#57: Things Come Full Circle

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http://www.rpg.net/columns/counter/counter57.phtml

Summary:

On why change in a store's apperance is a good thing.

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[Nilus]

The ideal game area.
Here is what I have seen and liked or disliked.

1) If you have the room. A seperate area for card and board games, Role Playing and Minatures. It could just be three tables if the area is small. Obviously if no one is using the table people can play whatever they like there but if a group of Wargamers come in and all the tables have CCG players on them the CCG players should have to make some room

2) If you do have a large area and decide to seperate your tables by games. If the roleplaying area can be in the quietest spot in the room that is always a perk. You generally don't need as many tables for Role players then other type of games but if you can the best tables for them would be somewhere a little less loud.

3) Table schedule and appointments. Like above if no one is using a table then of course let free play happen. But you should allow people to book tables in advance. It helps to encourage regular gaming to happen in a store and regular gaming means regular foot traffic.

4) Finally a clear set of rule, posted in large print in a few places in your game area. If you don't want food or drink in there, post it. If you don't want small children in there, Post it. If you don't want red heads in on Wednsdays, Post it. I have been to a few not so great game stores where the owners assumed everyone should pick up the rule telepathically.

[Nilus]

And just an added note. I am suprised you guys didn't to great at Origins. I know when I see you at a con I usually drop a ton of cash on your booth. I love the buy one get 3 free deals(or is it get 2 free). I am sad I won't be at Gencon to take advantage this year

[bielmic]

i recently moved but used to have a great games store nearby (i didn't realize how spoiled i was until i moved away and couldn't find anything comparable). the only problem was the games store allowed groups to monopolize certain tables and the rpg room. the rpg room is booked everyday until armadeggon except for saturday nights. if the person running the game during a slot disbands the campaign, someone from the group quickly starts up another so as not to lose the spot... i could understand allowing someone to sign up a week or two ahead of time, even a month... but forever! :(