Should i return to pbp ttrpg or not?

Lets make it quick and readable:
Should i return to pbp ttrpg or not?

Even though i don't like socializing, don't have friends/group, get haunted by my pre-gen roleplay and quit the campaign before the first combat long ago (april), finding a game is like finding a job... (i delete my discord account, so im talking about gamers plane here)

I tried solo ttrpg, it wasn't for me, I don't like journaling (and idk how to journaling, even point format feel boring), idk what's oracle is saying and idk how to interpret its meaning, i tried AI dm-ing, it was fun but now its feel soulless, i tried solo mechanics-first dungeon crawlers but i often forgot the rules and i don't want my family seeing my notebook, and Gamebook feel like Trial-and-error game, and i only have 6.67 screen phone, so pc games is out, and ttrpg is expensive...

I don't want to ask for help (i don't need to, im fine), i just want to ask...

Should i return,

Or not, and leave the pbp...?

(Edit: I should clarified that i don't join any other games, quit, and continue my life since april until now.)

Yes, there’s nothing like interacting with other players.

Join us! Jooooin us!

That's the part i was talking about, i mean that, i don't like socializing, i don't feel like to interact with other players, it feel funerable to me.

Player interaction, at least to me, is you get out what you put in. Some players are just there for the game and we don’t interact that much outside of that. Other players I talk to all the time, even if I’m not in a game with them.

For me, the best fun is when we are all in a game and also having a laugh out of game. But that’s not the only way to do things on GP!

At least for you, but for me, its feel empty.

I don't know, buddy. Maybe there are games which are light on the social side, but I suspect they're in the minority (maybe someone should run a poll on this).

In my current game, there are about 14 Discord OOC messages for every game post, and we ain't spending 14 posts debating the tactics of every post - we're mostly nattering about our lives. The game is just there to give us something to socialise over. That might be a high ratio compared to other games, dunno, but it's how we roll. Even before the Discord integration, the games I played and DMed had very active OOC threads.

I think most RPGs are social. That's not to say that most RPG players are social people. Lotta introverts in this hobby. And IRL? Not a lot of eye contact. It's not uncommon to meet RPGers who are neurodivergent. Perhaps that's the appeal of RPGs for some people - it's small, low-risk social interaction.

But if you really don't enjoy social contact (and there's nothing wrong with that), then I hate to say it, but maybe RPGs aren't for you.

Whatever you choose, I hope you're doing okay. The right answer is the one that doesn't make you anxious.

I love socializing and couldn't imagine cutting the heart of these games out by trying to ignore or avoid other players. My suggestion? Maybe a videogame like Baldur's Gate 3 could scratch the itch without needing players. There's even pathfinder games if you want an absolute ton of options. I get social anxiety, but I have found exposure is crucial to grow comfort.

I think you have to decide if the stress of socialising outweighs the entertainment you get from the games.
Have you tried duet games, with only one other player? I often find it easier to interact with one person at a time instead of getting overwhelmed in a group, so perhaps you can also find these more palatable. :)

But if you really don't like the social aspect at all, and especially if it stresses you out, then quitting might be a better decision. And you can always return to it later if you feel differently in a couple of years.

Maybe you can look at some solo RPG board games, like Call to Adventure? I like that one. :D

Player interaction is highly dependent on the players involved. Some prefer to interact through their characters, others are more direct. Even indirect interaction, ie through a game, can help avoid that soulless feeling that can arise from solo gaming, either ttrpg or pcrpg. Some players are just more chatty, some just feel more chatty in indirect scenarios like forums. I say as long as your character is keeping up in the game you should not feel any pressure to keep up with others ooc interactions. Finding a group and or game that you are comfortable with is worth the challenge is it helps fill you life in a practice way

I already quit and never played single ttrpg since i leave in april. Maybe your right, Ttrpgs Isn't for me.

Erm... I only have android phone ad no Pc even no laptop, the closes game i got is Cave of Lore, even then, i just little to no play this game.

Never tried Duet game, i believe i don't see it here on GP afaik.
Maybe your right, maybe i should rest, forget this, and come back if i ready, or not...
Ttrpg board game? The only thing i know is Roll Player, even then i can affort that game on discount, but i say no to PHYSICAL BOARD game, very expensive in my place.

So your telling me i must find a job that fit me? If i don't find a game that make me comfortable, then i should stop?

I have no trouble sharing advice and my own experience but you should make your own call on what is best for you.

I like the community here so think the chances of you finding people that let you be you is above average. But I also admit that finding a good game is not always instantaneous. When I was looking for a good fit for me I tried multiple rpg sites since I had trouble getting a good group IRL. All the other sites faded and this is where I ended.

If you share your preferred gaming style some people might be able to direct you to GM that match, or you can just look around.

They do exist here, although public recruitments for them are admittedly slightly rarer - but I've seen some pop up in the Games Tavern, so maybe you can keep an eye for them. Or even post a recruitment yourself, to make sure you find someone with a matching pace, style and theme preferences.
It does often help to step away and return with a fresher look to understand if something is for you. I've jumped between plenty of hobbies, forums and online games back in the day, and only returned to few. :D Helps to recharge mental energy, too.
Yeah, I feel that, board games are pricey. ;...; If you have access to any kind of printer, you can look into print-and-play ones, might be a good alternative, and they're often free (well, excluding ink costs). There are also some games which use standard playing cards as an engine.

---

I think Psybermagi's advice is a good idea. If you're still unsure about quitting, mayhaps you can try to make a recruitment post for a duet game, find someone like-minded to play with without having to interact with a big group. See if you feel more comfortable in a game like this! Or if posting yourself feels awkward, just watch Games Tavern for something with fewer people and your preferred genres/pace.

I don't like making recruit, it feel exiety and awkward for me😣
I think.... I should stop and quit this PbP, if i feel want to play ttrpg, i just use ai then.... Thanks you yall for advise. Thanks.

I get the feeling, putting yourself out there is quite stressful; can feel cathartic, though - and lead to great results! :D But you can also just lurk around and see if recruitment for something appealing appears. It's not like you have to put a definite limitation and hard quit immediately, after all.

Also I wouldn't advise using AI. Aside from my strong personal bias against it, it's just really not that great at writing or long-term memory required for a cohesive game. If you are looking for alternatives, maybe look at roleplaying forums instead - not TTRPGs, just roleplaying. :P

Whatever you do, I hope it works out for you!

That's the reason why i quit, i don't like roleplaying.

Ooh, I just had a thought - you should try CYOA books! "Choose your own adventure" genre. You can probably find them in a library, or on the web, and they provide the experience of making in-character choices without needing to write or interact with other people. You might like them! :D