Getting in

Hey, I'm somewhat new to the site (but not to gaming) and I'm having trouble finding a game to play in. I've applied for about ten different games that fit my time frame, but I'm either not getting a response, or the response is a no. I've got good experience on the games that I'm applying for, and I'm trying to not come off as a dick-hole know-it-all, cause I'm a pretty laid back dude. Is there a trick to getting into a game? or am I just missing something that nobody seems to want to tell me...

Competition is very stiff.   Getting into a game is almost like writing a resume and applying for a job. 

Keep trying, Jacob ! A door will open up for you and a game spot will come along.

That's kind of annoying, but I suppose it makes sense. Don't want people you can't play with in your game. Thanks for the encouragement, Gold, and thank you, Eric, for your response as well.

Also, the GM/Player ratio is very very low.

Consider a physical group vs online group and the player-base difference. In a physical group, you might have maybe five or six GM's actively meeting up in your area via Meetup.com, FLGS, etc.  Those games need to fill 4-5 player slots each. Now an Online Group, which draws players internationally, has a ridiculously huge player-base.  While that does mean a lot more GM's, you're still looking at only 4-5 player slots per game.  With so many more potential players, the ratio of GM to player is even worse, making for some very serious competition.

Jacob C. said: Hey, I'm somewhat new to the site (but not to gaming) and I'm having trouble finding a game to play in. I've applied for about ten different games that fit my time frame, but I'm either not getting a response, or the response is a no. I've got good experience on the games that I'm applying for, and I'm trying to not come off as a dick-hole know-it-all, cause I'm a pretty laid back dude. Is there a trick to getting into a game? or am I just missing something that nobody seems to want to tell me... Competition is stiff for games like D&D and Pathfinder. It's generally much smaller for other games. If you're focusing, heavily, on those two games, then you're regularly competing with hundreds of players for that slot. Also, if you're told no, ask why. Figure out why a GM/ST didn't want you in that game. If they refuse to tell you, block you, or otherwise, you're almost certainly better off.

Animus said: Jacob C. said: Hey, I'm somewhat new to the site (but not to gaming) and I'm having trouble finding a game to play in. I've applied for about ten different games that fit my time frame, but I'm either not getting a response, or the response is a no. I've got good experience on the games that I'm applying for, and I'm trying to not come off as a dick-hole know-it-all, cause I'm a pretty laid back dude. Is there a trick to getting into a game? or am I just missing something that nobody seems to want to tell me... Competition is stiff for games like D&D and Pathfinder. It's generally much smaller for other games. If you're focusing, heavily, on those two games, then you're regularly competing with hundreds of players for that slot. Also, if you're told no, ask why. Figure out why a GM/ST didn't want you in that game. If they refuse to tell you, block you, or otherwise, you're almost certainly better off. Such good advice. Best way to improve your application is through critique. Also great advice on what sort of GM you were lucky to not get in with.

Just curious, Jacob.  Did you ever find a game?

What works for me is to start by running a game. Build a stable group. Sooner or later one of your players will also want to run a game, then you can continue as a player.

I may have, Eric! I had a DM message me a few days ago and we're talking about character backgrounds now. 

If you're willing to play something other than DND or Pathfinder you may find yourself with a lot of gaming opportunities. I've ran a lot of DND games and always had 10-30 applicants. When I've tried to run other game systems I've usually gotten 1 or 2 applicants who flaked out before the game started. If you want to give horror survival a try...

I can probably get you in one of my groups of you're interested Jacob.  I would have to talk to the Dm.  Just let me know. 

I will, thank you for the offer!