Words on a Screen

Why

For any reason or none at all, really. This is a hobby: if the game isn't fun, stop playing.

That said, it's worth some care in not letting a transient period in the game cause you to drop out of something that is generally enjoyable. Maybe stick it out through that underwater adventure even though you hate the rules, just to see if things turn around. Maybe tough out dealing with that NPC that grates on your nerves a bit until you have a chance to get them off screen.

Or, even better, talk to the rest of the players about what is detracting from your enjoyment of the game, and try to fix it.

But, bottom line, if you don't enjoy the game, don't put yourself through it out of a sense of obligation.

When

The "when" question is a bit tricker than either the preceding "why" or following "how," particularly if you're the GM. Generally speaking, as soon as you've decided that your enjoyment in a game is gone and the situation is not reasonably fixable, it's time to pull up stakes.

But, if the game is nearing a natural close - the end of a plot arc, adventure, dungeon, or whatnot - consider whether you can hold off leaving until the game hits that natural break. That way, your leaving will be either (1) less disruptive to an ongoing game, if you're a player or (2) give your players a better sense of closure, if you're a GM.

Not only is this polite, but it will help avoid negative feelings around your leaving a game on whatever site that you PbP.

How

Almost regardless of the situation, there are three general rules for how to leave a game:

• Post.
• Be Direct.
• Be Polite.

That's it. If you do those three things, you've entirely fulfilled typical PbP etiquette on leaving a game, whether GM or player. Simply posting I'm not enjoying this game any more, so I've decided to drop out. Thanks. is sufficient.

Don't make an ambiguous post about leaving, and don't make the decision sound like it's up for discussion if it isn't. That will only string the process out and create additional potential for bad feelings on any side.

Of course, if it's more comfortable for you, it's also entirely reasonable to communicate your decision to leave to another player/GM, and allow them to inform the group. The important part is that the decision gets clearly communicated to the rest of the players