How can I get my players to come to the game session after agreeing to a date?Tasks for a split partyHow do I...
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How can I get my players to come to the game session after agreeing to a date?
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How can I get my players to come to the game session after agreeing to a date?
Tasks for a split partyHow do I get my players to form a PC party without just forcing them to?How to get players to care about their and each others characters and play them like they are actual peopleHow do I quickly get the PCs to a distant location for the next adventure?How can I pitch a player-defined campaign to gamers who are used to GM-defined games?How to get the players to care and RP more?How to keep Bonds relevant when players are absent?How to deal with a player who makes oddball characters that don't fit the game?How to stop players from making the game X-ratedHaving trouble getting my friends to get invested in the game
$begingroup$
I have been playing D&D-5e for a while with my friends and a lot of times, when they say they are completely sure they can come to a meet, they end up not coming. I would at least like to get them to let me know before I waste time going to the meeting place. They don't even have a good excuse, they just change their mind at the last minute. I can't find the right thing to say to get them to actually come. All I need are good ways to get them to agree to a time and place and actually follow through on it.
Do people have a technique they have used at their own table that has worked to solve this issue?
gm-techniques problem-players social attendance
edited 1 hour ago
SevenSidedDie♦
208k31668945
asked 3 hours ago
NERDmasterNERDmaster
725417
$endgroup$
add a comment |
$begingroup$
I have been playing D&D-5e for a while with my friends and a lot of times, when they say they are completely sure they can come to a meet, they end up not coming. I would at least like to get them to let me know before I waste time going to the meeting place. They don't even have a good excuse, they just change their mind at the last minute. I can't find the right thing to say to get them to actually come. All I need are good ways to get them to agree to a time and place and actually follow through on it.
Do people have a technique they have used at their own table that has worked to solve this issue?
gm-techniques problem-players social attendance
edited 1 hour ago
SevenSidedDie♦
208k31668945
asked 3 hours ago
NERDmasterNERDmaster
725417
$endgroup$
$begingroup$
Related: What do I do when some players won't show up consistently? and How to fairly schedule sessions when not everyone can make it anymore and How do we play with irregular attendance?
$endgroup$
– Rubiksmoose
2 hours ago
$begingroup$
I have tweaked your title to match better what I think the question body is asking. Please let me know if this is still acceptable and, if not, change or revert it. I think this is also one of the relatively rare cases in which a question does not need a system tag so I have removed it. People can add that back in if they feel it adds valuable context.
$endgroup$
– Rubiksmoose
2 hours ago
2
$begingroup$
A few details that might help here: What is the age range of you and your players? How many people are in your group? Do all of them show this issue or is it a consistent subset of them and the rest show up if they say they will? How often does this happen?
$endgroup$
– Rubiksmoose
2 hours ago
2
$begingroup$
What are the players' excuses (whether those excuses are good or not)? Do they just say "I changed my mind"? Do they make something else up? Do they say nothing at all? It would help to understand the motives of the absent players.
$endgroup$
– Bloodcinder
2 hours ago
1
$begingroup$
Have you talked about this with them directly? Or is it just on a case of "Yes, we're all set for Thursday" and then folks cancel last minute and now you're asking here?
$endgroup$
– NautArch
1 hour ago
add a comment |
$begingroup$
I have been playing D&D-5e for a while with my friends and a lot of times, when they say they are completely sure they can come to a meet, they end up not coming. I would at least like to get them to let me know before I waste time going to the meeting place. They don't even have a good excuse, they just change their mind at the last minute. I can't find the right thing to say to get them to actually come. All I need are good ways to get them to agree to a time and place and actually follow through on it.
Do people have a technique they have used at their own table that has worked to solve this issue?
gm-techniques problem-players social attendance
edited 1 hour ago
SevenSidedDie♦
208k31668945
asked 3 hours ago
NERDmasterNERDmaster
725417
$endgroup$
I have been playing D&D-5e for a while with my friends and a lot of times, when they say they are completely sure they can come to a meet, they end up not coming. I would at least like to get them to let me know before I waste time going to the meeting place. They don't even have a good excuse, they just change their mind at the last minute. I can't find the right thing to say to get them to actually come. All I need are good ways to get them to agree to a time and place and actually follow through on it.
