Finding a regular gaming group is becoming harder these days. Even those groups who have gamed together for years tend to break up and go their own ways. But the best way to prevent this from happening is to become motivated and do something to promote games not only in your group, but your community as well.

Wizards of the Coast had the right idea, even if it was poorly implemented. Arranging for places where gaming could be enjoyed on a daily basis was a great idea. However, if the people all came to play and no one was there to run the game, then these groups would have to adapt to new gaming styles like card games or board games. Game Masters are few in number - great Game Masters are even more rare. But there really is no benefit inherent in running a game to entice others to become game masters. I think this may have led to the popularity of games like Magic: the Gathering and D&D Miniatures which allow the same thrill of fantasy gaming without all the prep time. In order for a gaming group to play one person has to have several hours of prep time and possibly extra time with each player as they create characters. A collectible card game session simply involves two people getting together, shuffling some cards, and off they go. D&D minis are also simple to prep, but involve some prior thought when organizing one’s forces.

If the Game Master is unable (or unwilling) to prepare for a game session, then the game suffers. However, more importantly, if the PLAYERS are apathetic about playing, or come unprepared to play either in playing material, knowledge of the rules, or attitude, then the game can suffer even more. Nothing is as heartbreaking as a carefully constructed campaign suffering from player apathy. Both sides of the game screen need to approach a game with the same attitude. If no participant is having fun, and the game is reduced to “going through the motions” each week, then change things! 

I used to have a smaller gaming group of friends with common interests. We were into comic books, science fiction movies, fantasy, and horror. We enjoyed playing games together - it didn’t matter what, as long as it was fun. But that was when commitments were few, we were all much younger, and organizing time was as simple as picking up a phone. It’s also easier to get a small number of people to move in one direction than a larger group. Every time we expand the group, the gaming suffers. Let’s face it, not everyone is a gamer at heart. It’s a rare breed that continues gaming more than 10 years. It’s more than a game or a hobby, it’s really a way of life!

Just like people have to work at relationships, learning, or building their careers, becoming a better gamer takes time and effort. Don’t approach a game with a defeatist attitude. Don’t look at the game as a chore. Don’t sit back and expect to be entertained while putting no effort into the process. Don’t express dissatisfaction at every opportunity. Cooperate with your Game Master, provide him or her with input, become an exemplar of what a gamer should be, and don’t let apathy ruin a campaign! You only get out of a game what you put in. Remember, if you don’t like the way a game is being run, offer to run one yourself and lead by example. Offer to run games for local conventions or gaming shops. Don’t forget to show your appreciation for a Game Master’s hard work by thanking them from time to time or offering words of encouragement. Taking an active role in your gaming group may just save it from dissolving forever!