What to do now?

[Calico_Jack73]

I've come to the conclusion that I am going to have to hang up the dice bag for some time if not for good. A combination of geographic location and parental responsibility have conspired to make finding a group with a compatable schedule a fruitless endeavor. I've joined a couple groups but the last time I played with a group that I really got into the game was 7 years ago. Since then the games have been fun but somehow less than satisfying. I feel like if anything I've been gaming for the past couple years not because I really enjoy it but because I didn't know what else to do.

Here is the question, I've been gaming for so long, what do I do now? I'd prefer not to shut myself inside my house and play nothing but console/computer games. What do most gamers take up for a hobby when it is time to put the dice away?

(Egads!!! This is the first Christmas where I am not interested in receiving anything gaming related!)

 

[Festivus]

Why not give online virtual gaming a try? Fantasy Grounds, OpenRPG, etc, are all great ways to play roleplaying games online without leaving the house.

 

[Crothian]

You can also join a play by e-mail or play by post. They are slower and usually are much better for people with busy lives.

 

[Psion]

I've come to the conclusion that I am going to have to hang up the dice bag for some time if not for good. A combination of geographic location and parental responsibility have conspired to make finding a group with a compatable schedule a fruitless endeavor.

I hit a dry spell recently... but I discovered the people are out there, and want to game too, but you just have to find them.

Which, unfortunately, isn't easy.

I'd say kick back, enjoy your break, but keep the feelers out there. Visit various gamers seeking gamers forums, see it there's a meetup.com group near you, etc.

 

[Lockridge]

I've found this to be a common complaint. Many people grow up with their groups and evolve to prefer that style. I've felt the same way in my last two groups over the last 5 years since getting back into D&D. Style of game and player personality were sometimes not ideal and I found myself attending games out of habit instead of enjoyment.

As for what to do now. Well I'm trying to answer that as well and my presence here is part of the answer. Also, sometimes I continue to buy gaming products for something to read instead of something to play. I do play computer games to pass the time although, like you, I have parental obligations so free time is not really an issue with me - there is none.
I also enjoy reading. There are several threads already going with reading recommendations. Another possibility is to try something like designing an adventure as though you were to publish it.
Oh and there are also board games. Fantasy Flight and others have good D&D style board games.
Of course you can also find out what your non-gaming friends are doing and join in.
Good luck in whatever you choose but stick around the boards too.

 

[Xer0]

Jack, you're near Woodbridge? Have you tried the Game Parlour? I'm pretty sure they've got a posting board at the store for people looking for games.

 

[Calico_Jack73]

Jack, you're near Woodbridge? Have you tried the Game Parlour? I'm pretty sure they've got a posting board at the store for people looking for games.

Yeah I looked there and formed a group that lasted for a few months. Incompatable schedules got in the way. They wanted me to be more flexible with the schedule and I was in a situation where I couldn't.

 

[Xer0]

Yeah I looked there and formed a group that lasted for a few months. Incompatable schedules got in the way. They wanted me to be more flexible with the schedule and I was in a situation where I couldn't.

Man, that is rough. I've been in that situation myself a couple of times. Maybe you can post your own ad, so this way you can set the terms of meeting?

 

[Mark CMG]

Run a gameday three time a year. That way. you're guarenteed to get to game a three to six times a year and will be sure it is on a day you can make it.

 

[resscane]

I have a demanding job, a demanding wife, 2 kids I demand to spend as much time as possible with and an addiction to gaming that won't quit. After reading contracts and financials all day, I can hardly wait to get home and read RPG books.

Scheduling can be a bit of a problem. My DM allows me to miss a game every 3 sessions w/o penalty. He knows I wish I was there. I cant be.

Maybe a stint of board games might fit the bill. There are a bunch of good ones with playtime of 1 to 3 hours. Its a lot easier to fit that in. Go to boardgamegeek.com and find something you like.

Getting older suuucks. Oh well. The alternative is worse.