Do people have a technique they have used at their own table that has worked to solve this issue?
gm-techniques problem-players social attendance
gm-techniques problem-players social attendance
edited 1 hour ago
SevenSidedDie♦
208k31668945
asked 3 hours ago
NERDmasterNERDmaster
725417
edited 1 hour ago
SevenSidedDie♦
208k31668945
asked 3 hours ago
NERDmasterNERDmaster
725417
edited 1 hour ago
SevenSidedDie♦
208k31668945
edited 1 hour ago
SevenSidedDie♦
208k31668945
edited 1 hour ago
SevenSidedDie♦
208k31668945
208k31668945
asked 3 hours ago
NERDmasterNERDmaster
725417
asked 3 hours ago
NERDmasterNERDmaster
725417
asked 3 hours ago
NERDmasterNERDmaster
725417
725417
$begingroup$
Related: What do I do when some players won't show up consistently? and How to fairly schedule sessions when not everyone can make it anymore and How do we play with irregular attendance?
$endgroup$
– Rubiksmoose
2 hours ago
$begingroup$
I have tweaked your title to match better what I think the question body is asking. Please let me know if this is still acceptable and, if not, change or revert it. I think this is also one of the relatively rare cases in which a question does not need a system tag so I have removed it. People can add that back in if they feel it adds valuable context.
$endgroup$
– Rubiksmoose
2 hours ago
2
$begingroup$
A few details that might help here: What is the age range of you and your players? How many people are in your group? Do all of them show this issue or is it a consistent subset of them and the rest show up if they say they will? How often does this happen?
$endgroup$
– Rubiksmoose
2 hours ago
2
$begingroup$
What are the players' excuses (whether those excuses are good or not)? Do they just say "I changed my mind"? Do they make something else up? Do they say nothing at all? It would help to understand the motives of the absent players.
$endgroup$
– Bloodcinder
2 hours ago
1
$begingroup$
Have you talked about this with them directly? Or is it just on a case of "Yes, we're all set for Thursday" and then folks cancel last minute and now you're asking here?
$endgroup$
– NautArch
1 hour ago
add a comment |
$begingroup$
Related: What do I do when some players won't show up consistently? and How to fairly schedule sessions when not everyone can make it anymore and How do we play with irregular attendance?
$endgroup$
– Rubiksmoose
2 hours ago
$begingroup$
I have tweaked your title to match better what I think the question body is asking. Please let me know if this is still acceptable and, if not, change or revert it. I think this is also one of the relatively rare cases in which a question does not need a system tag so I have removed it. People can add that back in if they feel it adds valuable context.
$endgroup$
– Rubiksmoose
2 hours ago
2
$begingroup$
A few details that might help here: What is the age range of you and your players? How many people are in your group? Do all of them show this issue or is it a consistent subset of them and the rest show up if they say they will? How often does this happen?
$endgroup$
– Rubiksmoose
2 hours ago
2
$begingroup$
What are the players' excuses (whether those excuses are good or not)? Do they just say "I changed my mind"? Do they make something else up? Do they say nothing at all? It would help to understand the motives of the absent players.
$endgroup$
– Bloodcinder
2 hours ago
1
$begingroup$
Have you talked about this with them directly? Or is it just on a case of "Yes, we're all set for Thursday" and then folks cancel last minute and now you're asking here?
$endgroup$
– NautArch
1 hour ago
$begingroup$
Related: What do I do when some players won't show up consistently? and How to fairly schedule sessions when not everyone can make it anymore and How do we play with irregular attendance?
$endgroup$
– Rubiksmoose
2 hours ago
$begingroup$
Related: What do I do when some players won't show up consistently? and How to fairly schedule sessions when not everyone can make it anymore and How do we play with irregular attendance?
$endgroup$
– Rubiksmoose
2 hours ago
$begingroup$
I have tweaked your title to match better what I think the question body is asking. Please let me know if this is still acceptable and, if not, change or revert it. I think this is also one of the relatively rare cases in which a question does not need a system tag so I have removed it. People can add that back in if they feel it adds valuable context.
