Hey everyone! I’ve been reflecting on some content I saw from a YouTuber about GMs who get too caught up in their own worldbuilding, leaving players feeling sidelined. I think I might be facing the opposite issue. I have a couple of players who seem to prefer diving into rich, detailed backstories instead of enjoying the gameplay we have at hand.
Whenever we start a new campaign or create characters, they’re constantly asking for exhaustive lore details, expecting that I have elaborate histories ready to go. For instance, when the game involves dwarves mining gold on alien planets, they start asking about the origins of the dwarven language, which feels excessive, especially since I’m more focused on the action and choices in front of us rather than on crafting an extensive historical record.
I worry I might be a jerk for not being as invested in the lore as they are, but at the same time, it feels like there’s a disconnect in what we all want from the game. Have any of you faced a similar situation? How do you manage players with such high lore expectations without sacrificing the fun of the game?
1 Answer
You’re definitely not being a jerk! It sounds like a classic case of mismatched expectations. It’s totally valid to focus on the gameplay instead of expansive lore. Next time they ask a lore question you haven’t thought of, try improvising a fun answer or turning the question back on them. Even saying something like, ‘This is what I have in mind for dwarven language,’ can help. Remember, everyone at the table is there to have fun together — don’t hesitate to set some limits on lore discussions during sessions!
Totally agree! Improvisation can add spontaneity and make the game feel more alive, plus it engages your players in a cool way.