I recently ran the first session of a new campaign, my first in many months. Over the past few weeks of preparing this new venture I introduced a number of technical 'improvements' I felt would really add something to the experience.

I introduced a separate computer screen on the table for my players on which I posted pictures and other graphics during play.
I also introduced an on screen tactical display with custom counters, downloaded map images and effects for encounters.
I arranged and played back various sound files during the game of the different environments and scenes etc.
I utilized a computer driven initiative tracker and health record
I used my phone to look up rules, charts and tables and the like so as not to have books flying around during play.

The result?

I didnt like it. Not at all. I felt positively trapped by all the additional attention and effort I had to put into these various "Improvements". Normally I, as GM, and totally wrapped up in the narration, the action within the game - this time I felt like the guy in the control room while a movie was being shot. Instead of feeling IN the game, I was very much OUT of it and desperately trying to manage it. All the technology also seriously cramped my immersion where the subject was concerned as well. Computers and spread sheets and audio mixers and graphics displays completely killed my feeling for the genre - a conventional heroic fantasy setting.

The trouble is, my players loved it. I got an overwhelmingly positive response and lots of kudos for all the work and attention to detail.  

Ughh.. so now Im not sure how to proceed. I feel like it will be a disappointment if I dump all this crap and get back to me and a few notes behind a GM screen. Not to mention I blew a pretty good wad on a big screen TV! Still, the idea of playing this way is kind of a bummer - not sure how long Ill keep my enthusiasm for the game going at this rate.

Suggestions?

I'd suggest go back to doing most regular sessions the old way, but the occasional set-piece 'special' session with the new paraphernalia, where you feel it would most benefit. Eg a big set piece battle perhaps, depending on the rules system.

IME players always appreciate bits & bobs, but they appreciate a happy GM a lot more! So prioritise your own enjoyment.

You could also try doing a regular campaign the usual way, but do a separate occasional 'stagey' game with all the stuff. Eg if it were me I'd run 5e D&D the usual way but might do occasional set-piece 4e D&D games with all the tech & stuff, because that game suits it better.

If the referee is not having fun, the game WILL suck.

Quote from: rgrove0172;1017275I recently ran the first session of a new campaign, my first in many months. Over the past few weeks of preparing this new venture I introduced a number of technical 'improvements' I felt would really add something to the experience.

I introduced a separate computer screen on the table for my players on which I posted pictures and other graphics during play.
I also introduced an on screen tactical display with custom counters, downloaded map images and effects for encounters.
I arranged and played back various sound files during the game of the different environments and scenes etc.
I utilized a computer driven initiative tracker and health record
I used my phone to look up rules, charts and tables and the like so as not to have books flying around during play.

The result?

I didnt like it. Not at all. I felt positively trapped by all the additional attention and effort I had to put into these various "Improvements". Normally I, as GM, and totally wrapped up in the narration, the action within the game - this time I felt like the guy in the control room while a movie was being shot. Instead of feeling IN the game, I was very much OUT of it and desperately trying to manage it. All the technology also seriously cramped my immersion where the subject was concerned as well. Computers and spread sheets and audio mixers and graphics displays completely killed my feeling for the genre - a conventional heroic fantasy setting.

The trouble is, my players loved it. I got an overwhelmingly positive response and lots of kudos for all the work and attention to detail.  

Ughh.. so now Im not sure how to proceed. I feel like it will be a disappointment if I dump all this crap and get back to me and a few notes behind a GM screen. Not to mention I blew a pretty good wad on a big screen TV! Still, the idea of playing this way is kind of a bummer - not sure how long Ill keep my enthusiasm for the game going at this rate.

Suggestions?

I know exactly what you mean - you had to be the technician running all the gear, as well as the GM running the game. This is the classic performer/tech problem, and I have the very same issues with my own technology in the game room. My solution isn't at all original; Jeff Dee used it in an on-line play-test of his "Bethorm", where he was using a VTT. Get a trusted assistant to run the technology for you; somebody who's a gamer, who understands your play style, and can pull up stuff on the screens as you need them and manage the displays. You can then concentrate on your game, and your players will love it.

I will admit that I'm lucky; my wonderful Missus is a pro at this - she did audio for "Phantom of the Opera", for example - and I'm currently rewiring the game room to give her the very best gear that we've been able to find at her own control position. I won't have to think about the tech at all, aside from an Alexa-style prompt now and then, and we'll be able to get on with the game with no interference. She can hear and see me and the players, and anticipate what we need for the game.

Professora Elisha Mongfish at her Console of Doom!

Drop the tech except for when it might be useful for special occasions. Players are used to the old fashioned way already.

Quote from: rgrove0172;1017275The result?

I didnt like it. Not at all. I felt positively trapped by all the additional attention and effort I had to put into these various "Improvements". Normally I, as GM, and totally wrapped up in the narration, the action within the game - this time I felt like the guy in the control room while a movie was being shot. Instead of feeling IN the game, I was very much OUT of it and desperately trying to manage it. All the technology also seriously cramped my immersion where the subject was concerned as well. Computers and spread sheets and audio mixers and graphics displays completely killed my feeling for the genre - a conventional heroic fantasy setting.

The trouble is, my players loved it. I got an overwhelmingly positive response and lots of kudos for all the work and attention to detail.  