$endgroup$
– Rubiksmoose
2 hours ago
$begingroup$
I have tweaked your title to match better what I think the question body is asking. Please let me know if this is still acceptable and, if not, change or revert it. I think this is also one of the relatively rare cases in which a question does not need a system tag so I have removed it. People can add that back in if they feel it adds valuable context.
$endgroup$
– Rubiksmoose
2 hours ago
2
2
$begingroup$
A few details that might help here: What is the age range of you and your players? How many people are in your group? Do all of them show this issue or is it a consistent subset of them and the rest show up if they say they will? How often does this happen?
$endgroup$
– Rubiksmoose
2 hours ago
$begingroup$
A few details that might help here: What is the age range of you and your players? How many people are in your group? Do all of them show this issue or is it a consistent subset of them and the rest show up if they say they will? How often does this happen?
$endgroup$
– Rubiksmoose
2 hours ago
2
2
$begingroup$
What are the players' excuses (whether those excuses are good or not)? Do they just say "I changed my mind"? Do they make something else up? Do they say nothing at all? It would help to understand the motives of the absent players.
$endgroup$
– Bloodcinder
2 hours ago
$begingroup$
What are the players' excuses (whether those excuses are good or not)? Do they just say "I changed my mind"? Do they make something else up? Do they say nothing at all? It would help to understand the motives of the absent players.
$endgroup$
– Bloodcinder
2 hours ago
1
1
$begingroup$
Have you talked about this with them directly? Or is it just on a case of "Yes, we're all set for Thursday" and then folks cancel last minute and now you're asking here?
$endgroup$
– NautArch
1 hour ago
$begingroup$
Have you talked about this with them directly? Or is it just on a case of "Yes, we're all set for Thursday" and then folks cancel last minute and now you're asking here?
$endgroup$
– NautArch
1 hour ago
add a comment |
2 Answers
2
active
oldest
votes
$begingroup$
Get other players.
Granted, that sounds provocative (and is a little exaggerated, you should always talk with people first), but it's really all it boils down to. If your players don't bother showing up to agreed-upon sessions, without giving excuses, then they apparently value other things more than D&D and the effort you put into preparation.
In my experience, if players don't show up to a session without an explanation, that's because of one of two reasons. Readers other than OP: remember that the issue at hand is not people that miss sessions because of valid reasons such as work or illness.
One possible reason is that they have a major reason why they couldn't come, but which they want to keep secret (at least from you). Examples could include a cancer diagnosis or pregnancy which they don't want to announce publically yet. Obviously, this situation is a rather rare case. Either way, if this is the case with (some of) your players, it might help to talk to them about it, and potentially ask them to take an announced break from D&D if they're not gonna be able to show up anyways. That way, at least, you don't have to cancel sessions because half the people decided not to show up.
The other possibility, which is more likely in my experience, is that they didn't want to play. This might be the case because they simply have other hobbies which they enjoy more and prioritize higher, in which case there's no real point in attempting to include them in your session planning. Whether or not you let them stay in your group and just don't let them participate in session planning is up to you.
However, the reason why they don't want to play doesn't have to be necessarily connected to them having better alternatives per se.
In my first D&D group (which I'm still playing with), I've had issues with the DM pretty frequently, which both of us were responsible for. Eventually, once we were done with LMOP, another player started DMing, and it's been much better since. Anyways, before that happened, another player who was rather sensitive about quarrels between other people (such as me and the DM) and also generally prone to depression decided to leave the group because of our arguments. We only found out later that this was the reason why he left, otherwise we would have probably done something about it. Either way, I think this is a good example of another reason why someone might not enjoy playing in your group.
Bottom line: talk to your players, and figure out why they decided not to show up before you kick them out.
If it's because of a reason they can't tell you or if they have issues with some of the more disruptive people in the group, try to work with them. If they simply have better things to do, put up with it as long as you're motivated, otherwise, kick them out. It's probably a good idea to talk with the reliably present players first, though.
answered 1 hour ago
PixelMasterPixelMaster
10.9k243105
$endgroup$
add a comment |
$begingroup$
If they are not willing to put in the effort, it may be time to consider ending the game.
