My hope is to expand Gauntlet Hangouts by a significant amount next year. We’re going to make more of those precious-as-gold $7 Patreon spots available, but that means we need more game runners. Importantly, we need game runners who are confident in their ability to do a good job.
I rarely pose questions like this to the community, but I’d like to know: What would you need from us (i.e. the Gauntlet regulars) to feel confident running games online for our community?
We’ve got a few things simmering right now:
Lowell Francis is helping out individual GMs who want tips and guidance.
Kate Bullock set-up a GM Support channel on our Slack.
I have made my Hangouts videos available for the express purpose of showing how I run a game.
But I’m interested in all your ideas. What is your barrier to running games online for Gauntlet Hangouts, and what can we do to remove those barriers?
That’s awesome!
Also I know for me, it’s I am not sure what kind of demand there is for various games in specific time zones. Some sort of voting/wishlist thingy might be helpful to solicit interest. Then people can schedule games to try and meet that demand.
That’s awesome!
Also I know for me, it’s I am not sure what kind of demand there is for various games in specific time zones. Some sort of voting/wishlist thingy might be helpful to solicit interest. Then people can schedule games to try and meet that demand.
I’ve been a long time lurker/listener and patron of the Gauntlet. I have run games for a very long time online via Hangouts, and face to face. I’m a huge fan of PBtA games and other indie style story games. I guess what I’m saying is… I would love to step up to run some games. How do I get hooked into the system and get a game up and running for you guys? .
Where to schedule? What games are appropriate? Maybe a simple document to help a newcomer navigate the waters on how to set up a game using the Gauntlet’s resources would be helpful.
Thanks again for being a great source and community. The Gauntlet has really opened my brain to new games I would never have found without you guys.
I’ve been a long time lurker/listener and patron of the Gauntlet. I have run games for a very long time online via Hangouts, and face to face. I’m a huge fan of PBtA games and other indie style story games. I guess what I’m saying is… I would love to step up to run some games. How do I get hooked into the system and get a game up and running for you guys? .
Where to schedule? What games are appropriate? Maybe a simple document to help a newcomer navigate the waters on how to set up a game using the Gauntlet’s resources would be helpful.
Thanks again for being a great source and community. The Gauntlet has really opened my brain to new games I would never have found without you guys.
Maybe this already exists, but what I’d want is a 1-2 page document (or wiki, or whatever) with the basic how-to-do-Xs, such as “How to…”
1) Put your game on the Gauntlet schedule (when, what info, always do _, never do __)
2) Confirm the players/schedule _(when, what tools to use, always remember to _, avoid __)
3) Prepare for the session _(what hardware/software you need, what your players need, what you should communicate to the players & when, etc.)
3a) A similar document to send to players would be grand!
4) Start the session (when, what tools to use, what to do once you start, what if no one shows up, what if you want to record the session, etc.)
5) Run the session (what tools to use, best practices, breaks, troubleshooting tips/FAQs [“Whenever Bob talks, there’s this horrible echo”], etc.)
6) Wrap up the session (etiquette, best practices, saving a recording, editing down a recording, etc.)
I’m not looking for options or “well you could do this” or whatnot… I want instructions. Directive statements that tell me what I should be doing when, as far as the medium of online gaming goes.
And then advertise the document, and maintain it, and all that.
I’m sure I can figure this stuff out. And maybe such a document already exists. But knowing that I have to spend time/energy figuring it out or tracking it down is a non-trivial barrier to entry for me, personally.
Maybe this already exists, but what I’d want is a 1-2 page document (or wiki, or whatever) with the basic how-to-do-Xs, such as “How to…”
1) Put your game on the Gauntlet schedule (when, what info, always do _, never do __)
2) Confirm the players/schedule _(when, what tools to use, always remember to _, avoid __)
3) Prepare for the session _(what hardware/software you need, what your players need, what you should communicate to the players & when, etc.)
3a) A similar document to send to players would be grand!
4) Start the session (when, what tools to use, what to do once you start, what if no one shows up, what if you want to record the session, etc.)
5) Run the session (what tools to use, best practices, breaks, troubleshooting tips/FAQs [“Whenever Bob talks, there’s this horrible echo”], etc.)
6) Wrap up the session (etiquette, best practices, saving a recording, editing down a recording, etc.)
