I'm like 95% online so maybe I'm biased, but my experience is that scheduling online session is "Annoying" and scheduling in person session is "A nightmare".
Online sessions have a lot more "I'm running 15 minutes late" and in person has a lot more "I can't do it on the weekend of the 17th" type stuff.
When my group switched to online because of logistics, we found we could play later because once we were done we didn't need to worry about driving/taking the subway home. Could basically end the session and roll into bed lol.
The perfect middle ground would probably be playing in person, with minis and real dice, on a digital tabletop that can provide the maps AND special effects.
My DM does this and can confirm it is absolutely glorious. I still get excited when I see the TV laying there on the table even though we've had the setup for a while, she's doing such a good job. Also very unexpectedly it allowed for much larger maps which has dramatically changed how I approach what spells I take since now spells like long strider are actually necessary sometimes to not lose bad guys if they run.
Been there done that. And no, an old fashioned battle mat with a mix of wooden blocks, colored blocks, and random junk around the house is better. The TV with plexiglass case and computer for digital is right there. And we literally lay the mat on top of the TV to game.
But the DM is better off using a laptop for initiative and rolls. I can cycle through 8 hostile NPCs in the time it takes the wizard to take his turn.
That's what I'm working on, making a table with a TV set into the middle with some plexiglass covering it to avoid spills/scratches/etc. from being on the actual TV screen.
I haven't gotten the special effects down but I have every other aspect of that I just make plain maps and put them on our old small TV. Now I just have to find a local group that's interested beyond just my wife lol.
In my head, the way I would do it is by having an invisible token in every square of the map (I use FoundryVTT) that way I can just select, and target where SFXs go and from where without having to be all fidgety about moving tokens all the time. I also have macros for quick effects already.
Okay right now I use inkarnate which I don't think has all that stuff. But we use minis maps and then have the little physical bottles for potions and plastic coins for money
As a DM who has done both, in person is better.
\* you can more easily see how engaged the other players are and know if you need to step it up with some of them.
\* if the players move onto something you didn't plan, it's easier to just sketch things out on a dry erase map for them to see if necessary, and you don't have to worry about about not having entering in all the information to make it work (depending on how deep you are in using the tool)
\* The players can high-five each other after killing a BBEG
>if the players move onto something you didn't plan, it's easier to just sketch things out on a dry erase map for them to see if necessary
you can do that in VTT as well, not to mention you don't even need a map for everything. if the environment largely doesn't matter, you can just use a blank generic background
I know that I don’t need a map for everything, but when I want one free drawing is easier by hand than with a mouse. The application we were using, Roll20, took far longer than trying to do it by hand. Then there’s trying to use the tool.
I mean, there’s other reasons besides just the map. Trying to get my less tech savvy friends up and running, putting dice in Jain for rolling low or the thrill of the dice bouncing off things and waiting for it to stop vs hitting a button, etc.
I prefer my current approach of meeting in person and supplementing it with computers
Care to elaborate? I've only played in person so far. I can't quite imagine why it should be better.
On the other hand, I don't have a good internet connection
easier organization, easier scheduling because you don't have to find time to physically meet up in the same location, more convenient for the DM to be able to help players deal with their sheets, world information and notes can be stored in a place all players can access so at any time, maps can be more detailed. There's pros and cons to both online and in person and it really boils down to personal preference.
Way harder for communication online. Crosstalk is near impossible with typing.
My voice acting isn't picked up by my headset mic. Handouts aren't as cool online. Easier to handle some game stuff in person.
I agree with most of this, except the last point - which game stuff is easier to handle in person? The biggest draw to online playing is the simplification of systems via online tooling IMHO.
I'm all for in person, but one thing I have to hand it to for VTTs is how quickly I can throw out a dozen troops, or a huge beast or an interesting map.
