keeping up

GM burnout is real! The moment you start to drag your feet in preparation, or feel like you're going to an unwanted appointment when it’s game night, you need to check in with yourself. Ask yourself, “Why?”

Are you running out of ideas? Are you receiving less engagement? Do you have something more exciting bubbling to the surface? Does your game nights seem redundant?

Sometimes it just takes a break to refresh the creativity and excitement of the current game. Other times, it may take jumping into something else for an extended time. Keep an open communication with your game group through. If you need time, let them know, one of your players may surprise you by running a few one shots, or a shorter campaign even. This gives you the opportunity to step out of the driver’s seat for a while and just enjoy the ride.

If you find yourself stagnant, put the current campaign aside and try something new. Continue to be open and honest with your players and let them know that you need something different for a bit. You can always come back to the campaign after a brief time, or even after another entire campaign.

If you get only one thing from this, talk to your players. What you are thinking may not even be the case for them. They may be having a wonderful time and don’t feel like anything is redundant. Just as you would encourage each of them to keep playing, they will do the same for you to run (sometimes for their own selfish reasons, but take it where you can get it).