I am kicking the tires looking for a new group for Monday nights. I am very surprised to see most groups are all 6 players, or more. Been playing for a few years on Roll20 and many years DM'ing or playing in person so I have "been around" One of the main things that breaks groups apart is scheduling conflicts. Time management is very hard with 4 players and a DM, but with 6 (or more) plus the DM I can see many problems just over the horizon, mostly due to level of commitment. This low level of commitment is even more so for on-line free games it seems. So this got me thinking toward pay to play as this tends to have a much higher level of commitment and it's more likely everyone will show up to game time. BUT, there is also the concern of actual personal play time. 6 players, everyone wants some of the spotlight, some not prepared for their turn or just learning the game and asking questions, among other things, etc. I feel this would lead toward much time of me, as well as other players, waiting to engage. This is not a certain problem but seems highly likely, especially if there is one or more "I'm the star of the show" type person. I am not opposed to larger groups. I see there could be many challenges,
but also some great rewards. Some challenges could be over come with commitment levels of everyone involved.
Some problems would need heroic time management and communication by the DM and players both in
game and out. Is the large group syndrome an effect of the professional, popular D&D games? People see the actors having fun in large groups so they think this is the way to go? Is it a slight thought of greed to fill pay for play seats (I doubt this as it's not much money) Is it a thought, from the DM, to just help spread the love of D&D? Or is there something else? Am I reading too much into this?