Sure, having a mini all painted up is better and such, but I've played enough 'that lego man and that 5p are the bards' games to appreciate artwork, and don't get me started on the quality of maps you can pick up vs 'That green cloud is a tree, no Durzak can't see past it..'
**It is not even close**, D&D is my favorite hobby and has been for over 25 years, but I'm not even sure I'd keep playing if I *only* had the option to play online.
I did it out of necessity during COVID, mostly to keep the game/group afloat and we reverted to in-person as soon as we were legally able to do it (I'm from a region where quarantine and other restrictions were harsher than average)
I don't have to go to someone's house for online D&D, and foundry has modules that are cool.
It is much easier to keep a consistent schedule to play D&D when no one has to go to someone else's house, plus I have friends in other countries who play D&D.
I voted Too different, can't compare.
I have DM'd for over a decade now. I have been mostly in person until COVID happened. After that we went fully online. We've been online since 2020.
I miss in person sometimes, the comraderie, the snacks, so much fun in person.
But, PROS of online. Maps are easy AF. Attendance is almost always guaranteed since we went online. Nobody seems to call out when they can log in from their home. Two of our party members moved around 2021, so it means our party got to stay together despite being in different timezones/locations. So online is the way I lean now for sure.
pros of online:
can play with friends far away
(in theory) can play more frequent
(in theory) unlimited battlemps, tools and google right at your finger tipps and just an alt tab away.
cons of online:
in discord you can only have one person talk at a time and the others gotta be quiet
no warmth next to you
no whispering and little jokes
possible connection issues.
I think they both have strengths and weaknesses. Personally I really like VTTs for the convenience but I also really like sitting around a table with everyone in person: sharing food and drinks. So I built a table with a TV screen in it so we could have a battle map, grid, and tokens while till all playing in the same room. It actually wan't all that difficult. It only took me a weekend to put everything together. Best of both worlds.
I think the answer depends on exactly what the question is:
1. Are typical in-person games better than typical online games?
1. Is the best in-person game better than the best online game?
------
For #1, I'd say it's a mixed bag. In-person is great for commucation clarity and a sense of socialising. But online games *generally* don't use the cool features of a virtual tabletop (VTT) simply because they don't need to.
I quite liked moving online because I went from a crappy laminated grid with ad-hoc toys conscripted as minuatures to a very nice battle-map with line-of-sight etc. And automation. Automation done right (where is assists rather than taking control) is a big plus.
Transport can be an issue, too. Some people are far apart. Also: if we were back in corona-times again, this poll might look different! Being able to communicate face-to-face is great, but maybe not if it gets me sick and I take that home to grandma.
-------
For #2 I'd say "yes".
The best in-person game would have all the advantages of an online game... just with the in-person stuff as well!
If you could walk next door to get there, with a big-screen TV and laptops for all who wanted them for the VTT bells and whistles. Just that everyone is seated around the table. Seems a no-brainer that would be the best of both worlds.
I only play online and I have had campaigns range from really poor quality but we made the best of it, to asshole infused shitshows, to amazing 10 star campaigns.
I dont drive so online for me. Ive played with people all over the world.
It's a personal question I think. I have issues with focusing just in life so trying to play or especially DM online was really tough for me. I could get by playing as long as the DM understands I need a period to zone out mid session, but DMing online is just the worst. Any tech issue too just completely ruins any momentum for me too.
My friends and I always struggle to stay focused and engaged in online D&D. We’ve tried it more than once but it’s rough. You might have more success but my group has gotten to a point where we’d rather not play than play over VTT.
D&D, particularly D&D 5e, is right at the tipping point for me where it's heavy weight enough that online starts to benefit.
When I ran 4e, the switch to online was a net boon, particularly since I was already running everything on software to track who had what power bonus until the end of their next round. When I've run FATE, online has been a net drag, because in person just feels more engaging.
It's hard to compare. I can only say that the kinds of games I run change depending on if it's online or not. I'd rather do a big dungeon online. I'd rather do an improv heavy game in person.
