5 common RPG mistakes & how to fix them!
Ever had the feeling that a RPG session hadn't gone as you'd planned? Frustrated by rhythm problems or disengaged players?
If you're not sure how to deal with the awkward moments during your sessions, don't worry, we're here to give you some tips. We've rounded up some of the most common role-playing mistakes and offer you some simple solutions to correct them.
Railroading the Players
You've spent hours dreaming up a detailed, epic story with different possibilities, but your players want to do something totally different and aren't following any of the directions you've prepared? Rather than adapting, you decide to force them back onto the imagined path.
As a game master, this can be a very frustrating situation. However, the best solution for you and your players is to let them explore and adapt your story.
When planning your next chapters, we recommend thinking in terms of story stages rather than creating a rigid plot. This keeps key moments flexible rather than forcing a single path on players.
The most skilful of GMs will be able to reuse the most difficult elements to prepare (puzzles, dialogues, complex quests) in the new context desired by the players, with the necessary adaptations.
Playing solo in a group game
During your RPG session, one player dominates the session and makes decisions without consulting the group, or takes the spotlight too often. As a GM, this can be a delicate situation, not only for the player in question, but also for the others.
The best solution, as gamemaster, is to gently and naturally redirect the conversation to calmer players. You can ask them what they'd like to do in this situation, or guide them if they are too shy to decide. A role-playing game should be fun for all the players, but also for the game master.
Before the game begins, remember to keep in mind a few basic rules when actions are in progress: ask others for their opinions, play interactions as a group and, above all, make room for collaboration ! Every character involved in the game has special characteristics that can move the story forward.
Ignoring roleplay and character motivation
You're the game master and your players are very invested in the session. However, they're making choices based on what's mechanically best for the game's progress rather than what makes sense for their character.
The first step is to remind players that role-playing is not about winning, but about telling a great story.
Our advice is to encourage players to make decisions based on the lore of the character. They should link the events of the session to the personal issues of each player's character.
Whether the PCs have been created directly on the Amsel Suite by the GM or by the players, give them quick access to their characters' story. This will enable each player to get to grips with their PC.
Neglecting player feedback
As the game master, you need to lead the ongoing session, but you also need to be a good observer. Even if you like to run the game your own way, don't forget to ask the players for their opinion. If they don't feel heard, their commitment will wane.
After each RPG session, we recommend that you ask the players a few questions:
- What did you like about the game?
- What didn't work for you?
- What would you like to see more of?
Take note of their feedback and use it for your next session. Quick feedback keeps everyone involved and helps you improve!
Forgetting Session Zero
As gamemaster, you've prepared your full Tome quest and want to launch your first session. However, you haven’t set clear expectations with the players beforehand. This can quickly lead to incompatible play styles and frustration.
Session Zero is often neglected, but it's the perfect solution to avoid any misunderstandings! Discuss themes, player limits, playing styles and character backgrounds before you start. This sets the tone and ensures that everyone feels on the same wavelength. Players will surely be more engaged in the game, if they have clear information from the start.
Role-playing games are all about collaboration, creativity and fun!
Whether you're a beginner or an expert, mistakes can happen. But it's important to learn from them to improve your sessions and create unforgettable quests for your players.
If you like role-playing games, then check out Lore, our worldbuilding software, and Tome, our RPG solution.
