Have you ever wondered how many tabletop role-playing games fizzle out simply because the players can’t figure out a time to meet regularly? It seems like a safe bet that scheduling conflicts are a major reason campaigns fall apart. It’s a frustrating reality for many enthusiasts, and surprisingly, this challenge isn’t something the official game rules ever really tackle.
Enter Gillen’s straightforward approach to keeping your campaign alive:
1. The Dungeon Master (DM) sets a regular game time.
2. The session happens on that night, with whoever shows up.
3. The only time the schedule changes is if the DM can’t make it or if no players are available.
While this might be a bit of a jolt for some, especially those who find the idea of an adventure continuing without them hard to swallow, Gillen argues that this approach prevents campaigns from stalling indefinitely. “Most campaigns end from not adopting this method,” he points out. “If you attend sporadically, consider yourself a guest star. Any player who shows up is welcomed. It’s not fair to halt the game for others who have committed their time. By keeping the game rolling, it increases the chances you’ll find a game ready whenever you can join.”
He encourages DMs and players to weave absences into the narrative creatively — after all, even Gandalf wandered off at times in “The Hobbit.” Suggestions include flashbacks or dream sequences to keep the story moving, even with a skeleton crew.
In a clever twist, Gillen suggests that strict scheduling might actually motivate more attendance. “It’s easier to skip something that isn’t happening,” he notes, adding that this method also helps identify players who might not be truly invested. “This way, the group figures it out without enduring weeks of frustrating emails revealing someone’s interest lies elsewhere.”
In his blog, Gillen expresses surprise that while RPG communities obsess over crafting rules for every detail, they often ignore basic play culture guidance. “Generations have fallen into this pitfall. Enough is enough,” he declares.
Gillen’s scheduling guide for the D&D Player’s Handbook is available as a PDF, designed to slip seamlessly into the book. He’s even included formatting that mirrors the original style, making it a breeze to print and slot right after Page 8. Trust me, this addition is a godsend for keeping your game night on track.
And as Gillen cheekily notes, “This might just work for other RPGs too.”