This does not just apply to RPGs. What your players are showing you (indirectly) is how much they care about playing and the time you as the GM have put into this. When I ask my player to a small back story, yes it can be useful, but what I really want to know is if they care enough to put any work into making this fun. As the GM, you will put in exponentially more work than then players (usually). If they can't be bothered to even tell you they wont show up, why are you putting in the effort. Any trick or tip we can give you to make them show up will not change the fact that they are not interested in playing the game.
My advice to you would be set up a session if they don't show up tell them the game is over. When they ask why, explain all of the effort that goes into prepping the fun they get to have and tell them you do not have the time to do all that prep if no one will show up. This could play out a couple of different ways:
- It will prompt discussion about why. Maybe the player are bored with the way the story is going or they aren't interested and they are too shy to say anything.
- Maybe they just don't realize the effort that goes into prepping and after seeing how much work you put in, they will put in more effort
- Maybe they are just disrespectful and honestly don't care. In that case, find a new group
answered 1 hour ago
SaggingRufusSaggingRufus
1,184923
$endgroup$
$begingroup$
@Rubiksmoose good point, I made an edit to address that.
$endgroup$
– SaggingRufus
1 hour ago
add a comment |
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2 Answers
2
active
oldest
votes
2 Answers
2
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
$begingroup$
Get other players.
Granted, that sounds provocative (and is a little exaggerated, you should always talk with people first), but it's really all it boils down to. If your players don't bother showing up to agreed-upon sessions, without giving excuses, then they apparently value other things more than D&D and the effort you put into preparation.
In my experience, if players don't show up to a session without an explanation, that's because of one of two reasons. Readers other than OP: remember that the issue at hand is not people that miss sessions because of valid reasons such as work or illness.
One possible reason is that they have a major reason why they couldn't come, but which they want to keep secret (at least from you). Examples could include a cancer diagnosis or pregnancy which they don't want to announce publically yet. Obviously, this situation is a rather rare case. Either way, if this is the case with (some of) your players, it might help to talk to them about it, and potentially ask them to take an announced break from D&D if they're not gonna be able to show up anyways. That way, at least, you don't have to cancel sessions because half the people decided not to show up.
The other possibility, which is more likely in my experience, is that they didn't want to play. This might be the case because they simply have other hobbies which they enjoy more and prioritize higher, in which case there's no real point in attempting to include them in your session planning. Whether or not you let them stay in your group and just don't let them participate in session planning is up to you.
However, the reason why they don't want to play doesn't have to be necessarily connected to them having better alternatives per se.
In my first D&D group (which I'm still playing with), I've had issues with the DM pretty frequently, which both of us were responsible for. Eventually, once we were done with LMOP, another player started DMing, and it's been much better since. Anyways, before that happened, another player who was rather sensitive about quarrels between other people (such as me and the DM) and also generally prone to depression decided to leave the group because of our arguments. We only found out later that this was the reason why he left, otherwise we would have probably done something about it. Either way, I think this is a good example of another reason why someone might not enjoy playing in your group.
Bottom line: talk to your players, and figure out why they decided not to show up before you kick them out.
If it's because of a reason they can't tell you or if they have issues with some of the more disruptive people in the group, try to work with them. If they simply have better things to do, put up with it as long as you're motivated, otherwise, kick them out. It's probably a good idea to talk with the reliably present players first, though.
answered 1 hour ago
PixelMasterPixelMaster
10.9k243105
$endgroup$
add a comment |
$begingroup$
Get other players.
Granted, that sounds provocative (and is a little exaggerated, you should always talk with people first), but it's really all it boils down to. If your players don't bother showing up to agreed-upon sessions, without giving excuses, then they apparently value other things more than D&D and the effort you put into preparation.
In my experience, if players don't show up to a session without an explanation, that's because of one of two reasons. Readers other than OP: remember that the issue at hand is not people that miss sessions because of valid reasons such as work or illness.
One possible reason is that they have a major reason why they couldn't come, but which they want to keep secret (at least from you). Examples could include a cancer diagnosis or pregnancy which they don't want to announce publically yet. Obviously, this situation is a rather rare case. Either way, if this is the case with (some of) your players, it might help to talk to them about it, and potentially ask them to take an announced break from D&D if they're not gonna be able to show up anyways. That way, at least, you don't have to cancel sessions because half the people decided not to show up.
