I updated the “GM’ing World Games” flowchart. I like this version much better myself, as it is much more neat.
Thoughts?
I updated the “GM’ing World Games” flowchart. I like this version much better myself, as it is much more neat.
I updated the “GM’ing World Games” flowchart. I like this version much better myself, as it is much more neat.
much cleaner yes
Oooh, I like this. Well done!
Glad to hear it! I trimmed it out quite a bit, but I felt the things I removed were redundant. Usability over verbosity.
What I absolutely love about it is that, even though it may be a no-brainer when it comes to running, say, Dungeon World; if I were to run a playtest of AWDA or AW (neither which I’ve never actually ran), it would definitely help me – especially if I suddenly get stuck.
You need to define what a “golden opportunity” is in the actual flowchart, otherwise the flowchart is of very little use to people who don’t already know how to play PbtA games.
Simplest GM screen ever.
Got comparatives to other systems?
Instead of the last arrows pointing to “Go to Start”, I would prefer to just have those arrows actually point to Start. It would better illustrate how it’s a loop.
Alex Norris I would rather post an article explaining the crucial stuff, because then I can assume that the users know what the different things mean.
Alternatively, there could be a list of explanations at the bottom.
William Mims No, I have only made it for this. Many other systems have different “modes”, for example in D&D, we go from lose conversation to hyper-structured turn-based tactical combat whenever a fight starts.
I don’t know how to make a flowchart as simple for these games.
Joachim Erdtman I hear you, but I thought this looked better. That extra arrow made it look bad…
I was wondering, because this still looks like the manner in which I have run every game… I must have always been doing it wrong.
I really don’t see the complexity in other systems being the problem, so much as the process not previously being streamlined for explicit comprehension. It would be interesting, to me, to see how other people would flowchart the process of other games — especially since I don’t see the complexity others claim.
Most enlightening would be to see the flowchart as expressed by the creator of a given system, but in some cases that isn’t possible — afaik: David Arneson is not available to chart out D&D.
William Mims It didn’t mean to claim that D&D was more complex to run. It is just not as streamlined as Dungeon World is.
Would people like it if I turned this into a tri-fold, horizontal GM screen? With Agenda. Principles and GM moves on the left page, the flowchart (with a legend as as Alex Norris mentioned) on the middle, and the monster creation rules and a names list on the right?
…then we are speaking to the same point (smooth or rough complexity of process), and I finished editing my thought.
Should there be a spot to indicate where to fit in conversation that doesn’t trigger a move?
I like this. As someone who is nervous about running some games, this chart makes it seem so much simpler.
Great work!
Michael Prescott Yes,there should. I’ll make an update tomorrow.
William Mims “I must have always been doing it wrong.” Nah, I think you’re good. In Apocalypse World Vincent explicitly said that for some people this would just be “how you GM” and the fuss wouldn’t make any sense to them. It’s just there are many other ways to run games and the *World games will only work GMed this way.
Shane Donohoe, where did I miss this statement… I have heard the sentiment lightly passed by (even scoffed at once) on a few podcasts, but it’s actually in the book?
yoik, and shared with my players as i try to get them to GM so i can be the hardholder, rather than all the hardholders.
I think you’re missing a very crucial point in the beginning: the GM sets the scene and describes danger, then asks “what do you do?”
Danger is given a broad definition in the game, but mainly points to an obstacle in the way of the PCs. If there’s no obstacle, there’s no drama – no need to act.
MC: “Ok, you are at home. What do you do?”
Player: “Flip on the radio, crack open a bottle of homebrew, and kick back on the couch…”
MC: “Ok, suddenly… you are pounced on by… Ninjas!!!”
Player: “I pat his head, and say; ‘Good boy Ninjas.’; and sip my bottle. What’s on the radio?”
MC: “Static.”
Player: “Nice. I think Static is pretty good at getting unbiased news out; and listen to her talk about the movements of III and his Dogs along the Westreach Highways… seems they have done heavy damage to the border patrols of The Patriots and The Republicans; but, the Corporate Independent Alliance is sponsoring a sizeable bounty on his head, and increasing security on all caravan routes with an open invitation to all mercenaries. I finish off the bottle, wash it and hang it on the rack. When Static starts playing music again, I ask Ninjas if he wants to visit Rolfball.”
MC: “… woof?”
Player: “Good boy, Ninjas. Let’s pack some rats&rounds into the Solar-Rover. Then we head out east, into Circuit City.”
MC: “What just happened?”
Player: “We hit a bit of loose debris, skidded into the median, popped a tire, and overloaded the converter… the Rover stopped humming, and the running lights went out. Is that one of the Dog Packs on the overpass?”
MC: …
sometimes, if you just let the player play… unexpected stuff happens…
but, if it gets dull, don’t forget to pounce on ’em with Ninjas.
As someone who draws lots of flowcharts for their day job, I can appreciate this.