The Versatile GM (part 4)

Sometimes a GM will encounter individual players that can change the tone of the game for the group. This is sometimes related to that player having a different style preference than the other gamers in the group, or it can be due to personality differences. In cases like this, the GM may have to adjust the game slightly to include something for everyone. If that player is too extreme in his preference or approach as compared with the rest of the group, the GM might need to have a side discussion with that player and see if a compromise can be reached. In other instances, a player might just be too sophisticated or too immature for the rest of the group. If this is the case, the GM can challenge that player or the group to help “manage” each other. I've seen a young child playing the game with a group of adults, and the adults worked to guide the young player, even making up stories to fool the young player into behaving a particular way. It can be a fun experience if you have the right make-up of personalities, but if an ongoing conflict persists, it might be time to ask a player to join a different group that would be more suited for their playstyle. In the end, the goal is for everyone to have fun playing an RPG and to walk away with great memories of the experience. The GM needs to stay versatile and creative in order to make an RPG fun for the players!