come back to DnD and you don't then perhaps it's a parting of ways.

 

[Maxperson]

Have any of you had "the talk" at your table?
My players don't follow the news and likely know nothing (and care nothing) about the situation. But I'm running two weekly 5e games, and I'm not feeling it anymore.
I don't want to look at the books. I don't want to go with the group to watch the movie together. I don't want to drink from my D&D Tumbler. I don't want this brand in my life.
I'm wondering how the discussion might go. How do I address that I want to stop playing their favorite game because of some idealogical dispute with a corporation? How do I frame this in a way so we can all keep having fun without me looking even more dishevelled than usual?

Before they released 5.1 into CC I wasn't going to touch WotC with a 10' pole. Now? I'm open to seeing what they do with 5.5. Their actions will determine if I spend any more money on their products. That said, my group was on the verge of going back to 3.5 anyway. We may do that when I start my next campaign. I really don't know.

 

[Deset Gled]

First, this is a discussion that should be had away from the gaming table. You can get the group together for a non-gaming event, or discuss it with people individually; whatever works for you social dynamic. But don't interrupt scheduled game time for it.

Second, whatever the outcome, make sure your current games come to some type of natural conclusion. Don't cut off a story. You owe it to yourself and the group to not let a company take that from you.

 

[AnotherGuy]

I told my players after the current campaign is done I'm going run something different. I'm fortunate in that they have experienced other rpg systems and they're more than willing to explore.

I think for the OP you could try one or more once-off sessions using other rpgs and take it from there, noting your players' preferences.

 

[S'mon]

I think my group (of about 25-30 players, ie several intermixed tables & VTT groups) is kind of in flux. I'm still running 5e but am running Dragonbane for the first time Sunday, and in future am definitely looking at less D&D, especially Current D&D and more other systems. In particular no one aware of the situation wants to give WoTC more money. I was happily relieved that the players I spoke with were very much up for trying Dragonbane, except my son (15) - "I don't like new things".

 

[gamerprinter]

I did that back at the very end of D&D 3.5, when I went to Pathfinder as a player and a publisher. I haven't returned to D&D since. As a publisher, I got encouraged to create custom Spelljammer ships and deck plans to release as 3PP on the DM's Guild, which I'm about to release. So as a publisher, I am trying to support D&D once again, but my table doesn't play 5e at all. While I am doing this one book at least, so am supporting the game, but not playing it, maybe never...

 

[Zardnaar]

I'm running D6 Star Wars on Sunday.

 

[Greg K]

I was just talking with my "brother from another mother". We had been discussing gaming via either a vtt or something like Zoom once we both get over some health issues. D&D was one of the possible games since his daughter had begun playing 5e and he had bought the core books as a result.

The OGL issue came up in our most recent coversation. I told him that my preference is to run Savage Worlds, but I would be willing to run 5e using primarily the online Basic set, SRD, and third party material (mostly free or inexpensive material). He was fine with either and, being a bit annoyed with WOTC, was willing to play with what he had.

Although, I am annoyed with WOTC, I just took advantage of a very good sale to get the DMG and PHB. At some point, I'll probably also pick up the Monster Manual, both Mordenkainen books, Ghosts of Saltmarsh, and, maybe, Tasha's. However, any WOTC books I do purchase will either be second hand or at a good sale price. Anything else will be third party.

 

[TheSword]

Have any of you had "the talk" at your table?
My players don't follow the news and likely know nothing (and care nothing) about the situation. But I'm running two weekly 5e games, and I'm not feeling it anymore.
I don't want to look at the books. I don't want to go with the group to watch the movie together. I don't want to drink from my D&D Tumbler. I don't want this brand in my life.
I'm wondering how the discussion might go. How do I address that I want to stop playing their favorite game because of some idealogical dispute with a corporation? How do I frame this in a way so we can all keep having fun without me looking even more dishevelled than usual?

We had the talk. Nobody seemed particularly bothered. We had a fairly neutral discussion about it the same way we would if Netlflix changed it’s policy on password sharing or if the local comic shop changed hands. Then we carried on playing. Particularly now that the dispute has been resolved.

Let’s be honest this in definitely not the first time you’ve felt this way or been disenchanted with the system or your players. Are you sure this isn’t just a manifestation of your feelings about 5e that were there a looooong time before January?

 

[Dioltach]

We've had this talk a few times with one of my groups, but nothing to do with WotC or D&D as a brand. Just burnout. As the forever DM, I was quite frank: I needed to do something else. We played boardgames for a few years, switched to D&D (including E6) to play via Skype during the pandemic, now we're nominally playing Star Wars d20 but in practice playing boardgames (Dark Side Rising, w00t!).

 

[Retreater]

Let’s be honest this in definitely not the first time you’ve felt this way or been disenchanted with the system or your players. Are you sure this isn’t just a manifestation of your feelings about 5e that were there a looooong time before January?

That's possible.
In the case of one group I'm getting increasingly frustrated and bored. I've also tried other systems to shake it up, but it hasn't solved the underlying problem.
So for that group, I'm planning on one or two more sessions to end it with a suitable climax to the campaign. And then I'm on holiday. (I've been running for them weekly for 3 years.)
The other group is my in-person group with the neighborhood teens and families. I've been running for them for only about 5 months, and it's been delightful (the dragon folding boat incident, notwithstanding - even if that managed to be memorable).
And honestly, it's the neighborhood group I'm most worried about disappointing. We're fostering a teenager who desperately needs this positive interaction with his peers. My wife is having a blast.
I was planning adventures to get us to 15th level and had a second 5e campaign ready to go after that.
That group finds so much joy in the experience, and they're not jaded. They'd probably have a great time even playing an adventure I've rated 1-star.
But I hate seeing the WotC stuff. They're loving the game so much they're buying merch and wearing it to the game, telling their friends how great "D&D" is - and I find myself wishing I could redirect that enthusiasm to another game.

