Playing over skype.

[JackRackham]

I'm running a campaign over skype and I'm just having way more difficulty keeping players focused and engaged than I can ever recall. I'm trying everything I can think of to grab them, seemingly to little effect. And this is a group of guys I've played with for years. Has anyone had this same experience?

[Studoku]

Are you using any software aside from Skype such as Tabletop Simulator?

[Knaight]

Are they generally distractable? I used to play over Skype quite a bit, and this was essentially never an issue, but everyone involved was in because they wanted to play the game. If you've got a more distractable group which isn't as focused in on it, Skype can easily amplify that.

I'd also recommend getting Maptools for just about any system which uses a grid heavily. For D&D 3.5, it or something like it is pretty much mandatory.

[JackRackham]

Are you using any software aside from Skype such as Tabletop Simulator?

No. Someone recommended Roll20 to me, but the interface was annoying and I do a lot of work on stuff away from my computer (on break at work, etc). I like drawing by hand; doing so on a screen is too hard and not pleasant.

The group has always gone on tangents here and there, but they've never been close to a problem. It was more momentary distraction before getting back focused play.

[jaydubs]

No. Someone recommended Roll20 to me, but the interface was annoying and I do a lot of work on stuff away from my computer (on break at work, etc). I like drawing by hand; doing so on a screen is too hard and not pleasant.

If you can get a hold of a scanner, you can download images directly onto roll20 and then stretch them to fit. So theoretically you could continue making most of your maps by hand.

In all seriousness though, using a tabletop simulator makes a big difference. Rolling together where everyone can see the results, having a shared map and movable tokens, that kind of stuff is important. The interface takes a bit to learn, but it works well once everyone is familiar with it.

[JackRackham]

Whenever I use them, I can't figure out how to do *anything*. Like, I've downloaded tabletop simulator and tried to get this mod that looked good. It had a nice grid, etc. I can't even figure out how to use the mod. I can't find the mod in-game. I can't draw anything. Etc. Re: Roll20, I tried to upload my world map and it didn't go well. But, whatever. Maybe I'll just do WoD? Might work better over skype.

[Knaight]

Whenever I use them, I can't figure out how to do *anything*. Like, I've downloaded tabletop simulator and tried to get this mod that looked good. It had a nice grid, etc. I can't even figure out how to use the mod. I can't find the mod in-game. I can't draw anything. Etc. Re: Roll20, I tried to upload my world map and it didn't go well. But, whatever. Maybe I'll just do WoD? Might work better over skype.

If you're not using some sort of mapping tool, switching games might be advisable. With that said, WoD? I guarantee you can find something closer to what you're already doing, on a mechanical engine that isn't terrible.

[JackRackham]

Lol. I wasn't talking about playing the same campaign (that would be insane), but in WoD. I have other campaigns in mind that would be cool in WoD (19th century Indian Ocean world focused on exploration of the world and the occult, for example).

[Knaight]

Lol. I wasn't talking about playing the same campaign (that would be insane), but in WoD. I have other campaigns in mind that would be cool in WoD (19th century Indian Ocean world focused on exploration of the world and the occult, for example).

If the group likes WoD, go for it. It is more viably played with just Skype, and while I still think you can find a better system for just about everything, tastes differ.

[GreatDane]

If you're not using some sort of mapping tool, switching games might be advisable.
This, I think. The only campaign I ever played virtually used Roll20 to map things (overland movement, tactical battles) in real time. Having something for everyone to focus on - other than each other's faces and voices - really keeps the players (and you) grounded in the game.