"The key to becoming a great GM, more than anything else, is an understanding of pacing."
- Monte Cook and Shanna Germain, Your Best Game Ever
- Mike's take. Its probably equally important along with flexibility, creativity, and the ability to improvise.
Pacing actually means a few things
- Starting strong.
- Keeping things focused on action – always be doing things.
- Focusing the spotlight on the most interesting parts of the game and important parts of the story.
- Ensuring each player has their share of that spotlight.
- Staying focused on the goals of the story.
- Oscillating upward and downward beats to keep people excited and interested.
- Managing time and ending the game at the right place and time.
The Deadly Cycle of Bad Pacing
"15 minutes of greatness jam-packed into a 4-hour bag."
from Wolfgang Baur's friend Janice, described in Kobold Guide to Plots and Campaigns.
- The game goes slow.
- A player tune out.
- The player then find it hard to re-engage and is embarrassed to ask where things are.
- The player tunes out more because now they really don't know what's going on.
Tips for Good Pacing