Why So Hard To Get A game?

I admit, I'm very new to both Roll20 and DnD. Having been on here now for 2 weeks, can't get into a game. Some have offered, I have accepted, but still in prep stages of haven't heard back. Let's play!!!! I would like some experience. I've created characters, I bought headphones with a mic. I'm ready. Evenings from 7pm Mountain Time (Eastern -2) or weekends. Appreciate some help. Thank you.

I'm trying to find games as well but I'm not having any luck getting into anything! I've applied on several different sites and haven't heard anything back. Kinda discouraging. :(

Not sure if the time will work ok for you but im starting a new Campaign in 2 hours. when everyone gets there they can choose by consensus what kind of game they want to play. Sand box, of just about any of the campaign  

Can't "find" a game or your applications posted on the game's LFG forums -- not the general LFG forum -- are not generating invites? I recommend studying the applications that were accepted to learn why yours are different. As a DM, for example, I reject many applications because the players did not follow basic instructions on how to apply or try to understand what the DM is looking for in an application. Don't sell your character, sell yourself as a player . Will you get along with others? RPGs are social games and group dynamics can make or break a game. Are you interested in the adventure or setting? Are you fixated on a specific character concept or are you flexible? Too much experience is actually a detriment -- especially for a newer DM -- as they might feel intimidated by a player that constantly corrects them. Newer players are, generally, preferred -- especially in a lower-level game -- because they still have a sense of wonder while playing an RPG (unlike jaded old curmudgeons like myself).

Simple supply and demand.  More players, fewer DMs, the ones running a game can afford to be very picky about it.  Now, there's things you can do to improve your odds, several good suggestions mentioned above, but the fact of the matter is luck is gonna play a big factor in it unless you are one of the people willing to shell out some cash for a paid game.  Alternatively, you can do what some of us who had trouble finding a game did, we decided to put on the DM hat. 

Well Grahamme I would have to say that your amount of hours, contrasted by the fact that you've been accepted into previous games which has totalled up to 250 players has something to do with it. Whether or not you're leaving these games or something goes wrong doesn't matter it is something DM's look for. Your lack of a real backstory for your characters is a problem too. Character idea (Race, Class, etc): Half-Elf Ranger. Already created at lvl1. Father elf, mother human. Never knew mother as died during childbirth. You can't really call this a backstory to be perfectly honest with you, you need to put more thought into your character than just its stats and abilities. D&D is as much about the combat as it is the roleplay, my advice to you is to expand on what your character is, where they come from what have they done for the past few years to make a living and stick to a game to get some experience.

Appreciate the replies. Thank you. @ Hurgle, regarding your first paragraph. That was a tutorial which I completed.

I have a one-shot coming up on the 28th September, 17.00 UTC. PM me if you're interested. 

I assume you're looking for 5E D&D games (the latest D&D version and most-used game on Roll20?) Look at earlier editions, or similar games! They are perfectly playable and there's much less demand to compete with. I run 2E games and I can go for days without getting a response to LFPs. I'm full up now, but if I look on the LFP notices I see a lot of the same 2E games that have been up there for weeks.

  I must agree with Aardwulf, do not limit yourself to only 5th edition(not that your post said that). 

I’m not limiting myself to 5e. I’m willing to try others. I would just like some experience. Obviously at a time that works. Some offers are during the day when working. That doesn’t work. Still appreciate everyone’s ideas. Thank you.

Great point about trying a system other than D&D 5e. I had a very difficult time even getting views -- let alone applications -- for my 2d20 Conan and 13th Age games. If anyone applied, even with a "PICK ME OR DIE!" application, I would have invited them.

Also be sure to watch the timing in games you post on. I know myself I work backwards to forwards on replies to my game. If I need 6 players and you're the 15th person to post, the odds aren't fantastic. Also watch the timing of your posts. If you're posting 2 hours before game, that may not be enough time for a DM to get you settled in game and your character integrated into the story. As for fleshing out your character, there was a Reddit posting that was super helpful (I'm on mobile so that can't link it) but google "Character Roleplay Warmup" and you should find a list of about 100 questions to help you make a backstory/ character that feels real and organic. Best of luck with your future adventures.

There are many good suggestions but only a handful specific to Roll20. Speaking as a forever GM, what I tend to look for in a players invite request is how well they present themselves in that request along with their profile. Did they fill out their profile completely with the bio tab containing information about what they have played or if they have not, did they put anything about what interested them to try gaming? Roughly how old they are as that will influence my decision some due to occasion games being more mature in content than other games. What interests in books and movies genres do they have? I found that if they have an interest in a specific genre that I enjoy, they tend to like my games more. What I'm trying to say is that while it is nice you have this character idea, it doesn't mean much to me. This is due to the character might not fit my setting or the system that I will be using or even what house rules for the system. As a forever GM I will usually pick a player that presents themselves and gives me an idea of who they are over someone that says "This is my character that I want to play". Sounds harsh but with this being a social hobby, compatibility among the members of the group outweigh the characters.

It has been difficult to get any replies to join a game. However, I am hopeful that this forum is a wonderful place to find games. Don't give up and I know you will find a game as I believe I will.........eventually as well. Pat S. provided some great information from the perspective of a DM.     Just look at my post and you will see how not to request to be in a game, LOL

I tend to run far more than I play, as a result I play like how I run.  I solicit and offer feedback, prefer more casual play, more story (narrative-based) systems while trying to avoid certain common pitfalls like the games where the GM always defers to a specific player or doesn’t get both sides to a story. While that makes it difficult to find a group of like-minded easy-going folks, when you find them, treat them like the gems they are.  Everyone has off days, you can forgive and offer support or you can passive-aggressive your way out.  The first helps keep groups together and builds rapport, the other happens far too often and games peter out. I have had ongoing groups spanning decades. Still do.  I found by far the best way to ‘find a game’ is to run.  Even with that, you have to realize that we live in an age where many folks don’t honor commitments, rsvp, or keep their word.  It’s not personal, folks just skip and do not consider how it may impact the other folks who set aside a block of their time for fun.  For others real life rears its ugly head and they have to drop.  Just keep at it, eventually you will find one.

Personally, I only post game announcements in this forum and never look here for players. I think this forum should be replaced with 3 forums: * Looking for a Group (LFG) * Looking for Players (LFP) * Looking for Players - Paid (LFPP)