#RPGaDAY2018 - Day 13: Describe how your play has evolved

In the 20 years that I've been playing D&D, I don't think I've been a player for even a third of that time. So, I believe I still have a lot to learn.

At first I used to take the lead in the gaming table, but this has led to me not only taking up most of the DM's time, but also calling the shots for other players. Ever since this was brought up to me, I've been trying to take the backseat sometimes and allow other players to do what they want. Sometimes this leads to several minutes of trying to make a decision when there is (what I believe) a clear course of action. This is part of the game, and that's okay.

Nowadays I try to be the elf on the right.

Most of my experience as a player, however, is stuff I've been able to process as a DM. Actually playing the game has allowed me to realize what type of classes need which kind of attention from the Dungeon Master. For example, Wizards might find themselves limited if they don't have means to expand their spellbooks.

As a Dungeon Master, I am always improving my game. One of the latest things I found myself working on is trying to make sure the PCs are well-equpped for the occasionally challenging encounter I cook up for them, and my current efforts have gone into making sure my players feel satisfied after every session.

I also watch actual play streams and study the techniques that the Dungeon Masters apply in each of them. I take what I like and I use it in my games. It's fun to see how each DM's styles differ from each other's.

For example:

Matt Mercer allows his PCs to play out their characters, presenting the world to them as they interact with it. (He usually has the group have an entire session just doing stuff in an environment, with the PCs developing their characters as they interact with Mercer's world.)

Chris Perkins focuses on presenting his PCs with encounters that are designed to challenge them. (Usually the PCs stay in one place until the plot is brought to them, most of the time tied up to one or more of the PCs backstory).

It's worth noting that this also has a lot to do with the group that they have, of course. I could go on about this topic, but I'll finish this post by saying that studying others has helped me grow both as a player and as a DM.