The other possibility, which is more likely in my experience, is that they didn't want to play. This might be the case because they simply have other hobbies which they enjoy more and prioritize higher, in which case there's no real point in attempting to include them in your session planning. Whether or not you let them stay in your group and just don't let them participate in session planning is up to you.
However, the reason why they don't want to play doesn't have to be necessarily connected to them having better alternatives per se.
In my first D&D group (which I'm still playing with), I've had issues with the DM pretty frequently, which both of us were responsible for. Eventually, once we were done with LMOP, another player started DMing, and it's been much better since. Anyways, before that happened, another player who was rather sensitive about quarrels between other people (such as me and the DM) and also generally prone to depression decided to leave the group because of our arguments. We only found out later that this was the reason why he left, otherwise we would have probably done something about it. Either way, I think this is a good example of another reason why someone might not enjoy playing in your group.
Bottom line: talk to your players, and figure out why they decided not to show up before you kick them out.
If it's because of a reason they can't tell you or if they have issues with some of the more disruptive people in the group, try to work with them. If they simply have better things to do, put up with it as long as you're motivated, otherwise, kick them out. It's probably a good idea to talk with the reliably present players first, though.
answered 1 hour ago
PixelMasterPixelMaster
10.9k243105
$endgroup$
add a comment |
$begingroup$
Get other players.
Granted, that sounds provocative (and is a little exaggerated, you should always talk with people first), but it's really all it boils down to. If your players don't bother showing up to agreed-upon sessions, without giving excuses, then they apparently value other things more than D&D and the effort you put into preparation.
In my experience, if players don't show up to a session without an explanation, that's because of one of two reasons. Readers other than OP: remember that the issue at hand is not people that miss sessions because of valid reasons such as work or illness.
One possible reason is that they have a major reason why they couldn't come, but which they want to keep secret (at least from you). Examples could include a cancer diagnosis or pregnancy which they don't want to announce publically yet. Obviously, this situation is a rather rare case. Either way, if this is the case with (some of) your players, it might help to talk to them about it, and potentially ask them to take an announced break from D&D if they're not gonna be able to show up anyways. That way, at least, you don't have to cancel sessions because half the people decided not to show up.
The other possibility, which is more likely in my experience, is that they didn't want to play. This might be the case because they simply have other hobbies which they enjoy more and prioritize higher, in which case there's no real point in attempting to include them in your session planning. Whether or not you let them stay in your group and just don't let them participate in session planning is up to you.
However, the reason why they don't want to play doesn't have to be necessarily connected to them having better alternatives per se.
In my first D&D group (which I'm still playing with), I've had issues with the DM pretty frequently, which both of us were responsible for. Eventually, once we were done with LMOP, another player started DMing, and it's been much better since. Anyways, before that happened, another player who was rather sensitive about quarrels between other people (such as me and the DM) and also generally prone to depression decided to leave the group because of our arguments. We only found out later that this was the reason why he left, otherwise we would have probably done something about it. Either way, I think this is a good example of another reason why someone might not enjoy playing in your group.
Bottom line: talk to your players, and figure out why they decided not to show up before you kick them out.
If it's because of a reason they can't tell you or if they have issues with some of the more disruptive people in the group, try to work with them. If they simply have better things to do, put up with it as long as you're motivated, otherwise, kick them out. It's probably a good idea to talk with the reliably present players first, though.
answered 1 hour ago
PixelMasterPixelMaster
10.9k243105
$endgroup$
Get other players.
Granted, that sounds provocative (and is a little exaggerated, you should always talk with people first), but it's really all it boils down to. If your players don't bother showing up to agreed-upon sessions, without giving excuses, then they apparently value other things more than D&D and the effort you put into preparation.
In my experience, if players don't show up to a session without an explanation, that's because of one of two reasons. Readers other than OP: remember that the issue at hand is not people that miss sessions because of valid reasons such as work or illness.
One possible reason is that they have a major reason why they couldn't come, but which they want to keep secret (at least from you). Examples could include a cancer diagnosis or pregnancy which they don't want to announce publically yet. Obviously, this situation is a rather rare case. Either way, if this is the case with (some of) your players, it might help to talk to them about it, and potentially ask them to take an announced break from D&D if they're not gonna be able to show up anyways. That way, at least, you don't have to cancel sessions because half the people decided not to show up.