I’m not looking for options or “well you could do this” or whatnot… I want instructions. Directive statements that tell me what I should be doing when, as far as the medium of online gaming goes.
And then advertise the document, and maintain it, and all that.
I’m sure I can figure this stuff out. And maybe such a document already exists. But knowing that I have to spend time/energy figuring it out or tracking it down is a non-trivial barrier to entry for me, personally.
There should be an “official” way to pitch an idea with a format to follow (system, number of players, date, tone suggestion etc.), a place to send the idea to (maybe a section on Gauntlet Hangouts or just an email address) and definitely either a wish list as Rich Glover mentioned or some other way to gauge interest.
I’d love to run OSR-type rules lite games for the Gauntlet like Macchiato Monsters or Maze Rats but I’m not sure the sessions would fill – especially because I could only play on weekends which are already quite busy.
There should be an “official” way to pitch an idea with a format to follow (system, number of players, date, tone suggestion etc.), a place to send the idea to (maybe a section on Gauntlet Hangouts or just an email address) and definitely either a wish list as Rich Glover mentioned or some other way to gauge interest.
I’d love to run OSR-type rules lite games for the Gauntlet like Macchiato Monsters or Maze Rats but I’m not sure the sessions would fill – especially because I could only play on weekends which are already quite busy.
Going to take some intense notes
Going to take some intense notes
I know as a player, I’ve been a bit bashful to actually sign up and participate. I’ve always dreamed of playing tabletop RPGs, especially of the indie/story game persuasion, but I haven’t had a group personally.
I’ve wanted to sample some games on here potentially, but I do tend to find that they’re filled up before I get the chance. I realize that most of it is tied to Patreon members getting first pick, but it’s hard for me to sign up for a service without trying it out first, if that makes any sense? Hoping I might be able to get in on something in Gauntlet Con! And I can also get over my stage fright!
I know as a player, I’ve been a bit bashful to actually sign up and participate. I’ve always dreamed of playing tabletop RPGs, especially of the indie/story game persuasion, but I haven’t had a group personally.
I’ve wanted to sample some games on here potentially, but I do tend to find that they’re filled up before I get the chance. I realize that most of it is tied to Patreon members getting first pick, but it’s hard for me to sign up for a service without trying it out first, if that makes any sense? Hoping I might be able to get in on something in Gauntlet Con! And I can also get over my stage fright!
I’m with Horst Wurst, I’d be interested in running an OSR game, probably an open table sandbox, but I’m not sure how much interest there’d be.
I’m with Horst Wurst, I’d be interested in running an OSR game, probably an open table sandbox, but I’m not sure how much interest there’d be.
I planned to approach about running some games once I stabilize a few things. I’m wrapping up a Monster of the Week game and then planned to try to get a regular slot running on Tuesdays. I would just need to know “Gauntlet Protocol” and any special requirements to get the stamp of approval.
I planned to approach about running some games once I stabilize a few things. I’m wrapping up a Monster of the Week game and then planned to try to get a regular slot running on Tuesdays. I would just need to know “Gauntlet Protocol” and any special requirements to get the stamp of approval.
I would encourage people to schedule games during whatever timeframe works for them. I keep hearing about folks that want to schedule during non-primetime hours (sometimes Asia hours), and are worried about those slots filling up. But those are the exact time slots that I’m interested in, since weekends and weekday evenings generally don’t work for me.
As for me, the other folks’ suggestions around documentation is the best I can think of. After finally playing in almost a dozen Gauntlet sessions in the last few months, I’m gearing up for GM-ing for when I have some time later this calendar year.
I would encourage people to schedule games during whatever timeframe works for them. I keep hearing about folks that want to schedule during non-primetime hours (sometimes Asia hours), and are worried about those slots filling up. But those are the exact time slots that I’m interested in, since weekends and weekday evenings generally don’t work for me.
As for me, the other folks’ suggestions around documentation is the best I can think of. After finally playing in almost a dozen Gauntlet sessions in the last few months, I’m gearing up for GM-ing for when I have some time later this calendar year.
Hmm. I run games online sometimes. Usually I need to specifically ask and negotiate schedules if I want one or two women players. Is there a way to do that with Gauntlet Hangout games?
Hmm. I run games online sometimes. Usually I need to specifically ask and negotiate schedules if I want one or two women players. Is there a way to do that with Gauntlet Hangout games?
