Most #TTRPG problem players are easily resolved by GMs that understand how to say no, and who actively step in and stop their negative behaviour at the table, or who even eject them from the game. It is easily done. The problem is most people are terrible at enforcing such limits.
The second level of this “problem” is that many (many many) fans operate under the delusion that there is a perfect rules set that can PREVENT this behaviour. There is and never will be such a rules set. Sorry, you’re going to have to take responsibility for who is in your game ;)
Pet peeve: People insisting that you can and should solve player problems INSIDE the game by clever rules and/or behaviour. Insufferable.
Because this thinking leads to a) Defensively written rule books that assume you are playing with your worst enemies and have to prepare for that. Which is a waste of my time and page space. An also
b) Extremely unfunny TTRPG humor and anecdotes centered around 'that guy' characters ruining games - and how the clever narrators beat them with their own weapons. Instead of just having a good time with cool people only. Just makes me sad they think this is their hobby.
I think a lot of problems/puzzles faced by the players in-game are encouraged to solve by non-confrontational means. This tends to feedback to the GM who in turn tries to do the same when faced with a P.Player. Sometimes, the best chest opening key is a sword.
As someone new to TTRPGs, can you describe a few situations where you have dealt with problem players? What do they do? What does this look like?
Bullies. Rules wonks. People who act with out of game knowledge. People that refuse to cooperate with the tone, theme or setting. I’ve dealt with them all. First they get an aside — we chat about it. Then a warning. Then they get to play at another table with some other group.
Thanks that is helpful! Really appreciate it.
Ex: character bullies and acts like jerk to another character. Jerk player says “i’m just roleplaying my character.”
See, America for an example of the effects of failures to enforce limits.
Ha just had the same thought!
I've been saying this for years. You can't enforce good behaviour with game rules. That takes personal boundaries and a willingness to cull toxic players from the table. Learn to communicate with your players, or play with better people. The geek fallacy that we must never exclude someone is poison.