The feel of playing the game -- DM POV vs. Player POV

[Castellan]

When I DM, I try to focus on the players' goals and ideas that they're voicing. This provides me with a tremendous amount of plot and sub-plot elements. I also make sure that success is a very real possibility, and will alter my adventure design if it looks like some cool puzzle or situation I created isn't solvable or enjoyable for the players. I don't always succeed, but I believe that it's important to try to keep everyone involved and keep the adventure interesting.

When I play, I tend to be a lot quieter, and sometimes feel like I'm being less interactive. I think there are two reasons for this: (1) When I play, as interested as I am, I just don't want to be doing -- or perceived as doing -- "all the work." I like to focus more on my character, and develop compelling personality and motivations. (2) It's more subjective, but I can quickly become bored during a game session, especially if the DM has a set plot, and we're not figuring out what he wants us to do (I'm finding that very few other DMs I know are willing to change their plot to suit their players). This tends to send me deeper into character motivation, as I look for something to do during these times.

I certainly enjoy playing on both sides of the DM screen, but I prefer to be running the game over playing. I've only ever played the game with one other person who managed to keep the game exciting enough for me throughout the whole experience. So, in that case, I prefer running things and trying to make the game as exciting and interesting as possible.

 

[velm]

I think I would rather play than run a game, but only with a good DM. I hate being in a game with a poor DM, it takes ALL the fun out of it.

As a player I can be that character and have fun. I can explore new options and try things from a different perspective. I can be that dottering mage, or that crafty rogue. I can get attached to that character. I never know what is around that corner, and everything is a surprise.

As a DM, I have control of a situation. I do have fun, but not as much as a when I play with a good DM. I find that when I play under a bad DM or just an ok DM or a DM on a bad night, I am always thinking on how things could have been handled differently. I know what I want in a game, a nice mix of getting in a character, the 'middle stuff', and action. I try to give my PC's the same thing. As a DM, though, I do find it interesting when the PCs do things in unexpected ways that confound me. For being creative and thinking 'out of the box' I will generally reward them with an xp bonus.

 

[dren]

I play to interact with the players, the DM and the setting in character.

I DM to interact with the players and subtlely control the setting to both challenge the players, tell a story, and the magic of having the players interact with each other as their characters.

DMing is much, much harder, but for me, incredibly rewarding when the right balance of character, challenge and story are present.