I run my first official game for by Gauntlet this morning and have put a guideline together about how to set up the organizational part.
It contains details on your points 1 to 4 Jeremy Strandberg.
I can make it available / open to discussion. Currently, it’s in the gm support channel on the Gauntlet Slack.
I run my first official game for by Gauntlet this morning and have put a guideline together about how to set up the organizational part.
It contains details on your points 1 to 4 Jeremy Strandberg.
I can make it available / open to discussion. Currently, it’s in the gm support channel on the Gauntlet Slack.
I like the document idea and Gerrit Reininghaus has put together a solid resource. We’ll see how we can make that even better!
And since Jason has mentioned it again, I’m available to talk one on one with anyone who is thinking about running online– for The Gauntlet or elsewhere. If you want advice on the mechanics of setting things up, to talk with someone about the challenges of running online, to bounce your scenario or pitch off of someone, to practice some things, or to simply get someone to affirm without making too many intrusive suggestions, I’m glad to do that.
The more GMs the better and I want to help. I’m glad to do a Hangout call or if anyone wants to work in writing you can PM me through Google+.
I like the document idea and Gerrit Reininghaus has put together a solid resource. We’ll see how we can make that even better!
And since Jason has mentioned it again, I’m available to talk one on one with anyone who is thinking about running online– for The Gauntlet or elsewhere. If you want advice on the mechanics of setting things up, to talk with someone about the challenges of running online, to bounce your scenario or pitch off of someone, to practice some things, or to simply get someone to affirm without making too many intrusive suggestions, I’m glad to do that.
The more GMs the better and I want to help. I’m glad to do a Hangout call or if anyone wants to work in writing you can PM me through Google+.
These are very good news. I will be defending my PhD thesis next week, and I definitely want to get back full force into GMing again by next year. Never ran anything online, though.
These are very good news. I will be defending my PhD thesis next week, and I definitely want to get back full force into GMing again by next year. Never ran anything online, though.
Good luck with your defense!!!
Good luck with your defense!!!
Thank you, Lowell Francis!
Thank you, Lowell Francis!
Maybe setup the Gauntlet minor leagues. A farm system where new GMs can cut their teeth. I always run games face to face and played only a couple of times online. I would like to try it, but I would like it to be clear that I am new at this online thing, and that some mistakes / problems are to be expected.
This would make it less stressful for me and lowers the barrier of entry. The other challenge as well is for English as a secondary language people like myself, it would allow us to build our confidence in our ability to convey the emotions and information required for a good game to happen.
Maybe setup the Gauntlet minor leagues. A farm system where new GMs can cut their teeth. I always run games face to face and played only a couple of times online. I would like to try it, but I would like it to be clear that I am new at this online thing, and that some mistakes / problems are to be expected.
This would make it less stressful for me and lowers the barrier of entry. The other challenge as well is for English as a secondary language people like myself, it would allow us to build our confidence in our ability to convey the emotions and information required for a good game to happen.
Yan Périard We had that — it was called Mandatory Fun Club. Daniel Fowler started it for several of us and it was very low stress, because we rotated who GMed and Daniel and the others in the group were very supportive. So, you GM for each of the others in that group. And we covered setting up the events, tech issues, etc.
As far as I know, that was Daniel’s brainchild, and he did a bang up job with it.
Yan Périard We had that — it was called Mandatory Fun Club. Daniel Fowler started it for several of us and it was very low stress, because we rotated who GMed and Daniel and the others in the group were very supportive. So, you GM for each of the others in that group. And we covered setting up the events, tech issues, etc.
As far as I know, that was Daniel’s brainchild, and he did a bang up job with it.
Christo Meid thx
Christo Meid thx
I’ve been running DW for my own online group for a while now- and my season is starting to slow down. I’d definitely be willing to run some evening games West Coast time as we get into Autumn. What’s the vetting process look like to run for the Gauntlet?
I’ve been running DW for my own online group for a while now- and my season is starting to slow down. I’d definitely be willing to run some evening games West Coast time as we get into Autumn. What’s the vetting process look like to run for the Gauntlet?
Christo Meid cool I did not know that, my idea was that instead of running it for a set group, it would work exactly like other gauntlet games where players would change. It would be gaming with a safety net.
Christo Meid cool I did not know that, my idea was that instead of running it for a set group, it would work exactly like other gauntlet games where players would change. It would be gaming with a safety net.
