I recently had this exchange, and I have to admit it really hurt me. But I’d love to hear what other experienced players think about that situation.
For almost three years now, I’ve been playing in a campaign with a group of friends (online). But I’m younger than they are; they all have jobs and stable lives, while I’m about to start my final year of university. This year is already tough for me, and I know next year will be even worse (I’m in medical school, and we’ve been managing to find time to play every two weeks for almost three years). After giving it a lot of thought, I told the group that in six months, I’ll be taking a one-year break from RPGs to focus on my final year. Everyone was sad but understanding. I figured we still had a few months left to play and have fun together anyway.
The next day, the GM had already replaced me. To my surprise, I saw a new person added to the server, and I was removed from the chat room (which I can still see). So I asked the GM what would happen to me and my character, to which he replied that he was disappointed in me and didn’t want to talk about it. That they were just going to act as if I’d never existed and prioritize integrating the new player.
That really hurt me. After three years of playing, I realize I don’t matter.
I told him I would have liked to have a proper ending for my character, or at least be able to say goodbye to the others. He told me it wasn’t his problem anymore and made it clear that it was my fault. But I don’t understand. After three years of playing together and having a great time with them, I don’t get to say goodbye? My character doesn’t deserve an ending—is he just going to be deleted? That seems so unfair to me.
And the other players, my friends, didn’t say a word; they seem to think it’s completely normal and are welcoming the new player.
And all this, even though I clearly said I’d be leaving in six months. We could still play half a year together !! They preferred to get rid of me the very next day after my announcement.
Now, in the space of a single day, I don’t matter to them anymore. Neither me nor my character. I cried a lot lmao, it's so so unfair. Is my reaction over the top? I know I need to move on now, but it leaves a bitter taste in my mouth.
What do you think?