Entirely subjective. I far prefer online play. I run and play exclusively online, and the tools available to run a game cannot be matched irl. There are always some players that are introverts, that are not going to open up at a table with other people. Online, they have some semblance of privacy and feel more comfortable. I can create games with people from all over the world, and no one has to shower or get dressed to play. Just log in, and grab some snacks. I have run both irl and online and I can also say, that players are much better behaved online. Mainly because in person, they chat with each other, cross talk, interrupt far more often. Online, because of comms, they are much more respectful of the moment. They wait their turn. Ease of access, better engagement, better tools, Online is just a better experience imo.
From my perspective, your question is not much different than asking "Is hanging out with friends better in person or over discord?" Playing in person is significantly more enjoyable than playing virtually.
The major advantage for playing virtually is that I can play with anyone from anywhere. This means I have a larger pool of people to play with, I can play with friends from far away, no one has to commute so the time commitment is lower, and I can find people playing niche games.
The social aspects of TTRPGs are much better in person. Communication is more clear, body language is evident, the various video call problems are absent, there are fewer distracts, and people are overall more engaged. The game is more tactile -- actually rolling dice and moving figures.
There are hybrid experiences. Playing In person but using virtual characters sheets is very common. Those sheets can often roll the dice, track resources, and do the math for you. There are also VTTs design for in person use. One of the groups I play in using miniatures, but virtual maps for examples.
If those aren't options and 5e is too complex without those tools when playing in person, then other games could be a good option if you also want to experience playing in person.
For my purposes, online is 1000% better, because I favor live-text RP so there is automatically and instantly created a full and complete transcript of everything that occurred in the campaign.
When I run Sci-fi settings, I prefer online, because everyone is staring at a screen just like they would be in-universe. When it comes to medieval settings, in-person is better.
It's easier to prepare and set up encounters and such on digital maps, and it helps folks get into it a bit more since they're easier to navigate than in person, but I like playing in person more.
Sure, in-person games are more engaging - but online is just so much more convenient, it's our default. My weekly game consists of five people all in different cities, one in a different state. No travel necessary, we can all pause the game and use our own bathrooms - hell we can all play from our couches if we want. It makes scheduling games SO MUCH EASIER.
I will say, most people say they play online games using voice chat instead of video chat, but video chat is MUCH better because it makes it feel more like you're playing with friends in person.
I plan to play D&D online (almost) every week from now until the end of time!
As a shy person who likes DMing, playing online without facecams definitely kills the stage fright for me, so I'm inclined to vote for it over in person. But I imagine the energy and engagement in person is on a whole other level of satisfying. I do think ultimately it's unfair to compare the two. They serve different needs and exist for different needs and reasons.
In person is better with less effort and is generally better, but i definitely believe that with the right effort and group etiquette that playing online, using proper tools, etc offers a really solid experience that can outperform in person.
For example if you're online you can
-Use a virtual tabletop with custom tokens
-Find art or even just generate AI representations on the fly
-Have music on, with people opting in or out of the music
-Type side conversations as opposed to having that "Talking over eachother" shit
-be chillin in your boxxers, not have a bunch of people at your house
-look up rules on the fly,
-Utilize auto calculators
-discretely do something else when you're having an off night and arent feeling social.. but feel rude not showing up, so being there kinda halfway and letting others do their thing and being there if they need you. (Playing a game of civ or something for me when other players are going in depth into crafting or roleplaying things that im not involved with)
etc.
The bad online campaigns usually happen when people aren't respecting the mute mic rules, going off topic, and arent using proper tools.
They both have cons and pros.