Ughh.. so now Im not sure how to proceed. I feel like it will be a disappointment if I dump all this crap and get back to me and a few notes behind a GM screen. Not to mention I blew a pretty good wad on a big screen TV! Still, the idea of playing this way is kind of a bummer - not sure how long Ill keep my enthusiasm for the game going at this rate.

Suggestions?

Being a human game server for other players isn't for everyone. Thank the gods. I don't allow any tech at the table. Kids can play their video games at home.

I used to keep all the stuff on a laptop and use a tablet to show graphics. Now I just use books and paper for largely the same reason. Supposedly a computer is "faster"...but it really isn't. Not when an application hangs or you don't have the right PDF up or the touch screen controls have tiny icons that don't go where you want.

I'm not suprised.

I wonder if your players like all the bells an whistles as much as you think they do?  I'm sure they like shiney, everyone likes shiney.  But that stuff wouldn't add to the game for me, I find all the paraphernalia detracts from my Orient express Chithulu game.  But we have one player who loves that shit.  

One thing I would say.  Be lean with your gear.  Never add any gear or tech with out a clear purpose.  One necessary to the central goal.  If you need to show pictures, you need a screen, but why do you need to show pictures? There are reasons, accuracy, save time, establish mood, its a cool and on topic shot isn't one.  

Whats that they say about editing? You need to kill your darlings?

Quote from: fearsomepirate;1017299Supposedly a computer is "faster"...but it really isn't. Not when an application hangs or you don't have the right PDF up or the touch screen controls have tiny icons that don't go where you want.

Quote from: S'mon;1017277I'd suggest go back to doing most regular sessions the old way, but the occasional set-piece 'special' session with the new paraphernalia, where you feel it would most benefit.

Quote from: chirine ba kal;1017279Get a trusted assistant to run the technology for you; somebody who's a gamer, who understands your play style, and can pull up stuff on the screens as you need them and manage the displays. You can then concentrate on your game, and your players will love it.

These guys covered most of what I would have said. The only thing I would add to this is that if you feel you want to keep the tech then you need to practice using the tech in a simulation of the real thing. Integrating tech into your GMing is a new skill. You shouldn't expect to be good at it the first time or even the first 5 times you try it.

Quote from: Bren;1017567These guys covered most of what I would have said. The only thing I would add to this is that if you feel you want to keep the tech then you need to practice using the tech in a simulation of the real thing. Integrating tech into your GMing is a new skill. You shouldn't expect to be good at it the first time or even the first 5 times you try it.

Good advice there. I've tweaked it a bit and am going to give it a few more sessions and see how it goes.

At the end of the day, you have to figure out how to have fun.

Quote from: rgrove0172;1017275Suggestions?

Quote from: rgrove0172;1017275I introduced a separate computer screen on the table for my players on which I posted pictures and other graphics during play.

Keep, make sure your software for display it as easy as clicking on an image and it appears.

Quote from: rgrove0172;1017275I also introduced an on screen tactical display with custom counters, downloaded map images and effects for encounters.

Did you use minis before? If not then it takes practice to get used to them. Again the software is key. If you have to dick around a lot to get something setup then you need a better setup. Also not everything needs full monty. I have several battlemaps that I use as a standard setup for encounters before I start breaking out the dwarven forge and props. I will use my dry erase map for something quick.

Likely the main problem you are trying to use it for everything when at time a blank grid with some hand drawn lines will do.

Quote from: rgrove0172;1017275I arranged and played back various sound files during the game of the different environments and scenes etc.

Again is this something you did before. If not you need to practices. If you are never comfortable with it then ditch it.

 

Quote from: rgrove0172;1017275I utilized a computer driven initiative tracker and health record

Here where i go bah. Dry erase combat pads or boards are much better. I have a iPad, laptop, and a android tablet available. Dry erase is way better. Or even a sheet of graph paper.

Quote from: rgrove0172;1017275I used my phone to look up rules, charts and tables and the like so as not to have books flying around during play.

Ditch it. The lag on hand held devices and tablets are too great. The only exception I would make is for the Crawler Companion for the DCC RPG but only because the interface is brilliant and does one thing really really well and that is table lookup.

For all my other RPG I make cheat sheets and put them in a binder. I will scan, cut, copy and paste what I need and combine them into custom reference and leave the rulebook in my bag. Maybe use the rulebook for something that part of a huge list like spells. This includes sheet of the monster state blocks I am using.



The result?

I didnt like it. Not at all. I felt positively trapped by all the additional attention and effort I had to put into these various "Improvements". Normally I, as GM, and totally wrapped up in the narration, the action within the game - this time I felt like the guy in the control room while a movie was being shot. Instead of feeling IN the game, I was very much OUT of it and desperately trying to manage it. All the technology also seriously cramped my immersion where the subject was concerned as well. Computers and spread sheets and audio mixers and graphics displays completely killed my feeling for the genre - a conventional heroic fantasy setting.

The trouble is, my players loved it. I got an overwhelmingly positive response and lots of kudos for all the work and attention to detail.  

Ughh.. so now Im not sure how to proceed. I feel like it will be a disappointment if I dump all this crap and get back to me and a few notes behind a GM screen. Not to mention I blew a pretty good wad on a big screen TV! Still, the idea of playing this way is kind of a bummer - not sure how long Ill keep my enthusiasm for the game going at this rate.

Suggestions?[/QUOTE]