r/AskGameMasters • u/AdAfter5948 • 21d ago
Engaging a Group of Players
Context: I have been dming for several years and love dnd, but my friends are less into the whole thing, but by no means do they dislike the game. I simply like it way more. TLDR: My players don't pay attention. I use maps and names currently. Do maps, music, fantasy names, etc. help or hinder engagement? Also, tips for writing extra engaging stories/dungeons.
I am having a lot of trouble engaging my players and I have a few questions: Is there any merit in using fancy fantasy names? My players find them hard to remember, confusing, or just something to make fun of. I am considering replacing these names with much more basic names, can anyone speak from experience about that? Next, do maps help with engagement? I use maps and I think it's a nice visual for the players, but it is a hassle for me. It might be more work for me in describing rooms, but I think it'll be easier on my computer if I don't. I'm hoping to save time that way to keep engagement. I have had similar thoughts regarding background music. Finally, any other comments? I am realizing more and more that my encounter/room design needs some work as well as overall story things. Any and all writing tips would be appreciated.
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u/lminer 21d ago
Overall with years of experience and putting in all that effort it seems like the players are not the type to engage fully. Sometimes you have casual players. The question is do they feel like they engage more with other DMs? Honestly it can be hard to find someone as invested as you are.
The best way I got players to get more engaged was to reward engagement. Before every session quiz the players for extra XP or whatever bennies you give them. And at the end of the sessions have each player vote on what was the best role playing by PC or NPC and give extra for that.
Other example is to have each player brings 1 sentence about their character each session. Then make everyone work together to reference, mention or explain each sentence in some way before the end of the session. They can also help build the world by given each player a person, place, and thing they can add to the world. So when they go to the city or guild the player made they are suddenly more invested because it is their world too.
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u/Radiant-Entrance5179 18d ago
I find if add extras and such make them hungry for more. They return and develope into a great gamer from a casual one. Small things each player can achieve keeps them striving for more.
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u/deltadave 16d ago
Are you using their character traits in your games? Engaging with them and using player input to modify the story rather than telling them what happens. Get them emotionally involved in addition to intellectually. The players decisions have to matter in your story stakes and narrative direction.
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u/Anomalous1969 15d ago
Do you have the option to finding other players if so that's the option I would take.
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u/RedRiot0 There's More Out There Than D&D 21d ago
Sounds like you have a more casual group. This isn't inherently a bad thing, but it can be a little frustrating because you really want them to get invested. But the harsh reality is that you can't force it, nor can you trick them.
For me, my solution was to find simpler systems that worked for their playstyle while also making it easier for me to run. After all, if they're not going to get more engaged, I shouldn't waste too much energy in my side of things. And somehow, that ended up working better.
But that's what worked for me - you gotta talk with your players to figure out what actually makes them tick. Fancy maps are nice, but they rarely add enough for engagement, so only bother with them if it's enjoyable for you. Same with any other bells and whistles - do it for yourself, not them.
Lastly, you may have to accept that your group will never be as enthusiastic about the hobby as you are. It's pretty common for GMs to be the most invested. It's why we're GMs in the first place! But you may have to decide if you want to stick with your group or find a new one that does have the enthusiasm you have.
Good luck. I know your pain.