Re: What PBM _can_ be

From: Rob Thornton <oblate777_at_TL6n1uirVQpPgk6LQ5B37K4sXy12pf2Y5CBZTJSuk7sxj8CX0zL9K_Jk3DjXgFxKAB>
Date: Thu, 28 Apr 2011 17:13:51 -0400

A few extra thoughts on the matter:

I have participated in two PBEMs in toto: One aborted Heroquest PBEM (Play By E-Mail) and started to participate in another that is on hiatus.

I hope I'm not straying off-topic, but for me the only way I can participate in Heroquest--I live in the DC area--is through a PBEM. It fits my very limited time constraints because I know of no one in the local gaming scene who has the time to nutrure interest in Heroquest and support a game. So I am interested in what makes them succeed and fail.

For the record, I am speaking rhetorically here and not making any judgements about anyone (since some folks who participated in at least one of the PBEMs are on this list).

Unfortunately, I don't know what makes a PBEM work, but I do know that PBEMs can be tough to execute and play for at least two reasons:

1. It is hard for all concerned to develop and maintain a level of trust when all the participants live far away from each other and don't have much of an initial rapport. Without that trust, miscommunication is more likely to occur and it can endanger the whole endeavor. A gaming session is face-to-face and communication tends to be smoother--tends, right? :)
2. It is difficult to maintain momentum when Real Life is always encroaching on your time and it is easy to put off that email, unlike a gaming session where your buddies won't allow you to Durulz out. (hey, using "welsh" isn't allowed anymore, right?)

Just wanted to throw in a few more comments, is all....

Rob

On Thu, Apr 28, 2011 at 4:12 PM, <hcarteau_at_lrQ4wzmvrLbaloxeZO-Sx1cZJoT81teStM9VIrV8d6vY4QQ5mZVv-gABQHBytY-gowyLTItq7w.yahoo.invalid> wrote:

>
>
> /// Thank your for the answer. That does interesting, particularly as you
> say as
> a good substitute for face-to-face gaming.
>
> Selon Hartmut <pomeroi_at_UEpePUW1HzLejnLGNjpiJqrioAs_FopOwzkR3F0kpH1A0eYFsPUyGod-fwpqj-1FUPP-5w.yahoo.invalid>:
>
>
> > Hervé,
> > in fact the "classical" pbm is as the name says. GM and players write to
> a
> > list (somtimes PM as required). But with newer tools nowadays you have
> > boards, places to put maps, internet chat or even voice conference. It
> all
> > depends on availability and the pace you are able and willing to run. A
> pbm
> > with members in timezones scattered over the world of course takes some
> time.
> > BUT - you wouldn't believe: Taking time may even add to the amtosphere.
> We
> > had characters starting to tell stories, sing a song, doing weird things,
> > because the players had time to. We actually play travel as much as
> combat.
> > Think LotR, especially part one. There are a lot more scenes in homes,
> > taverns, on roads, in talk, as there is action.
> >
> > I had quite a lot fun recently with 2 games actually, one being the
> typical
> > rpg, the other being the type of strategy and development, where
> roleplaying
> > is "downgraded" to the diplomacy between leaders of tribes or nations.
> Though
> > I - like I suppose most of you here - prefer to play at the table, pbm
> can be
> > great fun if you have scheeming players and a witted GM. I was VERY lucky
> > with both games I do.
> >
> > >
> > > Selon Pomeroi <pomeroi_at_...>:
> > >
> > > > Perhaps some other reading here can suggest some pbm. I am currently
> in
> > > > one, that got stuck :-(
> > >
> > > /// Being very low tech (I have "computer magics 6" only), I cannot
> picture
> > in
> > > mind what a pbm game is like. Is it real time, or just like a message
> board
> > ?
> > >
> >
> >
> >
>
>
>

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