Rule One: If This Is Your First Game Night, You Have To Play!

I once had a player ask if he could bring a friend to game night. Of course, I said, the more the merrier! We had space at our game table and room in the party. But then he said they wanted to spectate rather than actually play... sorry, but that's just not a good idea. You see, when a group gathers to play a game there is a certain rhythm the group has to find in order to keep things running smoothly. This rhythm is based around the interaction and cooperation of every player in the group. Having somebody present but not participating is just going to throw off the basic inter-personal dynamics the game is built around. Frankly, it's just bad mojo.

Instead, I encourage game runners to find a place for new players that allows them to ease into the activity without becoming a distraction. They don't have to be put in the spotlight, but not including guests could become boring for them, and discomforting to the players. Give them a minor role that allows them to operate on the fringe, but whatever you do don't have them just hover on the outskirts with nothing to contribute. If nothing else, the presence of a non-participating player will be distracting or make your group feel excessively self-conscious. Tabletop RPG is not a spectator sport. It's based around the dynamics of the group, so the whole group needs to be involved in some way or another. 

A lot of the time, a reluctant player might be that way because they feel like they are a burden or are exceptionally shy. It is important to make sure your players feel comfortable at the table, especially if you have one that is timid about participating. Make sure that there is a positive and welcoming attitude among your gaming group before you introduce this new element. Everyone should be able to view each other as equals at the game table. The word 'noob' has no place in your game. There is nothing to gain through posturing or bragging about your tabletop experience, nor in diminishing another player for being new to the hobby. 

If the new player is intimidated by the rules, pair them with a player who can help them out. Be patient with them and encourage the other players to do the same. Remember that the best thing you can do for the pastime of pen and paper gaming is to demonstrate how fun and inclusive it is, making a good impression and showing how much fun it can be. 

Don't let your game become a competition between players. Highlight their importance to the team and encourage your group to make them feel welcome. Keep in mind the advice I have laid out for dealing with Watcher player types. If they are a one-time player, find a key position for them to take, like playing an established NPC character, or a PC with a connection to one of your regular players. Be creative and show them enough attention and care that they and your group feel okay about their inclusion. In the end, a new player that enjoys themselves is one more player that might come back to play again, or even start their own gaming group. Creating a fun and interactive environment is the best way to spread the tabletop gaming love!

Happy ventures!