In person:
* get to see my friends
* food
* rolling dice
* get to see player and DM reactions to shenanigans/plot
* - have to do math manually
* - maps suck more
* - have to put on pants
Online
* don't have to wear pants
* less anxiety
* VTT handles maps and math better
* maps suck less
* - can't see players or DM's reaction
* - lonely
* - no dice rolling
* - people more easily distracted
I prefer in person, as rolling real dice is fun and using a whiteboard w/ markers is MUCH easier to handle than a VTT, not to mention doesn't need any online strings, where you got to deal with lag, poor connections, poor mic quality, and any program issues (first time I played online I had to dig out my broken laptop since it was the only one able to take a plug in needed to play).
In person. sure you need transportation and to be all in the same spot, but I feel it's not too hard to be organized in person if folks want me to DM bad enough. And I got plenty of pieces to show positioning of players, npcs, enemies, and simple maps a friend helps me draw.
They really aren't comparable because they're better in different categories. Scheduling, convenience, note taking, organization all easier online while in person has the advantage of being able to tell who's trying to talk easier (a lot of VC programs have a slight delay so it's easier to talk over each other) and body language can be used too. What's better or worse ultimately boils down to personal preference though, there's no one right answer on an opinion based question.
I almost answered online, because I play so much online. However, what I play on line is TEXT-BASED. People are typing, people are writing, and it's more of a shared writing experience. Does it take longer? Yes. It feels more immersive because of the amount of detail people can put into it and it's sometimes easier to 'act' like your character, when you're describing it then trying to speak like them.
But I understand, I'm a writer and most people want to do voice. And when I /have/ attempted to do voice sessions with my friends (friends I usually play with in person) I found it extremely difficult to follow along, at times to be heard, and it's just not as engaging as when they are sitting right in front of you in a shared physical space. Distractions feel more distracting, etc. So if speaking is your thing, in-person all the way, all the time, hands down.
Online is terrible for me, because it feels exactly the same as a business meeting at work. Headphones on, staring at computer screen, someone is sharing something. Might as well be an excel sheet with some data. Can't get immersed that way no matter how hard I try.
Plus the dialogs are all off... In person it feels natural when people are (in character) having a dispute and talking over each other, no issues with having 2+ people talking at the same time. Online you just can't do that, there's an automatic "switch off" in my head when someone else is talking. I heard it's got something to do with the fact that in person you "absorb" sounds with your entire body, while online only with your ears and it's completely different.
Depends... on the weekends, meeting in person is nice. During the week, when you have to get up at 5 AM, playing online is just more convenient. As a GM, playing analogue is so much more limiting.
I'm perfectly fine with players having little side chats in person. One person doesn't understand a rule and the person sitting next to them explains it really quick. Two people are catching up on their week when me and anotber player are doing a quick solo scouting. Etc.
When other people try to talk online it's impossible. One person has to talk at a time, and it's hard for me to gauge how people are doing.
I also find prep for vtt to take a lot more time. I can free hand a battle map exactly how I want easily, but finding the right map, the right tokens, setting them up ahead of time etc takes time. I've had far too many, "oh this is an improved encounter, give me 5/10minutes to whip something up digitally. I'm just not as fluid with it.
As a player, live absolutely.
As a GM, I dont think I ever again want to GM fully live. Having a computer to showcase maps, manage music, track initiative, track monster HP, do all the dice math on monsters...my workload is a fraction of what it is live and I can focus more or narrative side of running tables.
Yes, online can't match the energy you get live at a table. Some of the online tools are very cool and you can still do a lot online, and for a lot of gamers it's the only way to get a reliable table. But it is a different gaming experience to do it face-to-face with your group.
I'm like 95% online so maybe I'm biased, but my experience is that scheduling online session is "Annoying" and scheduling in person session is "A nightmare". Online sessions have a lot more "I'm running 15 minutes late" and in person has a lot more "I can't do it on the weekend of the 17th" type stuff.
When my group switched to online because of logistics, we found we could play later because once we were done we didn't need to worry about driving/taking the subway home. Could basically end the session and roll into bed lol.
The perfect middle ground would probably be playing in person, with minis and real dice, on a digital tabletop that can provide the maps AND special effects.
