Paying for game sessions?!?

[RSKennan]

Before THIS THREAD , I had never heard of actual cases of people charging to run table-top games (beyond out-of-pocket expenses). It doesn't quite sit right with me, but it's a very intriguing idea. I invite all of you players who have dealt with this, and DMs who have done this, to chime in.

It seems like there could be problems with this. What if the adventure is not a player's cup of tea? Do they get their money back? Those sessions must be really something if people are willing to pay $5-$20 (some of the prices mentioned in the above thread) per game for something they can otherwise get for free. What about friendship? Does the money get in the way? Do you keep everything professional?

For that matter, what about legal issues? If you use someone else's IP (read:a given company's published game materials) to turn a profit for yourself, do you owe them royalties? Do you need their permission?

Don't get me wrong, I think it's a fascinating idea, and if done well, could actually turn a profit. Despite my misgivings, part of me is actually wondering if I should try it. It'd be a great way to pay the bills, if enough willing players were available.

How about you players out there? How much would you be willing to play for a game? How good would it have to be? Do you think it's fair?

 

[Phowett]

No way, Jose.

 

[Zappo]

Hmm... I voted "I only pay at conventions", but I must specify. I'll pay for entering a tournament, and maybe for a closed demo of some new game I'd really like trying, but not for a casual game.

 

[Sir Edgar]

I'd pay to play in a game with someone like Gary Gygax or Dave Arneson as the DM. Also, if there was a truly professionally-run game in my area, I wouldn't mind paying a nominal fee. But in general, I consider D&D a get-together of friends and fellow enthusiasts of the game.

 

[Crothian]

It would depend what I'm specifically paying for. Am I paying for the DM to afford more books? Am I paying becasue of his time he is putting into the game?

If it's for books, well, he can borrow mine. I've got a few d20 books. If it's becasue of time, then I'd better see some impressive things that show devotion of time.

 

[Afrodyte]

paying for game

Most of my gaming took place during my 4 years at an out-of-state college. Employment was, shall we say, hard to come by, and learning how to keep that extra five bucks for a week came in handy. The only times I would even get books were for my birthday and christmas, and possibly if my mother or father were feeling generous.

As far as I can tell, toilet paper is not currency in this world (though in some isolated parts of the globe I could be mistaken). I find it dubious at best to be expected to pay for an activity when I cannot be guaranteed of the quality. In a highly subjective hobby like roleplaying, knowing which gripes are refund-worthy and which are not becomes more problematic. And a broke college student like myself would demand interest on a game if a session sucked.

Not to mention, consider my priorities as a student. Class, school expenses, food and other personal necessities, travel money (Those flights home for thanksgiving, christmas, and spring break add up. I refuse to go Greyhound; been there, done that, and hated all 60 hours of it for the two times I tried), entertainment (I want to be able to buy a book to read, rent a video, or catch a movie that is not playing at the dollar theater). For the "small" weekly donation of about $5 (or more) to play, I could have saved and scraped up enough money to eventually get my hands on a new system or sourcebook, or have more money to splurge on buying a new pair of jeans or shoes to replace the ones that have holes in them. I love to roleplay, but not so much I'm willing to sacrifice all my other interests and needs to do it.

 

[Dustin Clingman]

Paying just cheapens the whole experience because it assumes that there is some tangible benefit to the "product". Let's face it, when you put money down you expect something for it. If the DM kills your player or someone else at the table ruins your experience you would probably feel ripped off.

Just imagine why people in the MMORPG biz kowtow to people who complain about PK and other exploiters. If those peopel were to quit playing, then the company's biz model is going to suffer. They want you to live and they want you to keep playing.

I dunno, I really don't think I would pay to play unless the money was going to charity.

Dustin

 

[ColonelHardisson]

I'm not saying this is a troll, but making players pay to play was one of the most explosive subjects for EN World's long-time troll-in-residence, Bugaboo. Actually, he was around before EN World, at Eric's old site, which eventually became EN World. You'll still find long-time posters here who will remember the brouhaha caused by this subject. I didn't always get along with Bugaboo, but he was a very good writer and rabble-rouser, and really knew the game and its players really well.

Not really on-topic, but it struck me how some subjects seem to come up again if you wait long enough.

 

[KnowTheToe]

Hmm... I voted "I only pay at conventions", but I must specify. I'll pay for entering a tournament, and maybe for a closed demo of some new game I'd really like trying, but not for a casual game.

Why write the same thing twice

 

[RangerWickett]

I charge my players $20 each for every semester (I'm at college), and I've found that paying for the privilege to game really helps us have a better time. Since I'm getting paid for my time (really, it's only about $3 an hour, but still), I put up a better effort, devote time in advance to preparing full characterizations for NPCs, making props, and working harder to set the mood. Since the players are paying for the game, they don't waste time nearly as much, especially since I pointed out that I don't tolerate arguing during the game, since it's a waste of everyone's time and money. They get into character better, keep on track readily, and really seem to enjoy the game more. They also go to greater lengths in creating their characters, to make sure I have more ways to base the game around them.

Since they're paying, they get more of a say in what type of game they'd want. I'm more of a storyteller myself, so if I was left to my own devices, I'd tell a good story that I'd enjoy, rather than running a good adventure that they'd enjoy. This way, I make sure everyone gets a moment in the spotlight at least once every few adventures.

I really do suggest you try it once or twice. The first few times, tell everyone you are taking money for pizza, or to buy the group a new book, but eventually, they'll become used to paying for the game, and everyone will be happier. Even casual gamers. Really, what's better, $8 for 2 hours of fun at a movie, or $3 for 4 hours of fun every week?