by Gamer Mom Luna
You’ve decided to start sharing your content with the larger TTRPG community. Awesome! People are always looking for new content. There are important things to keep in mind about how you behave at the table.
The minute you begin sharing it with the world, you’re no longer just playing a game, you’re now a cast on a show. This isn’t something often realized right away; there’s a level of expectation that comes with putting your TTRPG game out for people to watch or listen to. You will not live up to Critical Role in your first few episodes, and that’s okay. Look for other small indie shows that are using the same system as you for ideas!
If you’re just recording yourselves playing a game and publishing it, that’s fine. Keep in mind, audio is still important. If you’re blowing out microphones every time your group laughs, no one will listen because it hurts people’s ears. The most important thing is to decide your standard and make sure everyone adheres to it. Don’t eat in front of the microphone (some people will tell you not to eat on camera at all, but this really is up to the expectation you set of your table – just don’t chew into a hot mic!). If you’re going to produce it for a podcast, consider editing out long pauses and extraneous conversations – listeners not at the table don’t want to listen to those, whether you’re actively looking to grow an audience or not.
There needs to be a level of professionalism for a publicly shared game. Players need to show up on time and be ready to go. Treat your schedule seriously, and offer your viewers/listeners explanations (doesn’t have to be in detail) about any changes in your schedule. Set a similar expectation with your players/cast. Don’t be that person who shows up late with a fancy coffee from the place with a siren on the logo.
If you’re new on the scene, shoot for a very clear and specific tone and format that sets you apart. It isn’t enough to just kinda “vibe through it.” Some pre-production has to happen, you have to have a vision of how the game should feel to play and listen to, and decide who your audience is. A table should be 100% committed to whatever is decided on.