The play aids on here are a little tucked away so perhaps they can be linked in the FAQ document?
The play aids on here are a little tucked away so perhaps they can be linked in the FAQ document?
Yan Périard I’m not clear how what you’re suggesting differs from a regular Gauntlet game, unless you’re saying it’s a mandatory rotating cast of players for each session, allowing you to run the same scenario multiple times…
Yan Périard I’m not clear how what you’re suggesting differs from a regular Gauntlet game, unless you’re saying it’s a mandatory rotating cast of players for each session, allowing you to run the same scenario multiple times…
Christo Meid – Its semantics mostly, but by being upfront that joining games that are part of the Gauntlet Minor Leagues are handled by new GMs and that you should expect issues, players would be aware of it and their expectations would be clearer. Again this is all based on my impressions / shyness that I do not want to disappoint, and I want /am ready to learn. I always find that when expectations are clear, it results with less stress on people.
Christo Meid – Its semantics mostly, but by being upfront that joining games that are part of the Gauntlet Minor Leagues are handled by new GMs and that you should expect issues, players would be aware of it and their expectations would be clearer. Again this is all based on my impressions / shyness that I do not want to disappoint, and I want /am ready to learn. I always find that when expectations are clear, it results with less stress on people.
How much info do we need to provide when pitching a game to Gauntlet central? The full write-up that would eventually go in an announcement? Just a few sentences to summarize?
How much info do we need to provide when pitching a game to Gauntlet central? The full write-up that would eventually go in an announcement? Just a few sentences to summarize?
Also helpful: links to commonly used character spreadsheets and dice rollers
Also helpful: links to commonly used character spreadsheets and dice rollers
Location plays a big part for me. I’d love to run some stuff but being uk based puts me in a awkward position timezone wise
Location plays a big part for me. I’d love to run some stuff but being uk based puts me in a awkward position timezone wise
Thanks for the feedback, everyone! This has been very useful.
The big thing I’m hearing is a more formal process for pitching/scheduling games. We can definitely do that.
I’m also very fond of the “farm team” idea. Mandatory Fun Club (which was very similar) was terrific, and we actually got a couple of regular GMs out of it. The idea was the same: a more experienced GM helped you organize your game, played in it (to guarantee there would be at least one experienced player), and otherwise assisted. It was meant to be a low-stakes way of getting into running games on our calendar. We may need to revisit the program.
Paul Czege You may need to unpack your comment for me a bit, but if I’m understanding correctly, you are allowed to schedule your game for as many players as you need. So, if you wanted to play with someone in particular, you could just schedule for one less person and then invite that person privately. That’s allowed.
Thanks for the feedback, everyone! This has been very useful.
The big thing I’m hearing is a more formal process for pitching/scheduling games. We can definitely do that.
I’m also very fond of the “farm team” idea. Mandatory Fun Club (which was very similar) was terrific, and we actually got a couple of regular GMs out of it. The idea was the same: a more experienced GM helped you organize your game, played in it (to guarantee there would be at least one experienced player), and otherwise assisted. It was meant to be a low-stakes way of getting into running games on our calendar. We may need to revisit the program.
Paul Czege You may need to unpack your comment for me a bit, but if I’m understanding correctly, you are allowed to schedule your game for as many players as you need. So, if you wanted to play with someone in particular, you could just schedule for one less person and then invite that person privately. That’s allowed.
Also, a note on timezones: U.S. West Coast is in very high demand (our current schedule favors the East Coast). I think UK/Europe and Australian timezones would also be pretty popular.
Also, a note on timezones: U.S. West Coast is in very high demand (our current schedule favors the East Coast). I think UK/Europe and Australian timezones would also be pretty popular.
Gotcha. Yeah, that solves it.
Gotcha. Yeah, that solves it.
U.S. West coast is in high demand you say? What west coast days and times would be ideal? I’m toying with the idea of running some online games again and I am on the west coast. My biggest barrier is just getting all the technology running correctly again.
U.S. West coast is in high demand you say? What west coast days and times would be ideal? I’m toying with the idea of running some online games again and I am on the west coast. My biggest barrier is just getting all the technology running correctly again.
I’m interested in the ‘farm team’ for West Coast eve slots as well- I’ll keep an eye open for further communiques.
