Sharing the spotlight

This week I want to write about something I've noticed in games I've been a part of, both in person and online: sharing the spotlight.

It's natural that some people are more comfortable than others taking center stage during games and leading the actions, coming up with plans or interacting with NPCs, but this doesn't mean that more introvert or shy players should be left in the sidelines and only speak when it's their turn in combat. This is even worse in online games, as not being able to see  the other people means a risk of a shy person getting talked over when they try to start talking, not on purpose obviously (that's a whole different problem), but because people cannot see whether someone is about to talk or not.
That situation would most likely lead to those people not having fun and ultimately leaving the game, which in my opinion is the only way to "lose" as a group in a TTRPG.

Some would say that it's the Referee's job to move the spotlight and make sure everyone participates in the game, and while that's technically true, it can be really difficult to achieve in practice, because Referees already have to keep track of so many things; I've found myself having trouble with this, which is what gave me the idea for this post. After that experience, I promised myself I'd make it a point to make sure to keep an eye for players who are being overshadowed by louder and more extroverted people and to bring them back to the center of attention, asking them what their character is thinking in that moment or how they react to a particular event. This is something to be careful with though, as some people could feel awkward or embarassed by it; the best solution is to ask out of game directly to that player whether they'd like to be included more or they are fine with enjoying the game in a more spectator-y style.

At the same time, the Referee is a player just like everyone else, so in my opinion every player should at least try to keep an eye out for their fellow players and try to keep them engaged, if possible. Try to ask in character questions to that person's character, or for their opinion on the plan the party is devising (and that is going to fail at the first dice roll anyway).
That way, everyone at the table (or online) gets to have fun and the whole game will be better as a result, I can guarantee that.

Have you ever been in such a situation, whether as a Referee or as a player - either as the shy person who struggles to be heard, or as the more extrovert player that involuntarily hogs the spotlight? Share your experience!

This is all for this week, see you next Sunday for my next post!

May your dice never betray you,
Kirhon

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