Gamer Forge Listener Email: When The Time Comes To Say Good-Bye

Gamer Forger Listener Email:
Name: Arnold

Comments: Guys,

I am feeling kind of stuck in a situation that I feel emotionally obligated to. Let me tell you whats going on.

I have played in the same gaming group since I was 14. Since then many of us have moved out of state, gotten married, had kids, and so on. Every month we get together and run our game as we have since we were kids. Now for most of my friends this has not been much of an issue since they live fairly close and it is not to too much of a strain to drive a few hours across state lines. Oh yeah let me also include we all live on the east coast. so its not that bad to drive across two state lines in under 2 hours.

Now I have just been offered a job that I plan to take that will have me and my family moving to Oregon. Now it is going to be just too expensive to fly out once a month to play our game and yet this has been a huge part of my life and this group of friends has seen me through many a hard times.

How do I soften the blow and say good bye? Does it have to be good bye? Do you have suggestions that could help me out?

Arnold

Gamer Forger Response:

It doesn't have to be good-bye. DCR says,

1. Fascilitate! You've got alternatives. Skype and video chat are great ways to let the good times keep rolling. Just move the camera down to show die rolls, and since its all live, you're in on all the action, as it happens. No waiting. Even better, it's inexpensive. Even more, you get to stay in touch with your friends. Even more better-er, distance is not even a factor! 2. One last blast. Let's say Skype isn't an option, and it really is time to move on. Plan one last show. Add a few extra hours to the session to give plenty of time so everyone gets a chance to do anything that they may have been meaning to do. Someone can spring for a big breakfast or dinner. Throw some beef on the barbeque and make a deal about this session. Make this day a good day. Remember to take a break every once in a while. If this is your last game together, make it a good day, make it count. 3. No cliffhangers! When this game is over, please don't leave anyone hanging. Strive to give resolution for everyone. Have one big revelation and resolve it. This can be the story that you and your friends talk about each and every time you speak again. They should all still be your friends even after the game is over, and a good game brings and keeps friends together.  *To go the extra mile, think of your last game like a banquet. Give out awards for achievements like "Funniest Dialogue" or "Most Intense Battle" or "Sexiest Character"; specific titles that will last and you can laugh about for years to come.