07/27/2008 09:16:58

I really don't mind a person throwing dice. It's what he says to others, who happen to be playing well enough not to be doing the same, which determines what I think of a person. Look at it in sports terms. We like displays of emotions, but not antagonistic behavior-- unless it's tennis.

06/05/2008 16:27:21

I think that he needs to be talked too, probably by people with calm yet powerful/forceful demeanors. If that isn't enough, say goodbye and don't invite him. Honestly, we shouldn't have to tolerate bad behaviour that is reoccuring. (Sure sometimes EVERYone has a bad day/moment/week.)

 

 

06/05/2008 07:07:52

Thank you all for sharing your thoughts.  Nice to get different points of view!

06/04/2008 17:05:55

Hi Folks,

A gamer loosing his temper can certainly be a problem, if it occurs on a regular basis, especially in a game store where the potential exists to annoy other customers.  In this era of shrinking margins and a generally sinking economy keeping customers happy is exceptionally important.  We all loose our tempers once in a while and an incident or two in the big picture may not be a big deal, but if it happens a lot it can certainly be a problem.

I would certainly sit the player down and talk to him or her immediately to make sure that the unacceptable behavior is pointed out.  Role-Playing can be an emotionally charged activity and folks getting upset happens once and a while.  It can often indicate a lack of experience.  Throwing things is definitely out.  If the player does not straighten out after being told that there is an issue than he or she must be given the boot.  I can’t imagine these sorts of incidents are good for business in the long run.

Have a good one!

-          Andre

06/04/2008 11:27:48

If it happens in a public store it is the responsibilty of both the group and the store owner/manager/employee to handle this situation.  The gamers need to either delegate one person (the GM is not always the best option) to calmly discuss that their demeanor/attitude/hygeine is an issue at the table and that while they would love to continue playing with them that this needs to change.  Offer to help them, as sometimes they don't realize they are doing something or know how to fix it.   The store needs to come down on them if it is disruptive to the other people in the area.  There are rules in the store and this person needs to realize they have to follow them.  Be firm but let them know that this is not allowed and if it continues they will not be allowed to game in the store.

As far as game store survival, the best way for a store to encourage people to spend money is to have games and demos as well as offer a good variety of products.  There is nothing wrong with Pokemon players who will spend money if you can contain them to one weekend morning.  Just organize your space so everyone has a chance to use your store space.

06/04/2008 10:58:40

You got to think that a gaming store doesn't open up for fun but to make a profit so if they bend a bit for a guy who SOMETIMES losses it well so be it.  You don't have to game there if you object.  In fact I make it a point to buy something everytime I use a shops game room to help support them.  But I do agree that the gamer should be approched by whoever owns the shop or runs the gaming and told to keep it cool for the benefit of all the players.

Brian 

06/04/2008 10:25:04

When Gaming occurs at a public venue, or in some way connected to one, that is a game store that depends on purchases to survive, yes, it is an issue.

Because gaming stores and bookstores are facing very thing margins, dropping popularity (since less people read or game in a non-computer form) they have to be willing to accomodate those folks who are regularly pumping money into their bottom line.

There are store owners who are earning just a little above minimum wage out there in the current market. It's not a good time to be a small proprietor in retail.

 

 

06/04/2008 08:36:14

It's actually kind of amazing what human nature will put up with when confronted with this kind of behavior. As parents, we don't put up with this kind of behavior in our children should we put up with it in our peers around the gaming table? If someone is acting like a spoiled brat at the gaming table shouldn't it be confronted as the bad behavior it is and appropriately punished?
While I'm sure many DM's probably pictured themselves grabbing a player by the scruff of the neck and bending them over their knee for one hell of a walloping, you know what I mean. Many people try to 'game around it' but the fact is it's a human behavior issue and should be treated face to face. If the DM is the head of the group they should step aside and tell the player simply, "If you're going to act like a brat I'm going to treat you like one and you can take a time out in the naughty corner for the next couple sessions, dig?"
Treat them like the children they're acting like, especially if they're an adult.
If the problem players picks up their toys and goes home and never spends another dime on a gaming product or convention, them's the breaks. If a player can't act with any rationale of responsibility they need to be shown the 'light' and then shown the door if necessary.

06/03/2008 22:54:31

While I'm not sure of the setting for this obnoxious gamer (i.e. does he act this way in someone's home he has been invited into or is he acting out in public -  like your local gaming store), it seems someone could sit down with him and point out the issues. 

Otherwise, people will stop showing up at the game and, if its at the local gaming store, stop shopping at that store.  While I am not a store owner, I have a number of friends who are.  Many don't sell pokeman or yukioh cards because, despite the money spent, they don't want that atmosphere in their store.  In addition, I have seen gaming stores where "smelly gamer reek" filled the store's atmosphere expelling all but the most hardened game shopper.  These stores go out of business because they eventually lose their clientele except for those "elite" who continue to funk up their store.  While this gentleman may not have a physical funk, it sounds like he may be creating a spiritual one. 

 I had an experience where I gamed with a group at a guy's house and he was the one that would lose his temper.  Now, I liked the guy well enough and he was the type that would go out of the way for you, but I would get tense playing in a game.  After the third "explosion,"  I thanked the GM for allowing me to play in his game and never bothered showing up again.  Three months later, I was then able to contact many of the players in the group and the GM and organize another game on another night.  I don't think this would be the best way of handling it in all cases, but in this one, it was probably the better method.  

 In the end, if he is a nice guy, talking to him should correct the major issues.  If not, his host or the game store owner is going to have to decide if he wants this kind of child-like behavior in their home or store respectively.  

Your Happy Rules Lawyer and Story-Teller,

Tuchok