So I have been playing through a D&D campaign on roll20 for about 2 years now, the problem I'm facing is I'm just not enjoying the game in general anymore. I barely ever RP along with conversations in character and spend most of the time during the session browsing websites and listening to my own music (whenever we're out of combat) to try and make the 3 hours of the session go quicker. I want to call it quits as I've only stuck around because one of the other players has recently left the campaign due to an argument with the DM and another left due to personal reasons; leaving only myself and 2 other players.
My question is can a D&D campaign realistically continue with so few players.
Most of my games have been with only one player (and I'm the DM). It's doable. I've only ever played one session with three other players. Having two players in a session is probably my average. It's fine.
It sounds like you're online. From what I've seen, it's really easy to get more players. There are more players wanting to play than spots DMs can provide.
You don't owe them a game. If you're bored by it, then you don't have to play, certainly not for 3 hours.
If they want you to stay, it's on them to make it worth your while. I'm not saying you should be rewarded monetarily like my example - but my time is limited. I have to justify time away from my family. If someone wants me to DM them,the answer will no...unless they can alter the equation enough to make it worth it. At this point, that means money. They don't want to pay or otherwise make it worth my while? Not a problem. I'll enjoy my time with my kids. Similarly, your time is limited. Either they make the game enjoyable, or you find something else to do that is enjoyable. It's possible that they just need to change styles, but ultimately, either they make it enjoyable, or you do something else.
Believe me, they can tell that you're not "in" the game. It probably frustrates them and it's best for everyone that you leave. We tend not to realise just how obvious it is when we're keeping ourselves occupied doing something else, but it is obvious.
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If you're not willing or able to to discuss in good faith, then don't be surprised if I don't respond, there are better things in life for me to do than humour you. This signature is that response.
thing is this is the first time playing through a D&D campaign and I've never really done anything that involves RP. from day 1 I've stayed relatively quiet most of the time but the game did have my undivided attention, but as of late I just really don't pay attention to any of the dialogue or events unless it's combat. I don't know if it's because the character I created is kind of a dead end in terms of backstory/character or if the game just isn't for me.
It's a a group of friends in terms of players and the DM
I personally struggle with online games. They just don't hold my attention, and, as you point out, there are just too many distractions at your finger tips. I either play in person, or not at all.
That said, you have a big responsibility in manifesting your own enjoyment. When you are new to the game, it can be hard to identify what you need, so just talk to the DM and other players from that perspective.
If you can, rewrite your characters background to something that engages you. If you aren't feeling that, create a new character that you care more about. It's better to handwave a change to the party than to give up something that might enjoy. If neither of those do it for you, talk to the DM about pausing the campaign to do some one-shots.
One shots will give you hard resets where you can explore different ideas and playstyles without overcommitting. Either way, you need to make a point to engage, it isn't going to get any easier unless you step up and get comfortable with it.
Friends want friends to be happy, and talking about your feelings gives them an opportunity to show that they care. Communicate, communicate, communicate.
Forgive me, I may be a little overzealous in my enjoyment of D&D, but it sounds like you haven't engaged with the game. D&D is the kind of game that you have to throw yourself into, give it your all to get what it has to offer. It sounds like you've been more reserved, and merely dipped your toes in. In that case, it doesn't surprise me that you haven't been engrossed. I'd suggest giving it a go, but committing to it and getting in on the roleplay. As awkward as it would appear, it's really fun. Or at least - it is for me and most people. I've played with, newbies included.
It just sounds a lot like you've been on the periphery long enough that your will to hang on has eroded, and it's giving way now. I'd revise my initial advice to say that it's a choice, go all in or follow my original advice. If you go all in, you'll probably enjoy it and not get distracted (I won't pretend that it's everyone's cup of tea, so you may not enjoy it, but most people do in my experience), but I think the current situation seems untenable. Commit to being in the game, or cut your losses, because it's obviously not working for you at the moment.
If you're not willing or able to to discuss in good faith, then don't be surprised if I don't respond, there are better things in life for me to do than humour you. This signature is that response.
It sounds to me the game needs to wrap-up or have you exit. Especially if others were also leaving there may be subconscious tension. A fresh start may be what's needed. Take a break and then evaluate if your still interested.
Just because you don't Rp, it doesn't mean problems. Sometimes even doing other things isn't a problem But it sounds like you're not in a place where it's fun. Bad experiences tend to spread through out a group.
Some people do better with oneshots because they can be a little risky or try out lots of different options. Some people need shorter stints to refresh investment.
Maybe you just prefer the tactial aspect. There are board games that focus on stuff like that instead.
Find your fun. Don't worry about the others they'll figure it out too.
thing is this is the first time playing through a D&D campaign and I've never really done anything that involves RP. from day 1 I've stayed relatively quiet most of the time but the game did have my undivided attention, but as of late I just really don't pay attention to any of the dialogue or events unless it's combat. I don't know if it's because the character I created is kind of a dead end in terms of backstory/character or if the game just isn't for me.
It's a a group of friends in terms of players and the DM
It's always more difficult if you're all friends in real-life.
