June 18, 2025: Prepping The Next Session

Not too long ago, I talked about downtime between games in longer sessions. Here's another consideration: Who's setting up the next game?

Sometimes the question sorts itself out to everyone's satisfaction: If one player enjoys getting the next game set up (unpacking, putting out cards, shuffling, etc.), then great! They're welcome to do it. (Make sure to give them due credit and thanks, regardless!)

However, if no one seeks that organizational thrill, then trying to resolve it before a session can work wonders in preserving good relationships and fun game nights. Maybe setting up the next game is a rotating role, so the pain is spread around. If the game supports it, having multiple players work together to get it ready can be effective, though one person should take on the task of making sure everything is done for games where there is a specific flow that has to be done in order. In other words, it's sometimes not a matter of doing six things before play can start, but rather "do the first thing," "next do the second thing," "then do the third thing," etc. For these instances, only one person should handle everything to make sure no steps were missed. 

It's best to factor the setting-up time into the downtime between games, so that you're not in a situation where everyone else got to use the restroom except the person who prepped the next game. For example, if it takes 15 minutes to put out the bits for the next go-round, then a 20-minute break gives most of the table ample time before a new game, and at least a few minutes for a quick pit stop for the folks who stuck around to make the next game happen.

– Steven Marsh

Warehouse 23 News: The City Never Sleeps Because Of All The Action

There are a million stories in the city, and they're all exciting! GURPS Action 9: The City shows how you can add GURPS City Stats to your GURPS Action campaigns. It also features six sample cities to use with your own action-packed adventures. Download it today from Warehouse 23!