So following the trend of shitty threads that serve only to stroke our own e-penises I thought we could all sit around and talk about what we find most important in games and then yell at each other when someone is fapping in a way we don't like.

For me I have 5 things that stick out and then a whole mess of lesser stuff that I'll ignore for the time being.

A couple things about my list:

Higher items can usually make up for deficiencies in lower items and lower items can by and large NOT make up for deficiencies in higher items but can make a game better so long as there are no total stinkers higher up. (I.e. a good adventure can make up for a mediocre GM but can't save a bad GM).

So without further ado:

1. The group. The actually people playing the game are the most important thing going on. A good group can make up for just about anything while a bad group will make anything shitty.

2. The GM. A good GM is a godsend and will make up for everything but a shitty group. That said if the group is simply mediocre a good GM can go a long ways.

3. The scenario. Or adventure, etc... What the GM has prepared for the group, whether it be a sandbox, plot based adventure, etc...

4. The setting. The fictional space where the game happens.

5. The rules/mechanics. Whatever rules you use to play the game.

Below this would be things like the game space, snacks, etc...

What about you?

The group above all.

I like to have fun with my friends. Sometimes that means Savage Worlds, sometimes that means Marvel SAGA, sometimes that means board game night.

Quote from: Tommy Brownell;587743The group above all.

I like to have fun with my friends. Sometimes that means Savage Worlds, sometimes that means Marvel SAGA, sometimes that means board game night.

Totally agree.

Sometimes it means going and seeing a movie.

The group.  One player can bring a whole game down, so it's important to make sure everyone is chill.

The inspiration.  Ideally everyone should be excited to play in this game because it pushes all of the right buttons.  If the group loves the premise and the fictional trappings, they're more likely to buy into the game and really get into the role-playing aspect.

The rules.  Because once you get past people and creative goals, your tools are super-important.

Atmosphere.  It can help reinforce inspiration and create a mood that's conducive to good RP/creative play.

To crush the basket weavers, to drive them before me, and to hear the lamentations of their mothers.

Quote from: Piestrio;587747Totally agree.

Sometimes it means going and seeing a movie.

Yep.

If I'm havin' a good time and they're havin' a good time, everything's gold.

Depends: What's more important to me in a game book? Or what's more important to me in a game session?

In either case, the difference between good and great doesn't improve the whole by much. But any one thing falling from good to bad is a dealbreaker.

Quote from: Tommy Brownell;587743I like to have fun with my friends.

This, having fun is the most important thing.

I remain a Cheetoist. People, snacks, setting, system.

Quote from: beejazz;587833Depends: What's more important to me in a game book? Or what's more important to me in a game session

I consider a game book outside of the context of a game session to be valueless.

So the latter.

QuoteIn either case, the difference between good and great doesn't improve the whole by much. But any one thing falling from good to bad is a dealbreaker.

I think the ability of a crappy element to tank a whole game is porportional to its importance.

A bad group will definitely tank a game.

A bad GM will probably tank a game.

A bad adventure might tank a game.

A bad setting may tank a game.

A bad system could possibly tank a game but probably won't.

Quote from: Piestrio;587878I consider a game book outside of the context of a game session to be valueless.

So the latter.

In the context of actual discussion, sometimes we are talking about actual play, sometimes about the rules/fluff/settings/adventures. I make no assumptions about the topic of conversation based on relative importance.

QuoteI think the ability of a crappy element to tank a whole game is porportional to its importance.

A bad group will definitely tank a game.

A bad GM will probably tank a game.

A bad adventure might tank a game.

A bad setting may tank a game.

A bad system could possibly tank a game but probably won't.

For me any and all of the above can be dealbreakers.

If it's a bad group I'll find another group.

Won't play a bad adventure.

Will ignore a bad setting.

Will use a better system.

And so on. Life's too short.

Quote from: beejazz;587882For me any and all of the above can be dealbreakers.

If it's a bad group I'll find another group.

Won't play a bad adventure.

Will ignore a bad setting.

Will use a better system.

And so on. Life's too short.

Oh sure they can be dealbreakers but I've played in too many games with shitty adventures/settings/rules and still had a blast because of the group to believe that any of those things is more important (or even of equal importance) than the people around the table.

I've even had fun under bad GMs because the rest of the group.

In my experience anyway.

Fun. I have to enjoy it. I enjoy interesting characters, interesting narrative, consistency, and fun game play.

Deal breakers for me are: Inconsistent rules/roleplay, huge breaks in verisimilitude, arguing over pointless minutia/dick waving contests/drama. Now of all the things listed I've only ever walked away from the table as a player because of inconsistency so it is safe to say that consistency is a big fucking issue for me though I'd imagine the other things are things I'd walk away from a table for or at least stop showing up over if they could not be resolved. Also since I GM a lot I am less inclined to walk away from the table.

I just realized that I'm a cheetoist!

Fun folks, tasty snacks, chill vibes at the gaming space, and a fun version of D&D make the game for me!

The subject of the game and campaign has to interest me, first and foremost.

I'll play with close friends or complete strangers. Snacks aren't important, and though I like to imbibe a barley-pop or three when I play, plain ol' water's fine, too.

But first and foremost, it's gotta be about something that excites my imagination, and if it doesn't, then there's no reason for me to be there.