Hello Gauntletters,
I am looking into playing tabletop games online (Hangouts, Skype, etc), but frankly the idea scares me. It sounds intimidating and I haven’t the slightest clue on how to start or where to go. I have played RPGs for about 15 years or so and this new medium makes me feel lost in an already bifercated community. Jason Cordova and friends, what do I need to know?
Subscribing — I’m really interested in this topic.
Subscribing — I’m really interested in this topic.
If I had a regular schedule coming up I’d be asking the same question. Good luck Andrew Huffaker!
If I had a regular schedule coming up I’d be asking the same question. Good luck Andrew Huffaker!
I’m not sure what you’re asking but I’m willing to help! Could you be a little more specific?
I’m not sure what you’re asking but I’m willing to help! Could you be a little more specific?
Most of the bifurcation is simply that Story games and the OSR arose in response to the increasing rules complications of 4e and Pathfinder.
As the barrier to publishing has dropped, indie artists have demonstrated the ability to produce a more interesting and utilities product than the big folks.
For you the returning player, it means that more games are being run online and you only have to sign up. Say you’re new, X game sounds neat, and your GM will do the rest.
Most of the bifurcation is simply that Story games and the OSR arose in response to the increasing rules complications of 4e and Pathfinder.
As the barrier to publishing has dropped, indie artists have demonstrated the ability to produce a more interesting and utilities product than the big folks.
For you the returning player, it means that more games are being run online and you only have to sign up. Say you’re new, X game sounds neat, and your GM will do the rest.
So, to clarify, I have been GM DW for the past few years along with some other smaller title games. I can’t seem to find the caliber of play that I long for. In my area, DND and Path reign supreme. I want to play more PBtA, DW, and other indie games, but can’t find a community where I live.
So, I know my next venture is probably digital. I appreciate The Gauntlet and all the Gauntletters, but I have yet to ever play games online because its too far from what I know. Ettiqute, where to find a game, mechanics, etc. I feels like I’m a kid again asking to play with the older kids haha.
I’m looking for a primer or a Sherpa to ease me into this new way. I’m looking more so to GM games than be a PC.
Thanks!
So, to clarify, I have been GM DW for the past few years along with some other smaller title games. I can’t seem to find the caliber of play that I long for. In my area, DND and Path reign supreme. I want to play more PBtA, DW, and other indie games, but can’t find a community where I live.
So, I know my next venture is probably digital. I appreciate The Gauntlet and all the Gauntletters, but I have yet to ever play games online because its too far from what I know. Ettiqute, where to find a game, mechanics, etc. I feels like I’m a kid again asking to play with the older kids haha.
I’m looking for a primer or a Sherpa to ease me into this new way. I’m looking more so to GM games than be a PC.
Thanks!
Hi Andrew Huffaker, I was in the same position. Not that I am a total computer illiterate but I found the technical aspect intimidating (especially after playing face to face for ever) – which was completely unwarranted because it is actually very simple. As long as you have a semi modern laptop with a camera, mic and stable internet connection you’re good to go.
Hi Andrew Huffaker, I was in the same position. Not that I am a total computer illiterate but I found the technical aspect intimidating (especially after playing face to face for ever) – which was completely unwarranted because it is actually very simple. As long as you have a semi modern laptop with a camera, mic and stable internet connection you’re good to go.
Well, as far as where to find a game, you can check out our Gauntlet Hangouts G+ community to see what games people are running officially. $7 patrons have first access to games but after a week they open up to everyone. If there’s a game you want to play but there are no spots left, definitely join the waitlist.
Every GM has different methods for running their games, mechanically and technologically. But when you’ve signed up for a game, most GMs will communicate their plan and expectations. You might use Google Hangouts, or Roll20, or other services for the call.
As far as etiquette goes, I would point you to episode 46 of the podcast, on being a “GGG” gamer.
Well, as far as where to find a game, you can check out our Gauntlet Hangouts G+ community to see what games people are running officially. $7 patrons have first access to games but after a week they open up to everyone. If there’s a game you want to play but there are no spots left, definitely join the waitlist.
Every GM has different methods for running their games, mechanically and technologically. But when you’ve signed up for a game, most GMs will communicate their plan and expectations. You might use Google Hangouts, or Roll20, or other services for the call.
As far as etiquette goes, I would point you to episode 46 of the podcast, on being a “GGG” gamer.
When are you looking to play? I’m GMT-8 and interested in a new game on weekday evenings.
When are you looking to play? I’m GMT-8 and interested in a new game on weekday evenings.
Check out Roll20, it has tools to let you arrange your digital elements (maps, tokens, audio effects, character sheets) and make your game available to others with a searchable listing. The listing is a big help, as it provides a stable center to build from unlike the constant flow of a G+ feed.
However, also look around G+ for roleplaying communities (there are a number) and if you have a pitch for a game, write it up. Specify your timezone as well as planned start time, your preferred medium (Roll20, Hangouts, Discord) and see if you get any bites. Or just start a conversation.
Check out Roll20, it has tools to let you arrange your digital elements (maps, tokens, audio effects, character sheets) and make your game available to others with a searchable listing. The listing is a big help, as it provides a stable center to build from unlike the constant flow of a G+ feed.
However, also look around G+ for roleplaying communities (there are a number) and if you have a pitch for a game, write it up. Specify your timezone as well as planned start time, your preferred medium (Roll20, Hangouts, Discord) and see if you get any bites. Or just start a conversation.