The other possibility, which is more likely in my experience, is that they didn't want to play. This might be the case because they simply have other hobbies which they enjoy more and prioritize higher, in which case there's no real point in attempting to include them in your session planning. Whether or not you let them stay in your group and just don't let them participate in session planning is up to you.
However, the reason why they don't want to play doesn't have to be necessarily connected to them having better alternatives per se.
In my first D&D group (which I'm still playing with), I've had issues with the DM pretty frequently, which both of us were responsible for. Eventually, once we were done with LMOP, another player started DMing, and it's been much better since. Anyways, before that happened, another player who was rather sensitive about quarrels between other people (such as me and the DM) and also generally prone to depression decided to leave the group because of our arguments. We only found out later that this was the reason why he left, otherwise we would have probably done something about it. Either way, I think this is a good example of another reason why someone might not enjoy playing in your group.
Bottom line: talk to your players, and figure out why they decided not to show up before you kick them out.
If it's because of a reason they can't tell you or if they have issues with some of the more disruptive people in the group, try to work with them. If they simply have better things to do, put up with it as long as you're motivated, otherwise, kick them out. It's probably a good idea to talk with the reliably present players first, though.
answered 1 hour ago
PixelMasterPixelMaster
10.9k243105
answered 1 hour ago
PixelMasterPixelMaster
10.9k243105
answered 1 hour ago
PixelMasterPixelMaster
10.9k243105
answered 1 hour ago
PixelMasterPixelMaster
10.9k243105
10.9k243105
add a comment |
add a comment |
$begingroup$
If they are not willing to put in the effort, it may be time to consider ending the game.
This does not just apply to RPGs. What your players are showing you (indirectly) is how much they care about playing and the time you as the GM have put into this. When I ask my player to a small back story, yes it can be useful, but what I really want to know is if they care enough to put any work into making this fun. As the GM, you will put in exponentially more work than then players (usually). If they can't be bothered to even tell you they wont show up, why are you putting in the effort. Any trick or tip we can give you to make them show up will not change the fact that they are not interested in playing the game.
My advice to you would be set up a session if they don't show up tell them the game is over. When they ask why, explain all of the effort that goes into prepping the fun they get to have and tell them you do not have the time to do all that prep if no one will show up. This could play out a couple of different ways:
- It will prompt discussion about why. Maybe the player are bored with the way the story is going or they aren't interested and they are too shy to say anything.
- Maybe they just don't realize the effort that goes into prepping and after seeing how much work you put in, they will put in more effort
- Maybe they are just disrespectful and honestly don't care. In that case, find a new group
answered 1 hour ago
SaggingRufusSaggingRufus
1,184923
$endgroup$
$begingroup$
@Rubiksmoose good point, I made an edit to address that.
$endgroup$
– SaggingRufus
1 hour ago
add a comment |
$begingroup$
If they are not willing to put in the effort, it may be time to consider ending the game.
This does not just apply to RPGs. What your players are showing you (indirectly) is how much they care about playing and the time you as the GM have put into this. When I ask my player to a small back story, yes it can be useful, but what I really want to know is if they care enough to put any work into making this fun. As the GM, you will put in exponentially more work than then players (usually). If they can't be bothered to even tell you they wont show up, why are you putting in the effort. Any trick or tip we can give you to make them show up will not change the fact that they are not interested in playing the game.
My advice to you would be set up a session if they don't show up tell them the game is over. When they ask why, explain all of the effort that goes into prepping the fun they get to have and tell them you do not have the time to do all that prep if no one will show up. This could play out a couple of different ways:
- It will prompt discussion about why. Maybe the player are bored with the way the story is going or they aren't interested and they are too shy to say anything.
- Maybe they just don't realize the effort that goes into prepping and after seeing how much work you put in, they will put in more effort
- Maybe they are just disrespectful and honestly don't care. In that case, find a new group
answered 1 hour ago
SaggingRufusSaggingRufus
1,184923
$endgroup$
$begingroup$
@Rubiksmoose good point, I made an edit to address that.
$endgroup$
– SaggingRufus
1 hour ago
add a comment |
$begingroup$
If they are not willing to put in the effort, it may be time to consider ending the game.
