What's your Favorite Kind of Player?

[howandwhy99]

I was just thinking to myself, I prefer games that are freeform in style. To explain it, it's sort of like allowing the players to make their own fun. In a normal game I can design a cool adventure to defeat some evil Witch-Queen, but in the end it is me presenting a game that *I think* the players will like. In a more freeform game the players do what *they know* they like. So I prefer players who know what they like and can make play for themselves. As a DM, how can I go wrong? I, myself, don't want to play in a paint-by-numbers game. I like to create my own fun and prefer players who do too.

Except that I think I am wrong. Great artists, not to run away with the metaphor, aren't really choosing what to paint, the painting chooses them. This has all just been a really long way of saying my favorite kind of players are actually ones who are called to play the game. They're there because they know what about the game really resonates with them. And they go after it.

So what kind of players are your favorite?

 

[sjmiller]

So what kind of players are your favorite?

Ones that show up on time, ready to play the game. Players who don't argue with the DM, supply the DM with any and all character background (preferably with some plot hooks), and pay attention during the game. Players who take delight in figuring out the occasional puzzle and players who come up with creative solutions to problems are also my favorite.

Gee, can you tell I have had problems with some of my players recently?

 

[Masquerade]

Players who can visualize their character on every level and who enjoy crafting descriptions for each action which represent their visualization. I like players who approach roleplaying as both a game and an art. My favorite kind of player knows exactly when to run with a plot hook and when it's better to come up with a crazy plan that goes in an entirely new direction. I like players who know the rules, but don't limit their thinking based on them. Players who will come to me with a great idea for a character but don't need to optimize every feat choice to have fun. My favorite kind of player is mature and focused, but can take a joke.

I like a player who makes me a better GM just by being there.

 

[Grymar]

Players who come to the game prepared (already leveled, etc) and are ready to have fun. Players who are willing to tell me how they did something rather than that they did something. (I cast bless vs. I grasp my holy symbol and say "May the light and glory of Ilmayter guide your ways")

 

[JustKim]

Wow, you guys are picky. I like players who try to contribute.

 

[devilbat]

Players that make the effort to have their characters get along with the rest. Nothing bothers me more then a group who are backstabbing each other at every opportunity. Nothing slows down our games more then party infighting.

 

[Henry]

My favorite type of player is one who is really engaged in the game -- however, it can take many forms. There are those who optimize their PCs, they tweak, build, dig around for tips and effective combos of class abilities; there are those who e-mail in between games, wanting to talk plot or give the DM stuff that their character wants to do in downtime; finally there are those who want to build cool props, or find just the right mini to bring to the game, or make combat cards for everyone's use. Some people do two or all three.

They range from the Power-gamers, the Butt-kickers, the Method Actors, the Storytellers, etc. -- all but the "casual gamer", who is sometimes this engrossed but not usually. These engaged players make it easy to either craft plots or go off on their own (some like one way, some another). Players who barely show up, or who have to be reminded of every detail from last session, those are the hardest players to deal with.

 

[loki44]

I'm willing to accept that there are many different types of players who game for a wide variety of reasons. So I guess my bottom line is, my favorite kind of players are the ones who enjoy themselves and know how to achieve that pleasure within the game (which I don't think is really much different from howandwhy99's original post). The one caveat that I have is that individual enjoyment of the game should not come at the expense of other players, therefore cooperation and patience are also prerequisites for "the kind of players I like".

 

[Aeric]

This thread is depressing, because the only player I know like that is me. :\

 

[Chimera]

Gee, can you tell I have had problems with some of my players recently?

Ahem.... (looks at my sig...)