 

[aco175]

It has not affected my group. We are still looking forward to going to the local Convention in a few weeks and playing our weekly game. There is some boredom with the Against the Giants adventure, but that is the adventure itself. I have the new box set that I have been working on for the next campaign which should last another year of play, so by that time the new 1D&D will come out and I can decide if I want to support them or get another 3pp adventure.

 

[payn]

But I hate seeing the WotC stuff. They're loving the game so much they're buying merch and wearing it to the game, telling their friends how great "D&D" is - and I find myself wishing I could redirect that enthusiasm to another game.

Folks arrive at decisions about this kind of thing at their own pace. I understand the social aspect of the game and how you want to take the group with you. Though, you may have to settle for stepping aside yourself. If they ask why, then tell them you dont care for WotC and 5E. Though, be straight and talk from your own perspective and let folks make their own decisions.

Perhaps, you can hand the reins over to somebody else. Take a supplementary role in the group. Be a DM advisor, a teacher, etc.. Help them learn and experience the hobby you love from a distance you can stomach. In time, folks will get curious about other systems, particularly your takes, and then you will be able to bring folks over earnestly.

My two coppers.

 

[Velderan]

That's possible.
In the case of one group I'm getting increasingly frustrated and bored. I've also tried other systems to shake it up, but it hasn't solved the underlying problem.
So for that group, I'm planning on one or two more sessions to end it with a suitable climax to the campaign. And then I'm on holiday. (I've been running for them weekly for 3 years.)
The other group is my in-person group with the neighborhood teens and families. I've been running for them for only about 5 months, and it's been delightful (the dragon folding boat incident, notwithstanding - even if that managed to be memorable).
And honestly, it's the neighborhood group I'm most worried about disappointing. We're fostering a teenager who desperately needs this positive interaction with his peers. My wife is having a blast.
I was planning adventures to get us to 15th level and had a second 5e campaign ready to go after that.
That group finds so much joy in the experience, and they're not jaded. They'd probably have a great time even playing an adventure I've rated 1-star.
But I hate seeing the WotC stuff. They're loving the game so much they're buying merch and wearing it to the game, telling their friends how great "D&D" is - and I find myself wishing I could redirect that enthusiasm to another game.

It would be worth asking your group what do they enjoy about it and see if another game offers the same experience. When my table talked about switching, people generally seemed to not overly care what we were playing as long as we get to tell bad jokes and hang out for 3 hours on Monday evenings. Explain to your group why you're not enjoying running 5e, maybe there's a middle ground that comes out of that conversation that could make things fun for you while letting your players still play D&D. Level Up and Kobold Press comes to mind as 5e alternatives.

Otherwise, it wouldn't hurt to offer some alternatives you'd be interested in running and have an idea what switching might mean for your players. Do they need to buy their own materials? If so, how much does that cost? Everyone's financial situation is different so some of your players might not have the money to switch games.

 

[billd91]

There's definitely no talk about stepping away from D&D with the groups I'm playing with. One group has briefly stepped aside to try Masks and maybe another game or two (a chunk of the group is relatively new to RPGs), but that was decided before the OGL debacle. And the other group, well, when the OGL issue came up, a common sentiment was actually "Good!" As much as they do enjoy playing D&D, they haven't been fans of how the OGL has affected the 3pp market over the past 20-odd years.

 

[iserith]

And honestly, it's the neighborhood group I'm most worried about disappointing. We're fostering a teenager who desperately needs this positive interaction with his peers. My wife is having a blast.
I was planning adventures to get us to 15th level and had a second 5e campaign ready to go after that.
That group finds so much joy in the experience, and they're not jaded. They'd probably have a great time even playing an adventure I've rated 1-star.
But I hate seeing the WotC stuff. They're loving the game so much they're buying merch and wearing it to the game, telling their friends how great "D&D" is - and I find myself wishing I could redirect that enthusiasm to another game.

Have you considered just forgetting about the "idealogical dispute with a corporation" and not allowing such things to affect you? It looks like there are some good examples of people doing this in your neighborhood group already.

 

[vigames]

How do I address that I want to stop playing their favorite game because of some idealogical dispute with a corporation?

Just be honest and explain to them that you are an emotionally stunted child who gets upset when adults threaten to take you toys away

 

[edosan]

Burnout is real, and everyone needs to figure out how much of it is DM burnout and now much of it is 5e related. Maybe you need a new system, maybe you need to take some time off DMing in general.

We had the talk. Nobody seemed particularly bothered. We had a fairly neutral discussion about it the same way we would if Netlflix changed it’s policy on password sharing or if the local comic shop changed hands. Then we carried on playing. Particularly now that the dispute has been resolved.

Personal observation: outside of the RPG blogosphere/echo chamber, the recent unpleasantness isn't seen as that big of a deal. In our realm it's a massive concern but I doubt any of my players have heard about it at all - they sure haven't mentioned it and I'm not planning on bringing it up now. I assume they'd have the same level of concern that TheSword's players would.