This does not just apply to RPGs. What your players are showing you (indirectly) is how much they care about playing and the time you as the GM have put into this. When I ask my player to a small back story, yes it can be useful, but what I really want to know is if they care enough to put any work into making this fun. As the GM, you will put in exponentially more work than then players (usually). If they can't be bothered to even tell you they wont show up, why are you putting in the effort. Any trick or tip we can give you to make them show up will not change the fact that they are not interested in playing the game.
My advice to you would be set up a session if they don't show up tell them the game is over. When they ask why, explain all of the effort that goes into prepping the fun they get to have and tell them you do not have the time to do all that prep if no one will show up. This could play out a couple of different ways:
- It will prompt discussion about why. Maybe the player are bored with the way the story is going or they aren't interested and they are too shy to say anything.
- Maybe they just don't realize the effort that goes into prepping and after seeing how much work you put in, they will put in more effort
- Maybe they are just disrespectful and honestly don't care. In that case, find a new group
answered 1 hour ago
SaggingRufusSaggingRufus
1,184923
$endgroup$
If they are not willing to put in the effort, it may be time to consider ending the game.
This does not just apply to RPGs. What your players are showing you (indirectly) is how much they care about playing and the time you as the GM have put into this. When I ask my player to a small back story, yes it can be useful, but what I really want to know is if they care enough to put any work into making this fun. As the GM, you will put in exponentially more work than then players (usually). If they can't be bothered to even tell you they wont show up, why are you putting in the effort. Any trick or tip we can give you to make them show up will not change the fact that they are not interested in playing the game.
My advice to you would be set up a session if they don't show up tell them the game is over. When they ask why, explain all of the effort that goes into prepping the fun they get to have and tell them you do not have the time to do all that prep if no one will show up. This could play out a couple of different ways:
- It will prompt discussion about why. Maybe the player are bored with the way the story is going or they aren't interested and they are too shy to say anything.
- Maybe they just don't realize the effort that goes into prepping and after seeing how much work you put in, they will put in more effort
- Maybe they are just disrespectful and honestly don't care. In that case, find a new group
answered 1 hour ago
SaggingRufusSaggingRufus
1,184923
edited 1 hour ago
answered 1 hour ago
SaggingRufusSaggingRufus
1,184923
answered 1 hour ago
SaggingRufusSaggingRufus
1,184923
answered 1 hour ago
SaggingRufusSaggingRufus
1,184923
1,184923
$begingroup$
@Rubiksmoose good point, I made an edit to address that.
$endgroup$
– SaggingRufus
1 hour ago
add a comment |
$begingroup$
@Rubiksmoose good point, I made an edit to address that.
$endgroup$
– SaggingRufus
1 hour ago
$begingroup$
@Rubiksmoose good point, I made an edit to address that.
$endgroup$
– SaggingRufus
1 hour ago
$begingroup$
@Rubiksmoose good point, I made an edit to address that.
$endgroup$
– SaggingRufus
1 hour ago
add a comment |
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$begingroup$
Related: What do I do when some players won't show up consistently? and How to fairly schedule sessions when not everyone can make it anymore and How do we play with irregular attendance?
$endgroup$
– Rubiksmoose
2 hours ago
$begingroup$
I have tweaked your title to match better what I think the question body is asking. Please let me know if this is still acceptable and, if not, change or revert it. I think this is also one of the relatively rare cases in which a question does not need a system tag so I have removed it. People can add that back in if they feel it adds valuable context.
$endgroup$
– Rubiksmoose
2 hours ago
2
$begingroup$
A few details that might help here: What is the age range of you and your players? How many people are in your group? Do all of them show this issue or is it a consistent subset of them and the rest show up if they say they will? How often does this happen?
$endgroup$
– Rubiksmoose
2 hours ago
2
$begingroup$
What are the players' excuses (whether those excuses are good or not)? Do they just say "I changed my mind"? Do they make something else up? Do they say nothing at all? It would help to understand the motives of the absent players.
$endgroup$
– Bloodcinder
2 hours ago
1
$begingroup$
Have you talked about this with them directly? Or is it just on a case of "Yes, we're all set for Thursday" and then folks cancel last minute and now you're asking here?
$endgroup$
– NautArch
1 hour ago