But I agree with the others that it is best that you call time on the game if you aren't enjoying it.
Maybe the DM will continue with one player, or might offer to start a new campaign.
The first thing you need to figure out is what you actually want from D&D. If you quit the current game, and then go join another without understanding that, it's entirely possible you'll end up back where you started.
Once you've figured that out, consider talking to your DM about it. Be like, "Hey, I appreciate all the work you're putting in but what if we do xyz? I think I'd be able to get into the game a lot more then, and we'd all have a better time of it." Your DM should want you to have fun and be into it, because they can work off of that themselves (plus it's how they know they're doing a good job).
If you think there's just no way to get what you want from the campaign, then that's okay too--you can just leave. But, at least let the DM know in advance that you plan to back out (and that there's no hard feelings). It'd be courteous and also an opportunity to work with them to go out in style. Staying might not be exciting, but you can still maybe have a blast with your exit.
thank you for all of the advice everyone, spoke to the DM shortly after I posted. We've come to the conclusion it's probably best to kill off my character seen as it's a deadend and possibly take a break for a while to read up on some potential replacement roles that may interest me. It may be pointless but at least it gives me some time to decide whether or not rejoining is a possibility in the future with a more mentally engaging character
I wouldn't say it's necessary, the other people in my group that quit just had their characters leave the party to do their own thing. the only problem is it did seem kind of rushed to me, like "my people need me I must go" without any further explanation or reason.
So I have been playing through a D&D campaign on roll20 for about 2 years now, the problem I'm facing is I'm just not enjoying the game in general anymore. I barely ever RP along with conversations in character and spend most of the time during the session browsing websites and listening to my own music (whenever we're out of combat) to try and make the 3 hours of the session go quicker. I want to call it quits as I've only stuck around because one of the other players has recently left the campaign due to an argument with the DM and another left due to personal reasons; leaving only myself and 2 other players.
My question is can a D&D campaign realistically continue with so few players.
I agree with what most other people said. If you’re not having fun, don’t play. Plus you being distracted just makes it harder for the DM
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“Magic is distilled laziness. Put that on my gravestone.”
In that case Erik, I think it would be sufficient to collaborate to kill the PC. That way, you can set up the situation such that the other PCs don't risk their necks for nothing.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
If you're not willing or able to to discuss in good faith, then don't be surprised if I don't respond, there are better things in life for me to do than humour you. This signature is that response.
I was in an IRL campaign until a few weeks ago due to feeling like the odd one out and the child of the party (I'm 18 they were a bit older) and I asked my DM for a bit of backstory and I got a 1 minute section whilst other members had whole sessions devoted to them which tipped me over the edge. I lost full intrest and I didn't have the courage to even tell him that I felt like a weak chain compared to the rest of the party. Leaving is totally fine if you've had enough or no longer enjoying it, it's the best way instead of sitting in the corner alone
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Hello there people,
So I have been playing through a D&D campaign on roll20 for about 2 years now, the problem I'm facing is I'm just not enjoying the game in general anymore. I barely ever RP along with conversations in character and spend most of the time during the session browsing websites and listening to my own music (whenever we're out of combat) to try and make the 3 hours of the session go quicker. I want to call it quits as I've only stuck around because one of the other players has recently left the campaign due to an argument with the DM and another left due to personal reasons; leaving only myself and 2 other players.
My question is can a D&D campaign realistically continue with so few players.
If you're not having fun, it doesn't matter if the game can continue without you. You are absolutely allowed to bow out regardless.
If they want to continue, but think they need more players, they can recruit more players.
A few points.
Most of my games have been with only one player (and I'm the DM). It's doable. I've only ever played one session with three other players. Having two players in a session is probably my average. It's fine.
It sounds like you're online. From what I've seen, it's really easy to get more players. There are more players wanting to play than spots DMs can provide.
You don't owe them a game. If you're bored by it, then you don't have to play, certainly not for 3 hours.
If they want you to stay, it's on them to make it worth your while. I'm not saying you should be rewarded monetarily like my example - but my time is limited. I have to justify time away from my family. If someone wants me to DM them,the answer will no...unless they can alter the equation enough to make it worth it. At this point, that means money. They don't want to pay or otherwise make it worth my while? Not a problem. I'll enjoy my time with my kids. Similarly, your time is limited. Either they make the game enjoyable, or you find something else to do that is enjoyable. It's possible that they just need to change styles, but ultimately, either they make it enjoyable, or you do something else.
Believe me, they can tell that you're not "in" the game. It probably frustrates them and it's best for everyone that you leave. We tend not to realise just how obvious it is when we're keeping ourselves occupied doing something else, but it is obvious.
If you're not willing or able to to discuss in good faith, then don't be surprised if I don't respond, there are better things in life for me to do than humour you. This signature is that response.
thing is this is the first time playing through a D&D campaign and I've never really done anything that involves RP. from day 1 I've stayed relatively quiet most of the time but the game did have my undivided attention, but as of late I just really don't pay attention to any of the dialogue or events unless it's combat. I don't know if it's because the character I created is kind of a dead end in terms of backstory/character or if the game just isn't for me.
