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Apr 10, 2012 -- 2:14AM, Madfox11 wrote:

Later experience showed that 4-hour game slots, high level play and long stories are not well-suited for such a target audience, while lack of story and high-level play alienates the invested players which are vital to keep a campaign alive and kicking. I just wish that we had thought of Encounters and Lair Assault from the start, since that would have certainly changed the setup of LFR at the start. .../

/... I am really curious what the optimal balance actually is...

It may be one of these things in life where there really isn't an optimized balance. Campaigns tend to lean toward a certain demographic and pleasing others strains the original target. At the same time, it isn't possible to transition many people from casual to invested - they are often a specific demographic for a reason and can't be easily changed (a home player that has no store, a parent that can't find much time, etc.).

I think a big question is whether a living campaign could be created where everyone could be content with their level of investment, whether really low/casual or high/devoted. I think that should be possible, largely because I see video games do it to some extent. In theory, it should be even easier for an RPG. For example, imagine a Waterdeep-based living campaign where there were three types of play. Importantly, you play different PCs in each of these:

The first would resemble Encounters. There would be weekly games following a periodically refreshing story arc. Each story arc's conclusion, as well as several decision points within that arc, would have outcomes that affect the RP of how Waterdeep is faring. In addition, perhaps some faction scoring system could be in place to reward that faction. This would have the potential of making you care on two levels, perhaps making you more invested. But, importantly, you could just stay here. We could also include short introductory experiences, such as intro mods for home play and convention short play experiences (1-2 hours). PCs in Encounters are self-contained. Those in intros can segue into the next category. In some cases both could participate in the third category (when level appropriate).

Second would be your living organized play. These would be short arcs that you can play anywhere. They might resemble arcs like current LFR, but might include things like a series of 2 hour adventures you can play separately or together. Again, your actions impact Waterdeep on both the RP and faction level. Faction level might have an impact on your PC, perhaps even mechanical (but more importantly, story/RP). PCs here would be able to participate in the next category.

The third would be Lair Assault (in stores) and some special gamedays (in stores), plus Specials and BIs at cons. These would cater to an experienced player, though anyone could try. They would be harder, with bigger rewards and faction points.

The idea would be that you encourage all types of play (store, home, convention) with a variety of events for different demographics... but everyone can share in the success of the other. The truly devoted could do all three. Some might do two. Others would do just one. And it would be ok either way.

Sorry to post so much. Gonna lurk for a while!