Running Games for Various Types of People
There are all types of players who sit down at the table and as Dungeon Masters (DMs), it’s our job to try and figure out what they are looking for in a game and how to get them involved. The best way a DM can do this is by creating opportunities for players to roleplay or interact through their characters. And while some players have no issues with being thrust into the limelight others might struggle with it.
Our social butterfly players can often be an awesome source of fun for everyone at the table. And seeing them get excited and want to explore everything you put in front of the group is definitely a huge ego boost. But when one or two players start stealing the show and everyone else is simply sitting on the sidelines waiting for combat, this might become a problem. It might even, in some situations, make some of your players feel like they are not important. So how do we improve this? This week we discuss the concept of sharing the spotlight. So let’s hop into that 60-foot radius of light as we break this topic down.
Running games for a group of players means that as a DM, you are trying to weave a story that includes a variety of personalities. While this is definitely something that can be crazy fun it can also be challenging at times. While many people are able to jump into the story and immediately start exploring there are also just as many players who are shy or struggle with getting into character. If this happens and you find yourself concerned for any reason, the best thing you can do is ask your players to talk either before or after the game.
Ask Questions, Be Attentive
But when asking someone who is shy or struggling to get into character, it is important that you don’t necessarily want to ask them something like “Hey are you ok? Or Hey why are you not getting involved?” This kind of questioning can often make someone who struggles with opening up, feel like they are messing up and they may shut down or pull out of your game altogether.
Instead try wording things in a more positive way by saying things like, “Hey are you enjoying the game? Is there anything that you want to explore? Do you feel good about the group of heroes we have built?” These questions are a much friendlier way to explore what kind of experience they might be having and potentially give you some ideas on how to improve their involvement in your adventures.
Furthermore, you may discover that they are completely fine for the time being standing in the background and letting others run the show. Hell, some people are just there to kick the butts of monsters in combat. But it is our job as dungeon masters to ensure that we are exploring every option and make sure that if the torch needs to be passed from one player to another that it is being passed around to everyone there.
Dividing and Still Conquering Through Cut Scenes
It is really important that we do this especially when your players break off into smaller groups to explore various side quests or different shops in town. When this happens make sure your players all feel like they are important. I have seen many good DMs get so caught up in one group of players that the others sit there watching for a good 20-30 mins with no interaction themselves.
This is why I love to create cut scenes. Creating cut scenes can be really important because they allow you to jump back and forth between the two (or more) groups, and still ensure all your players stay engaged.
In Conclusion
This Covers just about everything when it comes to sharing the spotlight between your players. Remember it is the DMs responsibility to provide every player at the table with the opportunity to be involved in the game as much as they want to be. You can do this by first observing how everyone is interacting with your game. From there, secure help from your more confident players and ask encouraging questions of the quieter ones. Finally do your best at dividing your attention as equally as you can between everyone at the table, especially when the party is split.