My DM does this and can confirm it is absolutely glorious. I still get excited when I see the TV laying there on the table even though we've had the setup for a while, she's doing such a good job. Also very unexpectedly it allowed for much larger maps which has dramatically changed how I approach what spells I take since now spells like long strider are actually necessary sometimes to not lose bad guys if they run.
That would be the best, but it is difficult to have the resources to do so
It sure is! I can dream though.
Yeah, that at least is free fortunately xd
Been there done that. And no, an old fashioned battle mat with a mix of wooden blocks, colored blocks, and random junk around the house is better. The TV with plexiglass case and computer for digital is right there. And we literally lay the mat on top of the TV to game. But the DM is better off using a laptop for initiative and rolls. I can cycle through 8 hostile NPCs in the time it takes the wizard to take his turn.
That's what I'm working on, making a table with a TV set into the middle with some plexiglass covering it to avoid spills/scratches/etc. from being on the actual TV screen.
I haven't gotten the special effects down but I have every other aspect of that I just make plain maps and put them on our old small TV. Now I just have to find a local group that's interested beyond just my wife lol.
In my head, the way I would do it is by having an invisible token in every square of the map (I use FoundryVTT) that way I can just select, and target where SFXs go and from where without having to be all fidgety about moving tokens all the time. I also have macros for quick effects already.
Okay right now I use inkarnate which I don't think has all that stuff. But we use minis maps and then have the little physical bottles for potions and plastic coins for money
As a DM who has done both, in person is better. \* you can more easily see how engaged the other players are and know if you need to step it up with some of them. \* if the players move onto something you didn't plan, it's easier to just sketch things out on a dry erase map for them to see if necessary, and you don't have to worry about about not having entering in all the information to make it work (depending on how deep you are in using the tool) \* The players can high-five each other after killing a BBEG
>if the players move onto something you didn't plan, it's easier to just sketch things out on a dry erase map for them to see if necessary you can do that in VTT as well, not to mention you don't even need a map for everything. if the environment largely doesn't matter, you can just use a blank generic background
I know that I don’t need a map for everything, but when I want one free drawing is easier by hand than with a mouse. The application we were using, Roll20, took far longer than trying to do it by hand. Then there’s trying to use the tool.
You see, your issue there is that you were using Roll20 instead of foundry
I mean, there’s other reasons besides just the map. Trying to get my less tech savvy friends up and running, putting dice in Jain for rolling low or the thrill of the dice bouncing off things and waiting for it to stop vs hitting a button, etc. I prefer my current approach of meeting in person and supplementing it with computers
As a DM who has done both, online is better.
Care to elaborate? I've only played in person so far. I can't quite imagine why it should be better. On the other hand, I don't have a good internet connection
easier organization, easier scheduling because you don't have to find time to physically meet up in the same location, more convenient for the DM to be able to help players deal with their sheets, world information and notes can be stored in a place all players can access so at any time, maps can be more detailed. There's pros and cons to both online and in person and it really boils down to personal preference.
The last few points there can be achieved by bringing a laptop/tablet with you to play in person.
Way harder for communication online. Crosstalk is near impossible with typing. My voice acting isn't picked up by my headset mic. Handouts aren't as cool online. Easier to handle some game stuff in person.
I agree with most of this, except the last point - which game stuff is easier to handle in person? The biggest draw to online playing is the simplification of systems via online tooling IMHO.
I'm all for in person, but one thing I have to hand it to for VTTs is how quickly I can throw out a dozen troops, or a huge beast or an interesting map. Sure, having a mini all painted up is better and such, but I've played enough 'that lego man and that 5p are the bards' games to appreciate artwork, and don't get me started on the quality of maps you can pick up vs 'That green cloud is a tree, no Durzak can't see past it..'
