How to deal with difficult players in your RPG group
Playing tabletop RPGs is one of the most engaging and fun leisure activities, but it can turn into a nightmare if one player causes problems. Difficult players can ruin the experience for everyone at the table. Sometimes, the players themselves are unaware of their behavior, which makes it even harder to address the issue.
Identifying Difficult Players
The first step in tackling difficult players is to identify who they are. Difficult players come in all shapes and sizes, but there are common traits that you can look out for:
- They are always interrupting others
- They don't participate in the story, or are always trying to take control of the narrative
- They argue with the GM about rules and mechanics
- They are dismissive of other players and their ideas
- They consistently show a lack of respect for other players' time and effort
If you have a player that exhibits one or more of these traits, then you're dealing with a difficult player.
Talking to Difficult Players
Once you've identified the problematic player, it's time to address the issue head-on. It's critical not to attack the player, but instead approach them with a collaborative mindset. Create an internal document that outlines specific examples of behavior that you want to address and include some frameworks on how to approach them.
You can start the conversation with a statement such as:
- "I've noticed that in our RPG sessions, we've had some trouble with X."
- "I feel that some of the dynamics in our group aren't as comfortable and respectful as they could be."
The conversation should serve as a starting point to work towards creating better gameplay dynamics. Ask the player for their input on possible solutions, and always stay open-minded.
Setting Expectations and Boundaries
Once you've had a conversation about the problem, it's important to set clear expectations and boundaries to prevent similar situations from occurring in the future.
You can create guidelines and a code of conduct that all players should agree to follow. These guidelines should promote respect, open communication, and teamwork.
You can consider establishing group procedures such as an agenda for each session, a step by step process for decision-making, and how resources will be distributed. This can help players understand their roles more clearly and clarify what is expected of them.
Different Playstyles
An essential pillar of RPGs is that each game is unique, and each player brings different interests, playstyles, and motivations to the table. However, different playstyles can sometimes conflict with each other, which can cause issues down the line.
You can avoid this by talking to your players openly about their individual playing style and interests and how to integrate them with the rest of the group. It is crucial to foster a culture of mutual respect by embracing all the different playstyles and finding common ground to make sure that everyone has a good time.
Dealing with Incompatibility
Sometimes, personalities just don't click, despite everyone's best efforts. If this happens, try to find a mutually beneficial solution. The player may be better suited to a different group, playing a different game, or may just have to put in more effort to change their behavior and respect the group's dynamics.
If the player isn't willing or can't change their habits, then unfortunately, you may have to let them go. Before doing so, it's essential to explain why you are making this decision and what the next steps are for the group.
Final Thoughts
Dealing with difficult players is never easy, but it's necessary. It's essential to keep in mind that everyone involved likes the game enough to want to continue playing, and solving issues in a constructive, respectful way will always lead to better experiences.