Sharing the Spotlight
When we gather for a TTRPG session, the goal is to have fun and build a shared story – one that no single player could create alone. But ensuring that everyone gets a chance to contribute can sometimes be tricky. Some players naturally take center stage, while others hesitate to speak up. So how do you balance the spotlight and make sure every player feels involved?
Introduction
Spotlight Time is the period when a player takes the lead in shaping the story – much like a soloist stepping into the light during a concert. While this often occurs when a character is front in center, that is not always the case. Each player at your table is unique, with their own wants and desires for how much attention they want and the kind of moments they enjoy. The key is ensuring that everyone feels fulfilled, even if that spotlight time looks different.
Let’s begin by exploring how to recognize when spotlight time is uneven, and how to spot players who may feel left out.
Recognizing Uneven Spotlight Time
Identifying the signs of uneven spotlight time is a crucial step in being able to resolve the problem. As mentioned previously, not every player wants the same level of attention or time in the spotlight (or even the same type). Some enjoy playing the lead role, while others may prefer to support from the background. Despite this, tables can become unbalanced, and most of this imbalance can be identified as a s hift in player engagement.
The most common sign is when you see one or more players speaking up less, especially with the ones that are more reserved. This might be a new player finding their footing or just a naturally quiet individual, but it’s important to distinguish between a player who prefers to stay in the background and one who feels unable to contribute.
Another cue lies in how engaged players seem, especially when they aren’t directly involved in the gameplay. Players who feel their contributions matter will stay more attentive, either by taking notes or watching others closely. If you notice someone feeling distracted or disinterested, who struggles to follow the story a t the table, it may indicate they are feeling sidelined.
If you identify there is an imbalance, the way to fix it will depend on understanding your players on a deeper level. Knowing what each player values and looks for at the table will help you create a more inclusive and rewarding experience for everyone at the table.
Knowing Your Players
Understanding your players' preferences is valuable even if spotlight imbalances haven’t surfaced. Knowing what each person hopes to gain from the game strengthens the experience and makes it more enjoyable for everyone. Some players thrive on roleplay, immersing themselves fully in their characters, while others prefer the tactical excitement of combat, embodying the heroic figure. Still, others may seek puzzles, world exploration, or something entirely different. Ensuring each player feels satisfied requires a balanced campaign that reflects these diverse interests.
Photo by Cristi Balanescu
The best opportunity to learn this is during the Pre-Game Pitch, when you first discuss the game with potential players. This is the time to gauge expectations, preferences, and see how well they align with your game. Session 0 offers another chance to clarify campaign elements and confirm that you’re crafting a story that appeals to everyone. Beyond that, regular check-ins – which I call Campaign 0-2 – can keep the game on track. These can be natural pauses in long-term play or scheduled breaks to ensure every player remains engaged and feels like a contributing part of the story.
With a clearer sense of your players' interests, you can implement strategies to share the spotlight more effectively. Let’s explore practical techniques that ensure every player has their moment to shine.
🗒️ GM Note – Player Fit and Session 0:
During the Pre-Game Pitch and Session 0, it may become clear that certain players aren’t the right fit for the game you're planning. While some preferences can be adjusted, not everyone will enjoy the same tabletop experience – and that’s okay.
Key Reminder:
- Not every game fits every player.
- Your enjoyment as the GM matters just as much as your players’.
If a player seems misaligned with the campaign, have an open conversation. Explain that this game might not align with their interests, and that's perfectly normal. Ensuring everyone is excited about the experience leads to a better game for all.
Techniques for Sharing the Spotlight
Once you understand what your players value, you can craft sessions that rotate challenges and encounters to highlight different strengths. One player may crave combat, while another thrives on diplomacy and political intrigue. Ensuring both get their moments in the spotlight not only makes for a more enjoyable experience but enriches the overall campaign.
Character-specific arcs and subplots are another powerful way to let players shine. As characters evolve throughout a campaign, providing moments for personal growth or unique story beats can deepen player investment. These arcs don’t just highlight individual characters – they can bring the party closer, fostering stronger bonds through shared development.
One of my favorite tools for engaging quieter players is what I call “highlight questions.” This technique involves asking a player directly how their character reacts to a situation, offering them a low-pressure way to step into the spotlight. For example:
DM: “The black, horseless carriage rolls up in front of the party and the door opens. Emerging from the shadows is a tall imposing figure wearing a blood red shirt adorned with gold. He looks at you all, and you can feel a certain predatory gaze behind the eyes of what appears to be a nobleman.” Turning to the party’s Wizard Player: “How does Lia respond to this imposing figure staring her down, with a feeling that reminds you of a rabbit being spotted by a wolf?”
In this moment, the player has an immediate opportunity to engage – whether by roleplaying fear, confidence, or something in between. Addressing the player directly moves the spotlight to them, and gives them the first chance to act. Highlight questions pull players into the narrative organically, letting them shape the story in a way that suits their character.