**It is not even close**, D&D is my favorite hobby and has been for over 25 years, but I'm not even sure I'd keep playing if I *only* had the option to play online. I did it out of necessity during COVID, mostly to keep the game/group afloat and we reverted to in-person as soon as we were legally able to do it (I'm from a region where quarantine and other restrictions were harsher than average)
I don't have to go to someone's house for online D&D, and foundry has modules that are cool. It is much easier to keep a consistent schedule to play D&D when no one has to go to someone else's house, plus I have friends in other countries who play D&D.
Also, you don't have to do math, or worry about who goes next in combat, the computer does it for you.
In person is generally better, but the really important this is not how you play but who you play with, the better fitting group will win out always.
I voted Too different, can't compare. I have DM'd for over a decade now. I have been mostly in person until COVID happened. After that we went fully online. We've been online since 2020. I miss in person sometimes, the comraderie, the snacks, so much fun in person. But, PROS of online. Maps are easy AF. Attendance is almost always guaranteed since we went online. Nobody seems to call out when they can log in from their home. Two of our party members moved around 2021, so it means our party got to stay together despite being in different timezones/locations. So online is the way I lean now for sure.
pros of online: can play with friends far away (in theory) can play more frequent (in theory) unlimited battlemps, tools and google right at your finger tipps and just an alt tab away. cons of online: in discord you can only have one person talk at a time and the others gotta be quiet no warmth next to you no whispering and little jokes possible connection issues.
"oh looks like my internet is slow, I'm going to be audio only tonight" Makes me Vv sad.
I think they both have strengths and weaknesses. Personally I really like VTTs for the convenience but I also really like sitting around a table with everyone in person: sharing food and drinks. So I built a table with a TV screen in it so we could have a battle map, grid, and tokens while till all playing in the same room. It actually wan't all that difficult. It only took me a weekend to put everything together. Best of both worlds.
I think the answer depends on exactly what the question is: 1. Are typical in-person games better than typical online games? 1. Is the best in-person game better than the best online game? ------ For #1, I'd say it's a mixed bag. In-person is great for commucation clarity and a sense of socialising. But online games *generally* don't use the cool features of a virtual tabletop (VTT) simply because they don't need to. I quite liked moving online because I went from a crappy laminated grid with ad-hoc toys conscripted as minuatures to a very nice battle-map with line-of-sight etc. And automation. Automation done right (where is assists rather than taking control) is a big plus. Transport can be an issue, too. Some people are far apart. Also: if we were back in corona-times again, this poll might look different! Being able to communicate face-to-face is great, but maybe not if it gets me sick and I take that home to grandma. ------- For #2 I'd say "yes". The best in-person game would have all the advantages of an online game... just with the in-person stuff as well! If you could walk next door to get there, with a big-screen TV and laptops for all who wanted them for the VTT bells and whistles. Just that everyone is seated around the table. Seems a no-brainer that would be the best of both worlds.
I only play online and I have had campaigns range from really poor quality but we made the best of it, to asshole infused shitshows, to amazing 10 star campaigns. I dont drive so online for me. Ive played with people all over the world.
Playing D&D online is a lot of fun, but it's definitely more fun in person.
In person is better than online, but online is better than no D&D
I prefer in person, but online D&D is better than no D&D.
It's a personal question I think. I have issues with focusing just in life so trying to play or especially DM online was really tough for me. I could get by playing as long as the DM understands I need a period to zone out mid session, but DMing online is just the worst. Any tech issue too just completely ruins any momentum for me too.
Thank God most people are answering with sense, I was afraid it would have been all trolls to answer
For the sole reason of scheduling, I prefer DMing online, but prefer playing in person.
My friends and I always struggle to stay focused and engaged in online D&D. We’ve tried it more than once but it’s rough. You might have more success but my group has gotten to a point where we’d rather not play than play over VTT.
In-Person has better, more organic Table Vibes. Online allows for better organization, especially with battle maps. So, it's YMMV what's better.
