Online Tabletop Gaming

I recently ran a closed, private game for a few people. This game session was run online using a virtual tabletop (VTT) that allowed the players to control digital tokens that represented their characters while fighting against tokens I controlled that represented their enemies. The VTT came with access to a few digital maps that added to the experience, giving the players a way to engage in the story without having to rely completely on their imagination. It was a lot of fun, but there were a few (anticipated) hiccups.

For ten years, prior to starting Disciple Gaming Ministry, I co-hosted a podcast. A podcast that we ran for our entire first year for free because, at the time, there were a lot of free resources available (all legal and requiring signups, most of which had a year long trial). I learned through that experience that digital resources, whether free or paid, need to be tested before they get integrated into a larger project. A soft open, if you will. And with the online game, it turned out to be a good thing because one of the players couldn’t see the map, which meant we had to figure out a work-around to give him the fullest possible experience given the limitations. Some of the tech issues also caused the session to run long because we started late. But the biggest benefit was that I got to play with people from all across the country.

The reason I ran this test was because I want to start offering God-focused games for Christians around the world. When I get the right scenario written, I also want to run online games for non-Christians who are interested in learning more about God. The event convinced me that, someday soon, I should be able to expand Disciple Gaming Ministry into digital spaces.

I also confirmed for myself that online games are a great way to play tabletop RPGs. That is, if all the players have a way of video conferencing. Audio-only can work, but in my opinion, video is ideal. I also think a VTT of some kind is important, whether it’s one person sharing a screen with PDFs of the maps moving smaller icons around to approximate a VTT, or a setup that includes animated maps, video game quality graphics, and fun sound effects. The more immersive the tools, the better.

I will also note that, while I’m excited to run more online games, I still prefer in-person sessions that bring all of the players to the table in the same space. This is because audio and video delays are common with even the best systems (like Zoom or Discord) and make me feel like there’s a barrier between me and the other participants. When I’m sitting at a physical table with other people, I can see their body language, hear all the small sounds they make in reaction to the story, and share silent looks with people about how scared another player is by their upcoming roll. It’s all the subtle interactions that are hard, if not impossible, to replicate online.

That’s why I focus my efforts on in-person gaming. But by avoiding online games, I unnecessarily limit ministry opportunities. Don’t get me wrong: I’m not going to suddenly add a regular, recurring game to my schedule. Not yet. The teen center game I’ve been running is on summer hiatus, but I’m still running one game every other Sunday, another game on the first Monday of each month, and a third game on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month (the only public game I’m currently running, though all of them are ministry related). That’s three tables, and a fourth getting added back when the school year starts. Online games give me more chances to bring God and gaming together at public “tables.” But it’s also something I’ll need to plan for and schedule well in advance.

All that to say: online TTRPGs are awesome, and if you’re looking for a way to join a game or campaign, you should consider the option. Especially if you’re having trouble finding an in-person group.