I did some quoting and answering here, based entirely on my humble opinions. I think I'm going to cull my own games, and try and make some general fixes. Mecha Crusade, I'm thinking this one will be fixed by merging both games, and allowing Jarval to be a player. I'm going to give another Kickup to LHHS by adding one or two players (by invite) and dropping the deadweight. I may try and save the IRR, we are just now beginning turn 2, and if the game isn't saved now -it's doomed. My koboldquest game is probably going to be closed, or conjoined to GaryH's. I'm going to start Epic, and try really hard to figure out where it's headed.
Gwolf[/i][b]
I think a dead game said:
Yeah when I started the DMing I realized that alot of players sort of wait for things to happen to them instead of going out and trying out things. Of course there are the players that take the initiative, but then there are those who are happy to just coast along for the ride.
There's a great deal of wisdom to be found from the solution to this problem. See, this is the problem with many games of any kind. I consider myself a great player, had the game runner been more efficient, I would have competed for Iron PC. That's my speciality, being a super-motivational player. One point of advice that some people might be able to take from me, 'make stuff up as you go along.' In Gnomeworks Psionicle, I have consistently added an additional character element (whether history, quirks, or memories) that contribute to my characters development. In Jemal's Intrigue in Candara game, I've taken it upon myself to just blast out with strange gibberings about unfamiliar evils and all that crazy stuff-but I always leave everything open to 'interpretation' on the DMs part. That way, they surprise me and I surprise them.
The trick is to find a game balance where you're not always shoving them along (the people who don't want to be shoved along) and yet giving a good push to those people who do want to be pushed along.
Yep, most definitely.
Of course I have yet to find this balance!
Well, I've found it in a couple games, but I don't know how to 'create' it. If I ever learn, that would be great.
Originally posted by Reapersaurus
However, how many games have what it takes to 'make it'?
And what characteristics are shared of games that "make it" the long haul?
Let's see. First off, as you stated later in your post, it has a lot to do with getting the introduction over with, without making it seem pointless. Saying, "you all are together in a bar" isn't the solution, the solution is to make sure you introduce action before you start the lul. For instance, in the LHHS, I did start you all off in a Bar. Then I sat there, and wrote down about 100 feeder leads. Different things I used to test 'what do these characters want to do? What motivates the entire group?' and I did all of it through In Character actions. It worked, and it gave me plenty of ammunition to put to use.
Now, in my experience it is the DM that is most in control of whether the game lasts.
I would imagine that DM-ing a PbP adventure is unlike what most DM's would expect at the beginning.
It requires a different level of written communication than many people possess, and a dedication to see things thru on an anonymous, un-connected medium such as the internet.
Alright, I don't know what you think of it, but I've found that it's easier to recognize a character as being different from a player -online. Because the characters are the only things I see. It's easier for me to associate Deedlit with Deedlit, and not Deedlit's player. It's easier for me to associate Dalamar with Krindor, or Jarval with Jannsen than it would be in a real life game.
What PbP games HAVE been completed?
I actually only know of one - The Original - the Non-Iconics Game that has completed their adventure to fruition.
Yep, that's the only one. Also note, there's never been a Total Party Kill to my knowledge, and trust me when I say that I've looked.
Similarly, the most successful games that I've seen have been ones that had a fairly fast recruitment time, and went right into adventuring, getting the majority of introductions going rapidly, so that by a month in, many of the players and main story are inplace (striking while the iron's hot, so to speak) before the inevitable slow-downs a game WILL have start to occur.
I have to agree with you here. And then there are problems with games like Epic, where it takes many people an exceptional amount of time to get ready. Especially the DM. It's just that way. Of course, my solution for Epic is to cater to each player seperately. Every player's going to act independantly. The more you post, the more thourough you are, and honestly 'the more entertaining to the DM you are' the more likely you are going to come up on top. Whether they impress me with RP values, humor, or persistance, that's going to be the guy to win. Players that don't post for a week are going to be left behind, I'm sorry, but It's just the style of that particular game.
What other games have you guys been in that haeve not been abandoned?
What games do you think WILL eventually finish?
What do you think are the elements that contribute to a successful, long-term PbP game?
For my part, it is my personal approach that the bane of PbP games is apathy.
Non-interest will kill a game much quicker than in-fighting or even player or DM squabbles.
Non-participation is the ultimate sin in PbP gaming, to me.
Psionicle, LHHS, Academy of Drell... not many. Some games are going to last, I think, like Intrigue in Candara (so long as everyone else is as interested in going to the next place, like me), and Emerald's game looks good. In both instances, it can be attributed a bit to the players motivation. Jemal has let Intrigue slip back a page on multiple instances, but one of them was seriously my fault (bad interpretation or writing on my part), and I think the game is still doing alright.
Now, from what some players (not characters mind you, just players) have said to me, it appears that LHHS will end somewhere near the Trollforge, in about a year. I'm going to add some new blood (Sollir joined, but I think he's in a lull right now) to the game to increase the participation. Novyet posted a character and never played, which is important to note. I figure the LHHS will finish though.
Now, Psionicle will finish as well. We are about half way there, after a year and more of playing. It will take another year, but the game WILL finish. Not many games will, in this medium.
cs - interesting that you didn't include the Heroes of the Worlds thread in the "dying" category.
Isn't that pretty much dead in the water? that cause is DM non-involvement, right?
I think Kal is bored right now. Same for Sollir. If, and when, they come back, Heroes of the World should be stopped, and probably Sollir's game, but they could still be active players. I think Deedlit is afraid to let it die, but I'm fine with it dying. It wasn't that long ago that I stated that I was going to drop out of the game to focus on others. I completely forgot about mentioning it, that's how dead it is.
Then there's some other ones I'm in I can comment on:
your great (IMO) LightHearted Hack n Slash game is unique, in that you started it with the structure that can support a long haul.
As long as you have a few participants that are dedicated, I think that it can last a while, even though from the recent posting amounts, it might seem in danger.
Thanx reaper. Yeah, I think structures need shifting in some games. Basically, I think it works best when you either have a solid motivation from everyone, or a structure that caters to the individual. LHHS, and maybe if it has some activity, Epic, should do alright since they allow a disinterested player to be cut without losing anything.
What are the statuses of other PbP games?
I've always wished I had enough time to keep up with all the games - maybe those in them can summarize what's happened over the months in them (maybe a seperate thread idea?).
At least post here whether they are active or not, and if not, why did they end? Did any end for any reason other than DM?
Well, I think I've stated my opinions on these matters in the above.