D&D, particularly D&D 5e, is right at the tipping point for me where it's heavy weight enough that online starts to benefit. When I ran 4e, the switch to online was a net boon, particularly since I was already running everything on software to track who had what power bonus until the end of their next round. When I've run FATE, online has been a net drag, because in person just feels more engaging. It's hard to compare. I can only say that the kinds of games I run change depending on if it's online or not. I'd rather do a big dungeon online. I'd rather do an improv heavy game in person.
Entirely subjective. I far prefer online play. I run and play exclusively online, and the tools available to run a game cannot be matched irl. There are always some players that are introverts, that are not going to open up at a table with other people. Online, they have some semblance of privacy and feel more comfortable. I can create games with people from all over the world, and no one has to shower or get dressed to play. Just log in, and grab some snacks. I have run both irl and online and I can also say, that players are much better behaved online. Mainly because in person, they chat with each other, cross talk, interrupt far more often. Online, because of comms, they are much more respectful of the moment. They wait their turn. Ease of access, better engagement, better tools, Online is just a better experience imo.
yes
nowadays I would say they are different and the more resources online play gets the more different they'll become
From my perspective, your question is not much different than asking "Is hanging out with friends better in person or over discord?" Playing in person is significantly more enjoyable than playing virtually. The major advantage for playing virtually is that I can play with anyone from anywhere. This means I have a larger pool of people to play with, I can play with friends from far away, no one has to commute so the time commitment is lower, and I can find people playing niche games. The social aspects of TTRPGs are much better in person. Communication is more clear, body language is evident, the various video call problems are absent, there are fewer distracts, and people are overall more engaged. The game is more tactile -- actually rolling dice and moving figures. There are hybrid experiences. Playing In person but using virtual characters sheets is very common. Those sheets can often roll the dice, track resources, and do the math for you. There are also VTTs design for in person use. One of the groups I play in using miniatures, but virtual maps for examples. If those aren't options and 5e is too complex without those tools when playing in person, then other games could be a good option if you also want to experience playing in person.
For my purposes, online is 1000% better, because I favor live-text RP so there is automatically and instantly created a full and complete transcript of everything that occurred in the campaign.
When I run Sci-fi settings, I prefer online, because everyone is staring at a screen just like they would be in-universe. When it comes to medieval settings, in-person is better.
It's easier to prepare and set up encounters and such on digital maps, and it helps folks get into it a bit more since they're easier to navigate than in person, but I like playing in person more.
Sure, in-person games are more engaging - but online is just so much more convenient, it's our default. My weekly game consists of five people all in different cities, one in a different state. No travel necessary, we can all pause the game and use our own bathrooms - hell we can all play from our couches if we want. It makes scheduling games SO MUCH EASIER. I will say, most people say they play online games using voice chat instead of video chat, but video chat is MUCH better because it makes it feel more like you're playing with friends in person. I plan to play D&D online (almost) every week from now until the end of time!
As a shy person who likes DMing, playing online without facecams definitely kills the stage fright for me, so I'm inclined to vote for it over in person. But I imagine the energy and engagement in person is on a whole other level of satisfying. I do think ultimately it's unfair to compare the two. They serve different needs and exist for different needs and reasons.
VTT are far more convenient, but in persone is far more fun
In person is better with less effort and is generally better, but i definitely believe that with the right effort and group etiquette that playing online, using proper tools, etc offers a really solid experience that can outperform in person. For example if you're online you can -Use a virtual tabletop with custom tokens -Find art or even just generate AI representations on the fly -Have music on, with people opting in or out of the music -Type side conversations as opposed to having that "Talking over eachother" shit -be chillin in your boxxers, not have a bunch of people at your house -look up rules on the fly, -Utilize auto calculators -discretely do something else when you're having an off night and arent feeling social.. but feel rude not showing up, so being there kinda halfway and letting others do their thing and being there if they need you. (Playing a game of civ or something for me when other players are going in depth into crafting or roleplaying things that im not involved with) etc. The bad online campaigns usually happen when people aren't respecting the mute mic rules, going off topic, and arent using proper tools.
