Session 0.5:Midpoint checkin
Today, I wanna talk about a tool I stole from another GM that I have found a lot of success with: the Midpoint Check-In - what I like to call Session 0.5.
Everyone knows about Session zero at the top of the game (and i do have a video on that and there are loads on Youtube detailing that as well). But what we don’t talk about enough is what happens when you’re already in the thick of it. When the plot is cooking, and the emotional stakes are rising, and most choices build on a previous one.Any GM worth their salt is already doing informal, organic check-ins throughout a campaign around various things even if it’s just making sure everyone’s still on board with how things are unfolding.
But what I have found is that sometimes, a defined check-in gives people the time and space to reflect a little deeper. Like just giving people a minute and asking them to reflect on certain things. Especially if your group has shifted in tone, started exploring heavy themes, or just been playing long enough that things feel different from where you started.
So this is a tool to supplement - not replace - your ongoing communication. It works great around the halfway point of a campaign, or at any point when you feel like a chapter is closing and another is about to begin, or even if you’ve just been playing for a minute and want a pulse check
Here’s how I usually frame it for players:
Hey folks - since we’re about halfway through the campaign, I wanted to check in with everyone. This is just to make sure we’re still aligned with your goals, needs, and enjoyment as players. We did a Session Zero to set things up—so think of this as Session ½. You’re welcome to DM me your answers privately if that feels better for you.
Here are the four questions I’d love your thoughts on:
1. Do you feel as though your character has purpose in the current story?
2. Is there any backstory information that hasn't come into the game yet that you're wanting to see?
3. Generally are there themes or tones (more levity, less family stuff etc) or types of play (dungeons, combat in general, random encounters etc) you want to see more or less of, or do you feel comfortable with where all the dials are right now?
4. What's a way this game could end that'd be disappointing to you?
So that’s it. And as much as possible, don’t overexplain if you aren’t asked - the point is hearing what this stuff means to players.
And you don’t need to make this a big formal thing. I’ve always just sent it as a discord message. You could also do anonymous responses via Google Forms.
The responses will let you have a pulse check and see if you want to recalibrate anything to avoid accidentally going down a path that proves unsatisfying to your players. Maybe someone wants to be more tied into the central arc, maybe someone’s been craving a tactical challenge but hasn’t felt able to ask for it. These questions open the door to adjustment - if you want to do it - without blame.
So give Session 0.5 a shot. Listen with curiosity. You don’t have to act on everything but every response is a glimpse into the game or the story they care about most.. It’s not about doing more. It’s about doing what matters.