Art by NÉSTOR OSSANDON LEAL
🗒️ GM Tip – Using Highlight Questions:
Want to start using highlight questions but unsure where to begin? Try these quick tips:
- Pick high-energy moments – Use scenes of intensity or excitement, like after the party meets the BBEG or uncovers a long-lost artifact.
- Engage the player directly – Ask the player how their character reacts. This shifts focus naturally and pulls quieter players into the spotlight.
- Build on their response – Use a “Yes, and” approach. Reinforce their input by expanding on their answer before moving forward.
On a larger scale, collaborative storytelling can ensure everyone at the table feels like a part of the world-building process. As I discussed in my [LINK] Deep Dive on Darkest Dungeon, allowing players to influence the world can drive engagement and foster creative investment. This doesn’t mean turning the game into a blank slate – even subtle acknowledgments of player choices can make the world feel more dynamic and responsive.
For example, in my Curse of Strahd campaign, player decisions around Krezk dramatically altered the town’s cultural and political landscape. Seeing the tangible results of their actions helped the players feel more connected to the narrative.
Despite your best efforts, some players may still dominate the spotlight unintentionally. Addressing these situations thoughtfully is key to maintaining balance and preserving a positive table dynamic.
Dealing with Overbearing Players
Sometimes uneven spotlight time isn’t about what you aren’t providing but rather about players who naturally gravitate toward the spotlight. This often stems from enthusiasm and excitement rather than malice. I, for example, tend to be an outgoing player, and my energy can sometimes lead me to unintentionally dominate the game. When I notice this happening, I consciously take steps to bring others in. As a Game Master, redirecting attention without making the player feel penalized is essential for maintaining balance.
🗒️ GM Trick – Splitting the Party:
Splitting the party can help balance spotlight time but requires careful handling. Here’s how to keep things running smoothly:
- Rotate consistently – Switch between groups regularly, aiming to switch when it feels natural while keeping to 10-15 minute intervals to keep all players engaged.
- Use cliffhangers – End each group’s turn with a reveal or unresolved action if possible to maintain excitement and anticipation.
- Empower the idle group – Give the waiting players a way to engage with the game by letting them brainstorm or strategize until the focus returns to them.
The most constructive way to address overbearing players is to talk to them outside of the game. Clear, direct communication can often resolve these issues better than any in-game strategies. Frame the conversation positively by acknowledging their enthusiasm and explaining how it might unintentionally overshadow others. This type of discussion not only fosters self-awareness but also reinforces that the table is a collaborative space. Once you have this understanding established, you can use in-game tools to complement the resolution.
Splitting the party or cycling through players can help naturally redistribute the spotlight. When a party explores a dungeon, I often implement a ‘faux initiative’ – asking each player in turn what their character does before looping back to the top. This ensures every player gets a chance to contribute, even in non-combat scenarios.
Another useful strategy is to design encounters that require teamwork rather than relying on one character’s strengths. For instance, aligning colored spheres in the tomb of an ancient necromancer might demand both the barbarian’s strength and the wizard’s arcane knowledge. Individually, the task might be insurmountable, but together they can succeed. Similarly, two players might need to synchronize their movements to defeat an enemy, requiring collaboration and shared spotlight.
Ultimately, fostering a collaborative environment helps prevent spotlight imbalances before they start. By encouraging cooperative problem-solving and highlighting the value of teamwork, you can create a game where every player feels involved and essential to the story.
🗒️ GM Note – Your Experience Matters:
As the GM, your experience at the table is just as important as your players'. If you feel burnt out, disengaged, or like you're sacrificing too much to manage spotlight time, it will affect the quality of the game. A happy, invested GM runs better sessions and sustains longer campaigns.
- Simplify – Not every session needs perfect balance. Some players are happy watching others take the lead.
- Collaborate – Ask players to help guide scenes and take the narrative load off your shoulders.
- Reflect – Take breaks or switch to a one-shot if long campaigns start feeling exhausting.
Conclusion
Tabletop Roleplaying Games thrive on collaboration, but ensuring that every player has their moment in the spotlight is crucial for creating memorable campaigns and strengthening camaraderie. While balancing spotlight time may seem challenging at first, the tips shared above can help make it second nature.
"For further reading on table management, I recommend [LINK] Soft Skills in TTRPGs, which explores essential, refinable skills for both players and Game Masters, and [LINK] Creating Living Worlds in TTRPGs, focusing on crafting dynamic worlds where players' choices leave a lasting impact."
How do you ensure fair spotlight time at your table – or what’s one thing you’d like to try in your next session? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
thing equally vital: a shared story where everyone feels valued. Both endeavors require compromise, collaboration, and a touch of creativity to succeed.