Who prefers to DM?

[RObiN-HoOD]

It helps me be a better DM, I think, it allows me to see my players' other talents, and I have a lot of fun.

This is the biggest truth ever! I used to be player for a quite long time, without DMing. After a small DMing I had, I start DMing mostly and I can say that it helped me as a player VERY MUCH.

Perhaps in order for someone to understand the effort that is being made by the DM, switching between positions must be made.

I personally encourage all players that have been playing for at least 2 years continuously, to try it.

Cheers!

 

[Darkness]

I was shocked when, on another thread, I saw two people within 10 posts of each other say that they really prefered to DM. I've always been willing to DM, but for the past 3 years or so I've played a character in one campaign, and I miss it. I'd really prefer to play, because I don't have a chance to really develop an NPC like I can with a PC. What does everybody else think?

Heh. Tell me: How shocked are you now, given that, of 75 people to vote so far, 54 "prefer DMing" and 9 "always DM?"

 

[Kip the Bold]

I prefer to DM, probably because deep down inside I am a control freak. It is also more satisfying to me to run a whole world instead of one character. I enjoy using tons of weird PrCs and feats that I would never get a chance to use as player, becuase you get locked into playing one character for months or even years at a time. That said, I usually find it a heck of a lot easier and more relaxing to play.

 

[JeffB]

I have not PLAYED in over 20 years. I think the last time I actually was a player was in 1981. But then I quit rpg’s about 1984 to 1998…

I think that it all really depends on the group and the type of game for me. I would LOVE to play in a game right now, as I’m always the D/GM…but it really depends on the group…sometimes I HATE Dming simply because of the types of players….

For example: I don’t have much free time, I’m older now, and have a job and family (and hobbies that take precedence over D&D). So when I get a chance to run a game, I want to run a game and have some fun! But I’ll get the occasional rules lawyer (which I cannot stand) or the person who wants to joke/screw around, from time to time as they come to join in a game (usually some other player’s friend, etc.)..I don’t have much time to game as I said, so even though it’s a game, I DO like to actually use the time I have wisely…arguing about a rules nuance, or trying to get someone to pay attention, wastes my time, and the others who want to play..at those times I HATE being a DM.

in addition, while munchkins per-se do not bother me, I just don’t like playing with them (or Dming for them)…back when I used to play as a kid, there was always the one kid who wanted to play a Ninja, or Samurai, or some Nunchuk and/or throwing star wielding super-class (when none existed barring dragon magazine’s versions which we were not aware of at the time)…Or they wanted to be an Assassin just so they could use the Assassin kill table…Or the Elric clones….we were kids, yes, and that was fun for them, but I always took a more..I don’t know..mature(?) stance regarding the game..I guess I just didn’t like the powergamer/munchkin attitude as I started to get serious about the game..I suppose that’s why I quit playing D&D as a kid, and moved on to other RPG’s that tended to attract people who were more serious about their gaming..(not trying to generalize in a derogatory manner here…it’s just that the average D&D player in my area was quite a bit more “munch” than the average Runequest or DragonQuest player for example)

Sad thing is, even though I play with older folks now, there is one of those type people who shows up now and then (guess they never changed)…while I won’t begrudge anyone their choice of playing style, it’s not for me, and those kinds of folks ruin the game for me (as well as most of my regulars)… heh heh…they (or more precisely, their character’s) usually last only one session with me as DM…

Assuming a good group of folks with like-minded needs/wants re: the game, I like both aspects…

 

[Oogar]

Voted : Not Me.

To qualify a little.... DMing is better then no D&D or really bad D&D, but I would rather play. And sometimes I "get into" DMing, but that does not mean I prefer it.

 

[HellHound]

I am the DM.
I have been the DM.
I will be the DM.

I understand that perhaps other people may DM, and I may play.

But I am still the DM.

- Hound (the once and future DM)

 

[nopantsyet]

I am the DM.
I have been the DM.
I will be the DM.

I understand that perhaps other people may DM, and I may play.

But I am still the DM.

- Hound (the once and future DM)

Well put. I'm with you on that. I like to take a break every once in a while and play a character (maybe a few sessions a year). If I had the time I'd even consider being a player in another campaign. But in the end, I am the DM.

 

[Larry Fitz]

Skewed sampling

I think running this poll here will show a penchant for DMing amongst ENWorlders. I can say that while I like playing, I've really only found one other DM who I feel is good enough to keep me playing for a long time (Hi John!). I find that the people on these boards are a little more into this hobby then even gamers in general and that kind of time investment is more indicative of a DM than a typical PC.

 

[Timothy]

I prefer to DM

But when I Dm, I long to play again, and when I play I want to DM.

The best there is: Playing in a group with a very experienced DM AND DMing in a group with less experience.

 

[Shin Okada]

Exactly as Hygric says.

The poll needs one more option:

I like both DMing and Playing!

If I haven't run a game in a while, I get an urge to DM, if I haven't played, I get that urge instead.