When is it time to move on?

[ForceUser]

Hypothetical situation.

A close friend is about to start a new campaign, but you're not too happy about a couple of his design decisions; you feel that they will detract from your enjoyment of the game. You've spoken to him about it, and his reply is, in a nutshell, "I have a specific vision for my campaign. I want you in it, but not so much that I will compromise a little to make you happy." You're shocked because you've never imagined a time that you weren't gaming with this person.

You're good friends. You've gamed together for years, but now he's standing firm on his decision. Do you part amicably and not play together anymore? Do you try the campaign despite your misgivings? Do DMs have a responsibility to make some compromises? Do friends?

After discussion goes nowhere, what do you do?

 

[Mouseferatu]

I guess it would have to depend on how unhappy I was with his design decisions. Honestly, if all my friends were in a game, I can't see them doing anything so awful that I wouldn't at least give it a shot. But that's just me (well, and the people I game with).

It might help if you told us what he's doing, and why you object, but I understand if you'd rather not.

 

[ForceUser]

I guess it would have to depend on how unhappy I was with his design decisions. Honestly, if all my friends were in a game, I can't see them doing anything so awful that I wouldn't at least give it a shot. But that's just me (well, and the people I game with).

It might help if you told us what he's doing, and why you object, but I understand if you'd rather not.

Yeah, I'm not going to get personal. I'm trying to keep it as neutral as possible

I guess what I'm looking for is, what should be most important to both parties? I've always felt that compromise is a part of friendship. I guess what I'm looking for is some outsider opinions; you know how its easy to be so close to a situation that you lose perspective.

 

[d20Dwarf]

It seems that you are personalizing it a little bit. If he's running the game, then it needs to be fulfilling for him. DMs really get little out of running games except being able to control the world and the storyline. I'd say give him a chance, because if he's got an idea and fleshes it out fully, then there should be no reason you can't have fun within his parameters or setting. If not, then he'll probably realize this and make some changes based on player feedback. He doesn't want to run an unfun game any more than you want to play in one.

So, give it a shot and you'll probably have fun, and if not, he'll have had his chance and he'll probably be more accommodating.

 

[Darrin Drader]

I'm going to echo Mr. Upchurch on this one. I don't think that any design decision would be so bad that people who have been gaming together for a long time should stop. It really isn't worth it. If you've already spoken to the DM and he doesn't want to hear your ideas, let the DM try something new and don't make it an issue. It might surprise you and you might actually end up liking it after a while anyway. If its really awful, and I have heard more than my share of horrible campaign premises, then get the entire group to approach him on the subject. Another option is to propose running a second campaign that is more to your liking every other week or on off-nights.

 

[Elf Witch]

Give it a try you might find you like it. A few years ago I was in the same situation the group wanted to switch to Shadowrun not being a fan of cyberpunk I was bummed but playing with my friends was important to me so I played and found out hey I like it.

If you try it and don't like it then take a break from this campaign find another group to play with. But don't take friendship and make it an issue when it really is not one.

 

[TiQuinn]

I think this falls squarely in the "Dude, it's just a game" category.

 

[Mathew_Freeman]

I'd say give it a shot, and judge the campaign a few sessions in. Just make sure you can create a character that you're reasonably happy with, and I'm sure you can have fun.

 

[Henry]

The only way I could see a problem that would stop me from gaming with my friends would be if they were about to inject something in-game that interfered with my personal moral or religious beliefs. Chances are, I'll have fun anyway. But it depends on the drastic nature of the change

"No Dwarves can be Wizards" is a completely different ballpark from, "We'll be Live-Action Roleplaying Erotic Fantasy."

 

[diaglo]

since i have played with him in previous campaigns. and i know from talking to him that he won't compromise. i would not play in this campaign.

i would remain friends and do things outside of game with him. but i wouldn't be interested in the campaign if it contained the elements i didn't like from previous campaigns.

truthfully, there are many games out there. i would find one that has what i like. i would just need patience and perseverance.