I recently came across this article from Polygon, Board gamers have campaign fatigue, and publishers need to adapt quickly.

The article discusses the concept of “campaign fatigue” in legacy board gaming with games like  Pandemic: Legacy, Gloomhaven, and Kingdom Death: Monster. Tabletop RPG enthusiasts can also experience this phenomenon. 

Campaign fatigue can be a challenge for players and dungeon masters alike. It highlights the board game “Oathsworn: Legacy of the Dukes” as a potential solution, as it provides a self-contained campaign with a fixed number of sessions.

As a dungeon master, it’s important to recognize the signs of campaign fatigue and take steps to mitigate its effects. Campaign fatigue is a feeling of burnout or weariness that can occur when players engage in long-running role-playing game (RPG) campaigns. Playing through a campaign can be highly engaging and rewarding, but it can also be mentally and emotionally taxing. Over time, players may begin to feel like they are going through the motions or that the story has become repetitive, leading to a decrease in engagement and enjoyment.

What causes campaign fatigue?

Several factors can contribute to campaign fatigue, including a lack of player agency, predictable storylines, and an absence of meaningful choices or consequences. Additionally, players may experience fatigue if the campaign is too long, with sessions becoming routine or losing their novelty over time. Real-life events, such as work or family responsibilities, can also impact players’ energy levels, making it harder for them to stay engaged over long periods.

What can we do about it?

To combat campaign fatigue, it’s essential to introduce breaks into the campaign, allowing players time to recharge and explore other activities or interests. Another approach is to incorporate new storylines or subplots that provide fresh challenges and opportunities for player agency. Similarly, offering meaningful choices and consequences can help keep players invested in the story and characters. Another option to consider is taking a night with your group to play some self-contained side quests to mix up the usual game play.

What about trying a board game?

You may also try something completely different, such as an experience provided by board games like “Oathsworn: Legacy of the Dukes,” “Pandemic Legacy,” “Gloomhaven,” “Charterstone,” “Betrayal Legacy,” and “Kingdom Death: Monster.” These games typically have a set number of sessions and a fixed narrative arc, making them a good option for players who may be experiencing campaign fatigue or who prefer a more structured gameplay experience. By limiting the number of sessions and providing a clear endpoint for the campaign, these games can offer a more focused and satisfying experience.

Conclusion

Campaign fatigue is a common issue in long-running RPG campaigns. As a professional dungeon master, it’s important to recognize the signs of campaign fatigue and take steps to mitigate its effects, whether through breaks, new storylines, or self-contained campaign experiences. By prioritizing player engagement and enjoyment, you can help ensure a fulfilling and rewarding gaming experience for all involved.