Can teens participate in game-store hosted RPGs?

[Barnabas]

I suppose this is kind of a silly question, but I've been trying to get into RPGs and there are a few gaming stores within walking distance that host games X times a week. I've never gone to one before and I have no idea how they work.

 

[On Puget Sound]

I suppose stores can set their own rules, but our store definitely allows and encourages younger players.

 

[Bluenose]

There may be legal requirements that they'd have to fulfill before allowing minors to participate in recreational activities with or without adults. Though I'm not sure what they'd be in Washington - I assume America, but if it's Tyne and Wear then there are legal hoops they have to jump through.

 

[Lwaxy]

It may depend on game times. Over here in Germany, teenagers under 18 have a curfew for being out alone, so games going longer than that require parental permission and a designated grown up to be responsible for the youngster after the curfew time has passed - usually the GM. Some stores still kick the kids out at 10 at night on gaming nights, just to be on the safe side.

 

[Stumblewyk]

I'm pretty sure it's going to vary store-by-store. At the local store that I've run a few organized games at, I've always had players in the 21+ range, but there have been other tables with younger players, so they're certainly allowed, if not explicitly encouraged.

 

[Nebten]

I suppose this is kind of a silly question, but I've been trying to get into RPGs and there are a few gaming stores within walking distance that host games X times a week. I've never gone to one before and I have no idea how they work.

Walk to the store and ask them. Only your store will give you that answer that will benifit you directly. Have fun!

 

[fba827]

teenagers (and younger) are generally allowed. but a store might have some specific policy for whatever reason -- which, however, is probably rare since it defeats the 'business purpose' of having store events in the first place.

if you don't feel like asking in person (if you're feeling shy and uncomfortable and have the impression that you'll sound stupid even though you won't) -- consider calling to ask.

"Hi, I have a question about your weekly RPG games at the store... is it open to teenagers that want to learn and play too?" and the followup question "do i need to sign up ahead of time or is it open as a walk-in basis?"
i suspect you'll get a 'yes' to the first.

of course, if the store clerk has no idea what you're talking about, the clerk may simply not know and will need to get the info from a manager type, or the store -hosts- the games but it's really a private game and a group just uses the store to play.

 

[Gryph]

My favorite local store owner would cut his own throat before he would turn away a potential long term customer. Teens and pre-teens are very much allowed in organized play with or without their parents.

 

[Thotas]

My favorite local store owner would cut his own throat before he would turn away a potential long term customer. Teens and pre-teens are very much allowed in organized play with or without their parents.

I have to think this is the most common circumstance -- at the very least, most gamers want to encourage young gamers so there will still be gamers to game with! And that would go double for people who actually sell gaming material. The only reason I could think of that anyone would turn you down is local legal complications already mentioned as possibilities.

 

[Sunseeker]

I've yet to go to a store that didn't allow teens at their events. It's just a time issue, some games can last HOURS, and younger folks may need parental permission to stay out that late.