What questions should I ask to get good feedback as a DM?

[Elodan]

Over the past year I've run 15 - 20 sessions of an Age of Worms campaign (we rotate DMs and campaigns). I wanted to get feedback on how I'm doing and my house rules.

What are some good questions to ask my players to get useful feedback?

Thanks.

 

[Professor Phobos]

"Hey guys, how's the campaign going?"

"Give me some feedback!"

"FEEDBACK NOW, PUNY MORTALS, OR I WILL SMASH YOU!"

It can be helpful to be specific, though, as you'll get better answers. Ask about...

1. Pacing
2. Themes, motifs and tone
3. Ratio of combat/drama/investigation.
4. Style- I'm often told I don't pay enough attention to the rules, that I'm too fast and loose. So I try to keep this in mind.
5. Physical setting of the game and scheduling. (This matters!)
6. Character development and player "screen time."
7. Plot and NPC feedback. Find out if they hate the villain as much as they should, if they care about the damsels, if they want to know who killed Bob, etc.

 

[Elodan]

It can be helpful to be specific, though, as you'll get better answers. Ask about...

Thanks, I'm looking for specific questions as my generic "how's the campaign going" gets me a "fine" answer every time. I figure specifics will give them a chance to really think it over.

 

[Bad Paper]

"Did you have fun?"

 

[howandwhy99]

Always best to start with the positives.

"Do I suck?"

 

[pawsplay]

Thanks, I'm looking for specific questions as my generic "how's the campaign going" gets me a "fine" answer every time. I figure specifics will give them a chance to really think it over.

If it's "fine" and they're still playing, then things are probably going pretty good.

 

[maddman75]

I found "What was your favorite part" and "What was your least favorite part" to be illuminating.

 

[DethStryke]

At the end of every session, I hand out a 4x6 index card split into 3 sections - a question at the top and plenty of room to write a response.

1. What did you like most overall this session?

2. What did you NOT like most overall this session?

3. Personal best moment?

I also have a small speech for it, to introduce or remind players why I do this:

"These cards are how I evaluate what everyone thinks about the game as a whole. The more truth you put on the card, the better future games will be; so don't worry about hurting my feelings. I'm more concerned about making a game that everyone enjoys than everyone trying to not hurt my feelings. This is because I base storyline and detail decisions on what all the players like or dislike. I will pay attention to your opinions and respond as necessary. The more detail you give me, the better of an experience I can provide for you as I will try to do things that everyone enjoys. It also lets me evaluate what is working and what is not as I try new things."

I make sure that the player name and session date is on the card so I can easily reference it, but I also promise confidentiality so no one else gets to read them. While I don't have a problem being told something I did was horrible, I know some people get very defensive or hurt. I avoid Drama Llama situations if at all possible.

 

[Henry]

Following that vein:

1. Are you having fun with the campaign?

2. What has been your favorite part or parts?

3. What has been your least favorite part or parts?

4. Is there any particular character goal you'd like to see realized?

5. Any comments you'd like to make not covered above? (I'll take good or bad ones!)

Keeping it simple and not like a formal test or form, just a few questions should cover most of your bases.

Also, can't recommend enough Robin's Laws of Good Gamemastering. I believe it even covers questionnaires for players, IIRC.

 

[Wraith Form]

Always best to start with the positives.

"Do I suck?"

Q f T.