unforum

[Star Spider]

Imploding Games

[Jas0n]

Here's a big reason for a big game to implode: running dry on funds

Between that and the client who sponsored the game withdrawing the game, I think 90%+ of larger game implosions would be included here (though I'm not 100% sure)...


Smaller games, I think you hit the nail on the head - the lack of interest. It's very difficult to make a good game at a grassroots level. Many do it just to try to get attention for themselves, get a feel good "hey this guy is awesome" type of response. When they don't get that, when they realize how much work is involved, when a puzzle they spend 8 hours developing is solved in 15 seconds... it gets old. Or you could do like I did in my first game - let the stress get to you, put down the entire unfiction community for no good reason, then stick up a bogus "This site was shut down by the Department of Justice" tag on the mainpage of your site... while I didn't intend for it to implode when I did that (part of the story) it sure had that particular kind of impact.

[SirQuady]

It's not that common, but i've seen a game or two where "life" gets in the way. A family member or friend dies, or a work/school/etc. requires alot more than what you've been giving....and *boom*, it's gone. It's sad, but in those cases it's not possible to stop the implosion...

well, unless you are able to put it on hiatus, and have a possibly IG way to get that across, say by attaching a concrete date to when the action will start up again. The actual details of how this could be done would vary wildly from game to game, but it is doable, and is might be a better choice than implosion.

Here's a stash more of discussion/info about implosions for your perusal. Lots of good points in it: http://forums.unfiction.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=14113

[anonymousloli]

Star-love, you know why I implode my games, we've discussed this. I normally do it because these current games are me testing the water. I suppose I can see that it's irresponsible to destroy them as soon as I get tired of the problems, but it's honestly helped me become a better PM.

Like, right now I'm actually PLANNING MY GAME!!!
Lulz, that's a first, let me tell you.

(Also, Star, sorry I've been gone so long, I've honestly just be dead. You'll see me around more now)

[Star Spider]

Thanks for that SirQuady and Jas0n

And as for you anonymous-loli my dear...

Let's talk for just one second how it makes you a better PM to give up when the going gets tough instead of trying to fix mistakes as they come and find creative solutions to the problems.

I can see this as a problem for a couple reasons. First of all it shatters credibility (IMO) with players. You see whether you know it or not we all have a certain style. People will get to know your style and once recognized it will make them lack trust in the fact that you can hold out a game until the end.

Secondly I think that constantly switching games will not make you better, you may have solved one problem only to come up with a million more. Problems are everywhere and cannot be avoided - but problems are only problems, sometimes, until you look at them from a different angle.

That being said I am glad you are planning your games now! Sooooo important. AND I am sorry to hear you were dead! Tell me, is there really an afterlife? What is it like if so? Don't leave me in suspense here

[anonymousloli]

Believe me, I'm starting to see now that I should have fought through my games. However, I have learned a lot about DEALING with people, about which puzzles work and which don't, and other things like that. All I need to learn now is how to stay focused.

Also, god am I focusing on changing my style. XD

To me, this forum is my afterlife. ;D

[labfly]

[Star Spider]

Sorry Loli - I have to agree with Labfly here. Testing is totally fine but communication is the key in any relationship. If you are simply running test games then your players need to know that. It is okay to say it. I am planning test games this summer (my game designs are a bit different as they are mostly live action) but I will always be communicating with my players - allowing them freedom of choice. If people feel betrayed in game play they are less likely to stick around and not only do you suffer - but the community suffers as well.

I am glad to hear you are learning (that is super important). But it is too bad it had to come at such a cost!

[konamouse]

I agree, it is very irresponsible to start a game and then let it die because you made mistakes. Very bad for the genre. Makes it harder for other independent/grassroots PMs to attract players if they are worried about implosions because they tried your games and were left hanging.

Please work more on the pre-planning and make sure all your ducks are ready to swim before you launch your next game. Make sure you have a dedicated team that is going to stick it out with you.

Good luck.

[Rogi Ocnorb]

It's sad that we've come to a point where people are oblivious to the messes they create. What ever happened to common courtesy?
Why does someone who slapped together a PC feel that they're qualified to open a computer repair business? Because they had a support system, growing up, that encouraged failure? I swear, some people feel like the world revolves around them and have no clue what living in a society requires of them. And we just let it happen. Nothing's ever their fault. People who start a game on a whim with no planning and give up on it at the first sign of work are, to me, like people who drive on the median in traffic or abuse Aunt Edna's disabled parking placard.
Sure... You had your fun. That's all that matters. Right? Wrong. Some part of you has to know, going in, that some people you interact with don't support an "It's okay. You're just learning." mentality.

First, learn. Then, do.

[Agent Lex]

[Nighthawk]

[Rogi Ocnorb]

[faeryqueen21]

For me, when I became interested in PMing I joined a team. I looked for a "Head PM" looking for some extra bodies to help. Once I have done this enough and feel confident enough to run my own game, I'll take that step. This is how I am choosing to learn before I do. That being said, running my own is still an incredibly daunting task.

Also, if you are a PM and you decide to let your game implode, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE communicate with your players. We all hate it when a game implodes, but it's so much worse when it happens by us not hearing from anyone in the game for weeks and then everyone just kind of stopping looking. At least have the courtesy to let your players know the game is stopping, and if you feel you can, explain why.

[krystyn]