G+ Hangout Gaming – A First Experience

For the past few months, I’ve been meaning to join a G+ Hangout game just to try it out. Last week, I finally managed to find one that fit my schedule and interests. The game premise was a Middle Earth game utilizing Labyrinth Lord rules. Although I was familiar with both the setting and the underlying system, I didn’t know anyone in the group planning to play. Rather than ponder joining and missing another opportunity, I just made the jump to asking to be included.

Scott, the Labyrinth Lord, allowed me to play one of the NPC’s he was going to use as group filler since I was a last minute addition. My character was Dark Thom, a hobbit (halfling) thief with dubious hygiene habits and a shady set of morals. He’s not particularly skilled either; much like most first level Labyrinth Lord characters.

When the game started, I underwent a couple of technology related glitches. Linux and Hangouts are compatible when the stars align. However, I could see but couldn’t hear or speak. Rather than fiddle around trying to solve the issue, I just grabbed another laptop and used Windows for the session. Even that required adjusting input device settings. Quickly fixed but in the rush, I managed to leave my dice lying elsewhere so I used my online dice roller when needed.

I’m a bit of an introvert in new groups and settings. I need some time to determine how and where I fit in any new group. That quickly passed in the game. Everyone was friendly and welcoming. In fact, I questioned why I hadn’t jumped into more games in the past.

The game itself was quite fun. Took a bit to get rolling, as all 1st sessions tend to do. Once we accepted the introductory plot hook, the group was off to investigate orc sightings in the area. No character deaths this time around but there was one close call.

Next session is next week and I’ll be there. If you are wary of jumping into a Hangout game, my advice is to take the plunge. Hiccups may happen. Nobody worried about those.

I think one of the prototype hangout apps would add to the experience. However, the raw hangout system worked just fine with five people. Video was reasonable. Audio was glitch free.

If you haven’t tried it yet, go for it.

Tags: Google+, Hangouts