Andrew Huffaker Are you willing to play in a game first? Then the Gauntlet Hangouts Google + group is the first place to start. I believe this is the link to that group. I would imagine playing in a game will provide you with that guided experience. The GM can be your “sherpa” into the online gaming world – or at least should be – they are motivated to get you to play in their game.
The Gauntlet Hangouts
Andrew Huffaker Are you willing to play in a game first? Then the Gauntlet Hangouts Google + group is the first place to start. I believe this is the link to that group. I would imagine playing in a game will provide you with that guided experience. The GM can be your “sherpa” into the online gaming world – or at least should be – they are motivated to get you to play in their game.
The Gauntlet Hangouts
Andrew Huffaker Howdy! I just went through this myself a few weeks ago. I sort of eased my way into online play…I started playing play-by-post 13th Age a few years ago, decided that wasn’t what I wanted, then got on Fantasy Grounds (with Teamspeak/Discord audio) last summer and found a good group, and finally wound up on here maybe a month or so ago to do more narrative gaming. I found it a bit intimidating as well but the key really is just signing up for a game. The GMs will tell you everything else you need to know. You can find lots of Gauntlet videos on youtube if you want to see what the level of play looks like and what people are doing. I do think it would benefit you to join a few games as a player before you start GMing just to see what types of digital toolsets people are using because there are a surprising number of options available.
Also, having tried text, audio and video I can honestly say you get the best game from video by a wide margin. You get a better sense of who you’re playing with and you pick up all the nonverbals everyone is giving (the nods, the thumbs-ups, etc.). In an audio game you can spend multiple sessions just trying to match a voice to a certain character, let alone the person playing the character. I was intimidated by all the tech options because I am absolutely useless with computers but the stuff everyone on here uses is easy and free.
Andrew Huffaker Howdy! I just went through this myself a few weeks ago. I sort of eased my way into online play…I started playing play-by-post 13th Age a few years ago, decided that wasn’t what I wanted, then got on Fantasy Grounds (with Teamspeak/Discord audio) last summer and found a good group, and finally wound up on here maybe a month or so ago to do more narrative gaming. I found it a bit intimidating as well but the key really is just signing up for a game. The GMs will tell you everything else you need to know. You can find lots of Gauntlet videos on youtube if you want to see what the level of play looks like and what people are doing. I do think it would benefit you to join a few games as a player before you start GMing just to see what types of digital toolsets people are using because there are a surprising number of options available.
Also, having tried text, audio and video I can honestly say you get the best game from video by a wide margin. You get a better sense of who you’re playing with and you pick up all the nonverbals everyone is giving (the nods, the thumbs-ups, etc.). In an audio game you can spend multiple sessions just trying to match a voice to a certain character, let alone the person playing the character. I was intimidated by all the tech options because I am absolutely useless with computers but the stuff everyone on here uses is easy and free.
Andrew Huffaker Hello and welcome! Just to continue Stephen Humphreys’ comment above, the Gauntlet Hangouts videos that get posted can show you exactly what happens in an online game in this community, and I think it would make a great resource to get comfortable. Here are a few YouTube playlists that divide the videos into different campaigns. Just click on any of these links, pick any video, and sit back and enjoy!
Jason Cordova running Dungeon World: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL26DVDSsqVz6VlgBJpGA6qp7wCb2OydB7
Lowell Francis running a variety of different games for the “TGI Thursday” series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUKV1MEOXoTW-UwK-t6HnYhJoYjolmqGj
Richard Rogers running Apocalypse World: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLccARXndpwficTY_hU2ZaGuILaiw5UY9Z
As was mentioned previously, you’ll be able to sign up for games just like these by visiting the Gauntlet Hangouts community that Chris Shorb linked to above. If you have questions about any specific game, I’m sure the GM would be eager to provide answers!
Good luck and enjoy, and maybe I’ll see you there someday!
Andrew Huffaker Hello and welcome! Just to continue Stephen Humphreys’ comment above, the Gauntlet Hangouts videos that get posted can show you exactly what happens in an online game in this community, and I think it would make a great resource to get comfortable. Here are a few YouTube playlists that divide the videos into different campaigns. Just click on any of these links, pick any video, and sit back and enjoy!
Jason Cordova running Dungeon World: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL26DVDSsqVz6VlgBJpGA6qp7wCb2OydB7
Lowell Francis running a variety of different games for the “TGI Thursday” series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUKV1MEOXoTW-UwK-t6HnYhJoYjolmqGj
Richard Rogers running Apocalypse World: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLccARXndpwficTY_hU2ZaGuILaiw5UY9Z
As was mentioned previously, you’ll be able to sign up for games just like these by visiting the Gauntlet Hangouts community that Chris Shorb linked to above. If you have questions about any specific game, I’m sure the GM would be eager to provide answers!
Good luck and enjoy, and maybe I’ll see you there someday!
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Everyone in the Gauntlet community that I have played with has been super cool and friendly. I suggest finding a game, signing up, and then emailing the GM to let them know it’s you first time playing online.
Everyone in the Gauntlet community that I have played with has been super cool and friendly. I suggest finding a game, signing up, and then emailing the GM to let them know it’s you first time playing online.
Hey everyone. Thank you so much for the kind words of encouragement. I see the path. I will look more into it and if I have any other questions, I’ll post. Thanks Rob Abrazado Stephen Humphreys Chris ShorbMichael G. Barford and everyone else. Top notch.
Hey everyone. Thank you so much for the kind words of encouragement. I see the path. I will look more into it and if I have any other questions, I’ll post. Thanks Rob Abrazado Stephen Humphreys Chris ShorbMichael G. Barford and everyone else. Top notch.