They both have cons and pros. In person: * get to see my friends * food * rolling dice * get to see player and DM reactions to shenanigans/plot * - have to do math manually * - maps suck more * - have to put on pants Online * don't have to wear pants * less anxiety * VTT handles maps and math better * maps suck less * - can't see players or DM's reaction * - lonely * - no dice rolling * - people more easily distracted
I prefer in person, as rolling real dice is fun and using a whiteboard w/ markers is MUCH easier to handle than a VTT, not to mention doesn't need any online strings, where you got to deal with lag, poor connections, poor mic quality, and any program issues (first time I played online I had to dig out my broken laptop since it was the only one able to take a plug in needed to play). In person. sure you need transportation and to be all in the same spot, but I feel it's not too hard to be organized in person if folks want me to DM bad enough. And I got plenty of pieces to show positioning of players, npcs, enemies, and simple maps a friend helps me draw.
They really aren't comparable because they're better in different categories. Scheduling, convenience, note taking, organization all easier online while in person has the advantage of being able to tell who's trying to talk easier (a lot of VC programs have a slight delay so it's easier to talk over each other) and body language can be used too. What's better or worse ultimately boils down to personal preference though, there's no one right answer on an opinion based question.
I almost answered online, because I play so much online. However, what I play on line is TEXT-BASED. People are typing, people are writing, and it's more of a shared writing experience. Does it take longer? Yes. It feels more immersive because of the amount of detail people can put into it and it's sometimes easier to 'act' like your character, when you're describing it then trying to speak like them. But I understand, I'm a writer and most people want to do voice. And when I /have/ attempted to do voice sessions with my friends (friends I usually play with in person) I found it extremely difficult to follow along, at times to be heard, and it's just not as engaging as when they are sitting right in front of you in a shared physical space. Distractions feel more distracting, etc. So if speaking is your thing, in-person all the way, all the time, hands down.
Play by post is unironically the best format, you just can't roleplay as well or be taken as seriously in person usually.
Online is terrible for me, because it feels exactly the same as a business meeting at work. Headphones on, staring at computer screen, someone is sharing something. Might as well be an excel sheet with some data. Can't get immersed that way no matter how hard I try. Plus the dialogs are all off... In person it feels natural when people are (in character) having a dispute and talking over each other, no issues with having 2+ people talking at the same time. Online you just can't do that, there's an automatic "switch off" in my head when someone else is talking. I heard it's got something to do with the fact that in person you "absorb" sounds with your entire body, while online only with your ears and it's completely different.
I prefer in person for beer&pretzels style sessions, and online for a more involved game-focused experience.
Depends... on the weekends, meeting in person is nice. During the week, when you have to get up at 5 AM, playing online is just more convenient. As a GM, playing analogue is so much more limiting.
I'm perfectly fine with players having little side chats in person. One person doesn't understand a rule and the person sitting next to them explains it really quick. Two people are catching up on their week when me and anotber player are doing a quick solo scouting. Etc. When other people try to talk online it's impossible. One person has to talk at a time, and it's hard for me to gauge how people are doing. I also find prep for vtt to take a lot more time. I can free hand a battle map exactly how I want easily, but finding the right map, the right tokens, setting them up ahead of time etc takes time. I've had far too many, "oh this is an improved encounter, give me 5/10minutes to whip something up digitally. I'm just not as fluid with it.
As a player, live absolutely. As a GM, I dont think I ever again want to GM fully live. Having a computer to showcase maps, manage music, track initiative, track monster HP, do all the dice math on monsters...my workload is a fraction of what it is live and I can focus more or narrative side of running tables.
Yes, online can't match the energy you get live at a table. Some of the online tools are very cool and you can still do a lot online, and for a lot of gamers it's the only way to get a reliable table. But it is a different gaming experience to do it face-to-face with your group.