It's a a group of friends in terms of players and the DM
I personally struggle with online games. They just don't hold my attention, and, as you point out, there are just too many distractions at your finger tips. I either play in person, or not at all.
That said, you have a big responsibility in manifesting your own enjoyment. When you are new to the game, it can be hard to identify what you need, so just talk to the DM and other players from that perspective.
If you can, rewrite your characters background to something that engages you. If you aren't feeling that, create a new character that you care more about. It's better to handwave a change to the party than to give up something that might enjoy. If neither of those do it for you, talk to the DM about pausing the campaign to do some one-shots.
One shots will give you hard resets where you can explore different ideas and playstyles without overcommitting. Either way, you need to make a point to engage, it isn't going to get any easier unless you step up and get comfortable with it.
Friends want friends to be happy, and talking about your feelings gives them an opportunity to show that they care. Communicate, communicate, communicate.
Forgive me, I may be a little overzealous in my enjoyment of D&D, but it sounds like you haven't engaged with the game. D&D is the kind of game that you have to throw yourself into, give it your all to get what it has to offer. It sounds like you've been more reserved, and merely dipped your toes in. In that case, it doesn't surprise me that you haven't been engrossed. I'd suggest giving it a go, but committing to it and getting in on the roleplay. As awkward as it would appear, it's really fun. Or at least - it is for me and most people. I've played with, newbies included.
It just sounds a lot like you've been on the periphery long enough that your will to hang on has eroded, and it's giving way now. I'd revise my initial advice to say that it's a choice, go all in or follow my original advice. If you go all in, you'll probably enjoy it and not get distracted (I won't pretend that it's everyone's cup of tea, so you may not enjoy it, but most people do in my experience), but I think the current situation seems untenable. Commit to being in the game, or cut your losses, because it's obviously not working for you at the moment.
If you're not willing or able to to discuss in good faith, then don't be surprised if I don't respond, there are better things in life for me to do than humour you. This signature is that response.
It sounds to me the game needs to wrap-up or have you exit. Especially if others were also leaving there may be subconscious tension. A fresh start may be what's needed. Take a break and then evaluate if your still interested.
Just because you don't Rp, it doesn't mean problems. Sometimes even doing other things isn't a problem But it sounds like you're not in a place where it's fun. Bad experiences tend to spread through out a group.
Some people do better with oneshots because they can be a little risky or try out lots of different options. Some people need shorter stints to refresh investment.
Maybe you just prefer the tactial aspect. There are board games that focus on stuff like that instead.
Find your fun. Don't worry about the others they'll figure it out too.
It's always more difficult if you're all friends in real-life.
But I agree with the others that it is best that you call time on the game if you aren't enjoying it.
Maybe the DM will continue with one player, or might offer to start a new campaign.
The first thing you need to figure out is what you actually want from D&D. If you quit the current game, and then go join another without understanding that, it's entirely possible you'll end up back where you started.
Once you've figured that out, consider talking to your DM about it. Be like, "Hey, I appreciate all the work you're putting in but what if we do xyz? I think I'd be able to get into the game a lot more then, and we'd all have a better time of it." Your DM should want you to have fun and be into it, because they can work off of that themselves (plus it's how they know they're doing a good job).
If you think there's just no way to get what you want from the campaign, then that's okay too--you can just leave. But, at least let the DM know in advance that you plan to back out (and that there's no hard feelings). It'd be courteous and also an opportunity to work with them to go out in style. Staying might not be exciting, but you can still maybe have a blast with your exit.
thank you for all of the advice everyone, spoke to the DM shortly after I posted. We've come to the conclusion it's probably best to kill off my character seen as it's a deadend and possibly take a break for a while to read up on some potential replacement roles that may interest me. It may be pointless but at least it gives me some time to decide whether or not rejoining is a possibility in the future with a more mentally engaging character
I wouldn't say it's necessary, the other people in my group that quit just had their characters leave the party to do their own thing. the only problem is it did seem kind of rushed to me, like "my people need me I must go" without any further explanation or reason.
I agree with what most other people said. If you’re not having fun, don’t play. Plus you being distracted just makes it harder for the DM
“Magic is distilled laziness. Put that on my gravestone.”
In that case Erik, I think it would be sufficient to collaborate to kill the PC. That way, you can set up the situation such that the other PCs don't risk their necks for nothing.
If you're not willing or able to to discuss in good faith, then don't be surprised if I don't respond, there are better things in life for me to do than humour you. This signature is that response.
I was in an IRL campaign until a few weeks ago due to feeling like the odd one out and the child of the party (I'm 18 they were a bit older) and I asked my DM for a bit of backstory and I got a 1 minute section whilst other members had whole sessions devoted to them which tipped me over the edge. I lost full intrest and I didn't have the courage to even tell him that I felt like a weak chain compared to the rest of the party. Leaving is totally fine if you've had enough or no longer enjoying it, it's the best way instead of sitting in the corner alone