I’m interested in the ‘farm team’ for West Coast eve slots as well- I’ll keep an eye open for further communiques.
One suggestion. Jason Cordova said:
“The idea was the same: a more experienced GM helped you organize your game, played in it (to guarantee there would be at least one experienced player)”
This would be great. I think I’ve said a few times in random posts that in the last 5 or 6 years, due to life commitments, I haven’t had the chance to either play or GM to any significant degree, meaning that I’m a bit rusty. Also, I came to Story-Games during this period and I virtually dumped traditional games for good. So I don’t have the degree of practical experience with the systems I’m interested in to get the smooth GMing that is required at the table. Most of the stuff I played/GMed for the last 25 years was not what I’m interested in these days. My point is, one good aspect of what Jason pointed out would be not necessarily a matter of gaining GMing experience in general (which I have) but gaining experience in running specific systems with GMs that have that system mastery with the games you’re more interested in. In my case, I’d be interested in GMing Sorcerer with an experienced Sorcerer GM (say, Judd Karlman if he was up for it) as a player, to iron out the kinks. I totally grock it, but haven’t ran it at the table to any appreciable degree.
Jason Cordova also said:
” I think UK/Europe and Australian timezones would also be pretty popular. “
Yep, in my case it would GMT+2 (Helsinki time). The community is spread all over the place, and different time-zones is a nice consideration to spread the love.
One suggestion. Jason Cordova said:
“The idea was the same: a more experienced GM helped you organize your game, played in it (to guarantee there would be at least one experienced player)”
This would be great. I think I’ve said a few times in random posts that in the last 5 or 6 years, due to life commitments, I haven’t had the chance to either play or GM to any significant degree, meaning that I’m a bit rusty. Also, I came to Story-Games during this period and I virtually dumped traditional games for good. So I don’t have the degree of practical experience with the systems I’m interested in to get the smooth GMing that is required at the table. Most of the stuff I played/GMed for the last 25 years was not what I’m interested in these days. My point is, one good aspect of what Jason pointed out would be not necessarily a matter of gaining GMing experience in general (which I have) but gaining experience in running specific systems with GMs that have that system mastery with the games you’re more interested in. In my case, I’d be interested in GMing Sorcerer with an experienced Sorcerer GM (say, Judd Karlman if he was up for it) as a player, to iron out the kinks. I totally grock it, but haven’t ran it at the table to any appreciable degree.
Jason Cordova also said:
” I think UK/Europe and Australian timezones would also be pretty popular. “
Yep, in my case it would GMT+2 (Helsinki time). The community is spread all over the place, and different time-zones is a nice consideration to spread the love.
Pedro Pereira Oooh, that is a neat idea: Having a GM that’s expert with a game mentor you.
Pedro Pereira Oooh, that is a neat idea: Having a GM that’s expert with a game mentor you.
Yep. I think that there’s probably quite a lot of experienced GMs out there, both with “story-games” (god, I hate that term) and/or more trad stuff, but sometimes it’s really a matter of gaining experience with a particular system that’s needed.
Yep. I think that there’s probably quite a lot of experienced GMs out there, both with “story-games” (god, I hate that term) and/or more trad stuff, but sometimes it’s really a matter of gaining experience with a particular system that’s needed.
.
.
Dustin Andrews West Coast weekend times (that don’t start at 6 am) would probably be pretty popular.
Dustin Andrews West Coast weekend times (that don’t start at 6 am) would probably be pretty popular.
I’m super keen to run some Dungeon World for you guys: i’ve run quite a few face to face sessions, and a few through roll20. I’m still learning (a big part of that is playing with ideas from Discern Realities podcast), but the sessions i’ve run have all been fun and resulted in interesting worlds and stories. I’m currently gearing up to run some Mouse Guard face to face, so that will add another string to my bow. Being in Newcastle, Australia GMT+10 I might be able to offer some different times to what’s usually available too!
I’m super keen to run some Dungeon World for you guys: i’ve run quite a few face to face sessions, and a few through roll20. I’m still learning (a big part of that is playing with ideas from Discern Realities podcast), but the sessions i’ve run have all been fun and resulted in interesting worlds and stories. I’m currently gearing up to run some Mouse Guard face to face, so that will add another string to my bow. Being in Newcastle, Australia GMT+10 I might be able to offer some different times to what’s usually available too!