Re: Star Wars PBEM

From: deschatp@CHIMCN.UMontreal.CA (Deschatelets Pascal)

Date: Fri, 12 Jan 1996 00:00:00 +0000

scoohall@aol.com (ScooHall) writes:

>I am looking for a Star Wars Play-by-e-mail game.  I was playing one done
>by someone on aol, but before he could complete our first three turns, he
>cancelled the game without telling anyone.  I was really excited to play
>and now want to find something that won't "go out of business".  If anyone
>knows of something, please e-mail me at ScooHall@aol.com.  Thanks,

>Scott Hall

That's VERY typical.  Of all the PBEMs I joined, 90% died before 3 turns
were processed.

This is a general message to anyone wanting to start a new RPG PBeM.

Basically, the GameMasters found out it was WAY more job than they thought
and couldn't keep it up.

So, one big advice... KEEP YOUR NUMBER OF PLAYERS *LOW* AT THE START.
Maximum 3-4 players.  Run the game with that amount of player for OVER
1 month to have a good feel of the work involved and if you think you can
manage 1 or 2 more players, find 1-2 new mature players (this won't be hard).

Way too many GM have a "reve de grandeur" and want to DM a 20 players game
and can't cope with the insane amount of material needed for a good, strong
roleplaying with that many players.

So the game dies very early.

I know 1 GM who somehow manages (I have no idea how he does it), to GM *3* games
with a total of over 20 players.  The turn-around time is near to 1 month,
but he does manage to keep the game alive and interesting, even though it's
quite slow.

But apart from that single exception...

--
Pascal Deschatelets	           -If happiness is a goal, then truth becomes
Humble Chemistry Ph.D. student      a tool and not an end in itself.  It is
University of Montreal.             only needed if it brings us closer toward
deschatp@chimcn.umontreal.ca        joy and happiness.  Not always the case...

References

Star Wars PBEM
scoohall@aol.com (ScooHall)
Thu, 11 Jan 1996 00:00:00 +0000