New Year's Resolutions for Gamers

For all of my readers I have a list of 6 resolution that I believe that every gamer should adopt for 2013.  Nothing on the list is difficult to do, but these items can help grow our hobby and help us all be better gamers. 

1.  Support the Hobby.  In the modern era, it’s far too easy to just get online and torrent or download a book that you want or need.  This is especially true for those of us who play older, out of print games that can’t be bought in hobby stores anymore.  However, with the rebirth of the Classic World of Darkness and the Onyx Path, all of our favorite books are now available at DriveThruRPG in book and .pdf form.  Also, there are plenty of Kickstarter projects out there to support such as the upcoming Hunters Hunted 2 and Anarchs Unbound.

2.  Support Your Local Gaming Store.  Without a doubt, the local gaming stores are in trouble.   These stores give us gaming space, places to hang out, and a chance to meet new people, but frequently we don’t give back to those stores.  Instead we purchase our books online through Amazon or directly from the manufacturers.  If your local gaming store has the book, why not purchase it from them instead of buying online.  They book might cost more, but think of it as giving back a little to the community. 

3.  Explore New Games.  We all have our favorite games that we’d rather play than anything else.  I’d rather play Vampire the Masquerade than any other game.  After a while, if you only play one game, you risk becoming bored doing the same thing over and over.  Instead, why not branch out and try a completely new game.  There are lots of great games out there such as Pathfinder, Savage Worlds, etc.  Try something new, even if it’s a one shot.

4.  Players Try Being a GM Once.  I’ve noticed that many times players are reluctant to move out of their comfort zone and step behind the screen and actually run a game.  However, sitting behind the screen gives you a completely new perspective on gaming as you have to create all the NPCs, the story and the setting.  It can be daunting but it’s not impossible.  Try running a one shot adventure, you could be a great Storyteller and not know it!  More importantly, you’ll learn more about your favorite game.

5.  Go to a Gaming Convention.    I’m sure all of you have heard of the bigger conventions like GenCon, Origins and the like, and you’ve also heard how expensive or far away these conventions are.  However, all around you are smaller gaming conventions that have cheaper admissions and could be within driving distance.  All of these smaller conventions offer chances to play in new games, meet new people, buy new books, and all that.  It’s also a great chance to play in one-shot games and try out new systems.   If you’re not sure what conventions are near you, just google it!  And if you have a chance to go to GenCon, do it!  4 days of awesome gaming!

6.  Introduce One More Person to Role Playing.  Whether it’s a friend or your significant other, I’m sure that, like me, you’ve bored someone to tears with tales of your adventures around the gaming table.  Why not invite them to watch a game?  Or even better, give them a chance to play and share in the fun.  You might be surprised at who is just waiting on a chance to try something new.  Also, try dragging your friends who are playing World of Warcraft away from their computers and get them to try a table top RPG.  

Copyright Bill Watterson

These are some of the New Year’s Resolutions that I’m adopting, and I’d recommend them for all of you as well.  However, if you have any gaming New Year’s Resolutions of your own, leave a comment below!  I’d love to hear yours!