Game Store Demos

[GandalfOfBorg]

I'm going to start running demos/tutorials of the game at some local game shops and I was looking for some advice as to what I should do, provide, etc. at one of these events. Should I have prizes? sample characters or have them create their own?

This is my first time doing something like this and any bit of help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

[Cpt. Lundgren]

I think it is best to base it around pre-made characters, but having a stack of empty cheets with you.

Char gen will most likely take to much time, even if you do it for them. But if you have some extra time, and are talking to some players that are interrested, demonstrating how a character is created could be a nice bonus. You might also stumble over someone who have bought the game, but still haven't grasped the mechanics.

Prizes? Hm... I am not a marketing guy. But look at it from the other direction, how high is the risk that they participate only because of the prize and are disturbing during the demo?
But check with the gamestore if they are interrested in having a small marketing campaign at the same time. A small discount for the game, if they buy it after participating. Maybe they might be interrested in giving away one copy, through a lottery, to one participant.

[Cut]

But check with the gamestore if they are interrested in having a small marketing campaign at the same time. A small discount for the game, if they buy it after participating. Maybe they might be interrested in giving away one copy, through a lottery, to one participant.

Do game stores still carry Decipher RPGs ? I can't seem to get my hands readily on those books over here. Most local gaming stores didn't have them in the first place. An exeption being the german version of LotRs.
Not even Amazon.de has 'em listed as available anymore.

@GoB:
I have never been to a game demo in my life, but I'd like to be at one one day. Where will you do it? Was it your idea or a game store owner's?

[LUGTrekGM]

I would do pre-gen character sheets, for sure, along with a straightforward action adventure, that starts in media res and moves on at high speed from there.

An initial captain's log entry with clearly stated goals, printed out, is good so that people can read it in the middle of the adventure, instead of trying to remember what they were supposed to do.

Give them each 2 minutes to describe who they are, rank and such. Don't take a whole lot of time to have them "Get to know" one another, just start it, and they will learn about each other through action, and their choices.

Make sure each player is involved, and gets lots of choices to make, even if it is long or short range sensors, or which shields to reinforce.

Set it up so that the captain gives general orders, allowing the player to do as they see fit. Play the Captain if you have to.

I think there is a Decipher quick start or rules lite adventure floating around somewhere on the net. Rely on that, heavily.

Don't expect a lot of people to show up, even if you advertise in advance, but sometimes, I have been surprised that a half dozen would show up.

It is best to get a sign up sheet, also so that you know how many will come. and also that allows people to see yes, others will be there.

If you got any gaming buddies, have them fill in for NPC crew.

The best way to run these is when the store has a mini-con if they ever run one of those, or summer is good, also.

Since it is decipher, and the mechanics are related, you might pull in some of the d20 crowd.

I had good luck running these at gaming cons, or sci fi cons, more than just out of the store, unless your local store has a big sign up or events board, or a mailing list. (the two stores in my area have both).

I usually didn't offer a prize, unless I could offer a few prizes, from my own collection. In that case, I'd say one person, best player gets the prize and then do the "Guest pushing his product on the talk show" thing, and give EVERYONE a prize. Usually, I have lots of spare books for any gaming system, and I like to be a local Johnny Appleseed of gaming, but of course, not everyone is set up to do this.

Failing that, I'd usually personally put in a few bucks for say 5 or 10.00 off gift certificates for that store, for 3 players.

Final tip: if you have a music soundtrack on tape it is nice if you can play a tape of the music, for the theme, and perhaps some battle scenes. (My own wrath of Khan tape needs replaced, I've used it so much.)

Plus if you can find them, FASA had a great set of Deckplans in the boxed set of the Consitution (assuming you are doing something in that era.)

Best of luck.

- Former hobby store manager (who has run a bunch of these), and Roleplaying Referee of 26 years.

[GandalfOfBorg]

When I first moved here (Cedar Rapids, IA area -- everyone nearby, come on by Battlezone in Hiawatha ), there was a sign-up sheet in my local FGS for gamers and I noted that there were a number of people interested in the game, but no Narrators. The one store I frequent (out of two in the area) had the game until their stock sold out and they didn't restock it nor have I even seen in it the local B&N or Waldenbooks; they've pretty much given up on any game that isn't D&D, Star Wars, and Warhammer besides TCG's and mini games. This is the reason I'm demo'ing the game. I haven't been to the other store, so I'm going to have to check it out here before long. I also want to see about doing it down in Iowa City and maybe even contact the local colleges and universities to see if they have gaming clubs that might be interested as well.

[spshu]

Here is one the groups I have listed at the Y!group RPGContact:
Fellowship of the Blade - They indicate they are a RPGA group but listed themselves in the General RPG group directory

Gamicon - University of Iowa Iowa City, IA February 24-26, 2006 sponsor: Mindbridge Foundation
Hawkeye Role-Players Association - University of Iowa

These might be helpful in finding people for your demos.

Council of Elrond's Game Store Demos - LOTR companion thread - I made a post there, too. I indicated that GOB could use the Fast Play rules and give out print or CD of webzine and/or free Decipher downloaded adventures (well unless he intends to run them).

Decipher's Trek Fast play rules
Pieces of You
Crusoe Effect
Perdition's Flames