What things do you think are most significant contributors to making the RollPlay shows you love really fun and exciting? Cast? Setting? System? GM? What kinds of things make the shows you like really special?
I have some ideas, but I am curious what y’all think!
For me its when players aren’t afraid to make interesting choices that push the narrative forward, and the system supports them in making those choices. For instance, I’d love to see JP play Burning Wheel because I think he as a person likes making interesting choices rather than safe choices for his character, and Burning Wheel rewards players that make interesting choices based on their beliefs.
Higgs would have made a fantastic BW character.
Oh for sure, and I think that would be true for a lot of JP’s characters.
For me, alot of it depends on the cast, some people flow better together then others. When everyone is the silent Aragorn type, there isn’t much of a game, its good to have a wildcard, and an asshole, and the protagonist, and the weird one to bounce off of eachother :), makes for fun dialogue.
Im also charmed with the BoP dice system, it adds some flair to the rolls, some more significance then the 1 to 20 rolls, and creates a fun narrative.
The Cast and the DMs on Rollplay have a nice chemistry together. I like when the cast and DM click and the show ends up being very entertaining as well as funny. My favorite groups up to now are Mirrorshades, BoP Darkside and Swan Song. Its the hilarious moments that stick with me for years which makes me continue to watch.
I love the production as well. Some other shows don’t have good audio quality. A lot of times I would have those shows that i try watching in the background so I only listen to the audio and if that is bad, then I just stop watching. The overlays and logos are great as well. I know other shows have background music, but i find them distracting. What I love about watching Rollplay is the interaction between the cast, and if there was music it would get in the way of me hearing them.
I don’t really care about the system used in the show. Though I do prefer something other than the standard D&D fantasy setting. I like that on RollPlay I was introduced to a lot of TTRPG systems which I would probably never have known about.
This is exactly what I was going to say except I couldn’t word it very well. The players and how they interact with each other make the show. If they seem comfortable with each other, their character interactions seem more natural, and the moments that result are more entertaining.
Would it be ok to list detractions from enjoyment, too?
Agree with this. Players making the interesting choice, and the system embracing that instead of punishing it for being suboptimal.
As somebody who had no idea about D&D before watching Rollplay and to this day watching shows remains the only contact I have with these type of games (never played myself although I reaaally want to).
First and foremost for me is the cast for sure, a whole show is ruined if the viewer does not enjoy or just hates one of the cast members for some reason.
Loving a great setting, story, and cast of characters is a given for anyone that watches roleplay. I find that there is a depth of enjoyment beyond that in how the cast treats the story.
Creating a healthy balance between funny moments and jokes, and emotional dramatic sequences can create an experience that is enjoyable both for the silly occurences and the ones that evoke an emotional response from the viewer. The story should always be taken seriously. (Unless it’s like Feast or Famine where it is intentionally silly.)
Adams and Stevens ability to create impressive worlds. And Geoff.
For me it’s usually just when the cast are having a good time, bit of silliness bit of seriousness and just enjoying the game, doesn’t matter what the game is or who’s playing to me.
I never really thought bout how JP did that with higgs and now i also want to see him in a bw campaign
For me what makes a good show is the cast and the dynamic between the players and the system. I love when the players are free with their actions and imaginations, when they go all out and get really immerssed, but sometimes when watching someone who is new to roleplaying or unfammiliar with the game makes it tough to watch.
Best examples are the Swan Song and BOP shows, both with great cast members who feel comftrable with the game and each other.
Mirrorshades was a prime example of 4 amazing players with great imagination weighd down by the limiting and daunting system. It, what, took 20 sessions until the players really adapted to the system?
Steven and Wheat being on the show. Or Zeke.
The GM & players make the show.
New systems can be fun but, “One Shots” with “newer” systems aren’t as much fun for me to watch. For example I have no idea what was even going on during the Dogs shot yesterday.
New systems can be fun but, that seemed fairly complicated in my opinion to flush out a real story. IDK if anyone else felt that way?
Anyway, looking forward to more content. Best dollar I ever invested 
I ejoyed the Shows most, whre the Cast had a great Chemistry, with interesting Characters.
Lets say every west Marches Episode with Dr. Grigori and Galahan.
Balance of Power, mainly because Jesse seemed to take it always this one Step closer to absolute insanity.^^
I really Like Court of Swords for Dan and Gassy,
The System which is played, plays a minor Rule for me. I like DnD 5e, because u can ususally immediately see the result of a Roll and interpret it.
I couldn´t do that wit BoP, but as i said, watched BoP for the great chemistry of the Cast.
I am relativley new to the Channel, subbed for 15 months, i think. I have never watched the earlier Shows.
So pls excuse if i can´t include those in my Answer.
Just listening to the dark heresy Episodes in my Car, that show was fun, too. so far.
Significant contributors to me enjoying a Rollplay show.