Tips for Playing RPGs Online vs. IRL

It's All in Knowing How to Use the Space

In this era of technology, I’ve played most of my TTRPGs online, and only recently have gotten to play more in person games that aren’t recorded. In doing so I realized a lot of the ways I play online don’t translate super well to in-person play. Playing or GMing live versus online gives you access to different types of tools and levels of performance and roleplay. Here’s some advice on how to make both your online and in-person games feel more dynamic and less stagnant.

Take the Stage if You’re Live!

Use the space as a DM and as a player. This is a trick I learned from Bridgett Jeffries, who GM’d an entire live play show standing up and walking around the room. It was a brilliant use of space and made the show feel incredibly engaging. This is such an easy tool. You can still have a DM screen and notes, but in moments of free roleplay, walking around your play space can have huge impact.

There’s no better way to strike fear into a player’s heart than to stay silent after a bad roll, walk over behind them, and slowly narrate into their ear why they’re in such dire straits.

This move isn’t just for DMs. Players, you can be moving around, too. Planning to betray the party? Having a fight with another PC? Nothing raises the stakes like walking up to their face or silently standing up before you deliver a devastating monologue.

Being in person doesn’t mean you have to sit at the table the whole time. Unleash your inner theater kid, use the full stage.

a shot of the Many Sided Media cast playing Wildsea…and loving it?

Play to the Camera if You’re Online!

While the use of space is different on Zoom, you can still use the medium to create drama and tension. Think of it like being filmed. Treat the camera as your tool for delivering intent and emotion to the other players.

Just like standing up from the table builds tension in an in-person game, a pause and a silent stare into the camera can have the same effect. Walk off camera if something shocks you. Look away from the screen while delivering a monologue to heighten the emotional impact.

The camera is the channel through which your players will feel the stakes. Use it with purpose.

Secrets Create Drama (in Both)

Letting everyone know that the GM and a player share a secret is an excellent way to spark drama, especially in high-stakes games like Mothership or Deathmatch Island. Pass a note with secret instructions or reveal them later to build tension and deepen the story.

Online, you can text or privately message a player and tell them aloud to check their phone or messages. The rest of the table will immediately start wondering what just happened. That sense of mystery creates tension.

Secrets, secrets are so fun, so let us know your favorite one

There are other ways to achieve this, too. Whisper in a player's ear, or ask everyone else to step out so you can roleplay a scene one-on-one. Players can do the same thing if it fits the moment—this is a tool to be used by everyone.

Use Physicality When Live!

Being in the same room means you don’t always need to speak. You can just physically act, assuming everyone is comfortable. I’m not saying make out with your GM, but if you’re disappointed in someone, maybe sigh deeply and patronizingly put your hand on their shoulder.

You can replace or enhance your words with movement. Begging another character to do something? Actually get on your hands and knees. The discomfort it causes will make the moment more intense and real. Let your body add to your performance.

We Can’t Hear Your Face Online!

That’s something Brian says before we hit record on My First Dungeon, and it applies to all online games. You might be having a great time or reacting emotionally, but if you’re silent, it may not come across.

People may catch your expression, but with everyone in their own Zoom box, it’s not guaranteed. Add some words to your joy, frustration, or discomfort so your fellow players can respond. A noisy, expressive Zoom table feels far more alive.

When you’re playing live, your performance should be a bit bigger. Think of it like a stage play. You want everyone to hear you, see you, and stay engaged with your character. If you’re at a large table, you’ll need to project and show your expressions clearly so no one misses the emotion in your performance.

On Zoom, you can be more subtle. A good mic and camera will pick up quieter delivery, whispers, and small facial movements. You don’t have to perform at theater volume. You can go big if you want, but you don’t need to act like you’re in a musical number for a full house.

— Shenuque

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News From The Many Sided Network

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