My anti-D&D LGS

[Timeboxer]

So I was delighted to discover that I have a local gaming store near me -- it primarily stocks board games, but it does have a small D&D section and a large back area for people to play games. In fact, they have a library area where, whenever you feel like it, you can walk in, check out a game from their broad selection, and play. One side of the store is largely children's games, but the other side contains many pretty hardcore adult board games, like Arkham Horror. In addition, they hold regular tournaments for Magic: The Gathering and all manner of collectible card games.

Having made this new discovery, I had this nice idea that it would be a good idea to start a local pick-up D&D game, where people could walk in and find out what the game is about, and maybe some new players could be introduced to the hobby. So, I chatted up the proprietor:

Me: "Hey! Do you have like, ah... a schedule of events?"
Him: "Oh, sure -- here you go."
Me: "Oh, cool, you have game days. Can people just come in and run pick-up gaming sessions here?"
Him: "Yeah, sure. Which game?"
Me: "Dungeons and Dragons."
Him: "No."
Me: "...oh. Well, thanks anyway."

Which was a surprise -- I haven't ever encountered a gaming store that didn't want people running games of D&D inside the store before. I suspect his motivation was that he felt that D&D wasn't compatible with "family-oriented gaming." So, it looks like I'll have to keep looking elsewhere.

 

[Scott_Rouse]

So I was delighted to discover that I have a local gaming store near me -- it primarily stocks board games, but it does have a small D&D section and a large back area for people to play games. In fact, they have a library area where, whenever you feel like it, you can walk in, check out a game from their broad selection, and play. One side of the store is largely children's games, but the other side contains many pretty hardcore adult board games, like Arkham Horror. In addition, they hold regular tournaments for Magic: The Gathering and all manner of collectible card games.

Having made this new discovery, I had this nice idea that it would be a good idea to start a local pick-up D&D game, where people could walk in and find out what the game is about, and maybe some new players could be introduced to the hobby. So, I chatted up the proprietor:

Me: "Hey! Do you have like, ah... a schedule of events?"
Him: "Oh, sure -- here you go."
Me: "Oh, cool, you have game days. Can people just come in and run pick-up gaming sessions here?"
Him: "Yeah, sure. Which game?"
Me: "Dungeons and Dragons."
Him: "No."
Me: "...oh. Well, thanks anyway."

Which was a surprise -- I haven't ever encountered a gaming store that didn't want people running games of D&D inside the store before. I suspect his motivation was that he felt that D&D wasn't compatible with "family-oriented gaming." So, it looks like I'll have to keep looking elsewhere.

Curious? Did you ask or were you given a reason as to why the answer was no?

 

[Timeboxer]

Curious? Did you ask or were you given a reason as to why the answer was no?

I didn't ask because I read his tone of voice and body language -- he seemed offended that I even brought up the idea of playing D&D in his store, so I figured I should tread lightly.

What's interesting is that my compatriot, a non-roleplayer, tried to explain his possible motivations, when we discussed it on the way home -- essentially she said, "Well, put yourself in his position. Do you really want a bunch of older social misfits showing up and ruining the family-oriented feel of your store?"

 

[Fallen Seraph]

Huh, that is odd. I can't speak from experience (never been involved in LGS stuff/setting up games with strangers) but that still sounds quite odd.

Did you suggest any other games to him? Cause like... If he was fine with WoD or CoC then it definitely wouldn't be for D&D being "non-family oriented".

 

[Scott_Rouse]

Do you really want a bunch of older social misfits showing up and ruining the family-oriented feel of your store?"

Do they have a pulse and a wallet?

Given the state of things I would be doing anything to have potential paying customers in my store.

 

[Crothian]

Is he anti D&D or just anti RPGs? I'd go back in and offer to run something else that is family oriented like Under My Skin.

 

[sjmiller]

Do they have a pulse and a wallet?

Given the state of things I would be doing anything to have potential paying customers in my store.

Got to agree with you there Scott. If I was running a game store, and we carried some D&D products, I would want people running games in my store so people can learn about it. Now, if the people running games in my store became disruptive, damaged my store in any way, or did not buy anything from my store, then I might say no.

 

[Treebore]

That is something I really think RPG companies like WOTC have really been missing the boat on. Its pushed as a game for getting together with your friends. I do that, but I also game with my wife and three kids. It is a family oriented game, and it should be pushed, hard, that it is.

Think about it. What could possibly be more fun than sitting at a table and having your parents creating this fantastic world of adventure for you?

What could be better then having your kids creating a fantastic world of adventure for their siblings and their parents?

Talk about great memories to carry about your family for the rest of your life!

Sure my kids remember walking the mountains and trails around Sedona with me, swimming in the Pacific Ocean, watching the fireworks from the hillside as they went off over Monterey Bay, digging up awesome quartz crystals in Arkansas, finding Megladon Sharks teeth along the shore line in Charleston, South Carolina, etc...

But the memories of our RPG games is what they remember most, because of how intimate an experience it is.

Yeah, RPG marketing has been missing the boat. A very HUGE boat.

 

[frankthedm]

So I was delighted to discover that I have a local gaming store near me -

Me: "Dungeons and Dragons."
Him: "No."

What is the store's name and where is it at?

There are a few reasons why a store might do this, chiefly bad D&D groups may have forced the store's hand.

 

[Dragonbait]

Yeah, RPG marketing has been missing the boat. A very HUGE boat.

Really? I genuinely thought a lot of the starter sets of D&D (all edtions) were aimed at a more family-oriented audience. I even saw the 3.5 edition box sets at Toys 'R' Us. There is nothing in those starter sets that says "No kids allowed!" Simple language, simple rules, and it gets the point across. Heck, they even made board games, puzzles, and action figures in the '80's.

There are a few reasons why a store might do this, chiefly bad D&D groups may have forced the store's hand.

Funny story - my LGS had an issue with several players who were so foul mouthed and offensive that the owner not only kicked them out but wanted to ban the card game they played, thinking that it was the cause of the poor behavior. He didn't in the end. The game in question? Neopets CCG.
seriously..