Rules of Engagement for Game-a-thon Game Masters

So, why GM?

What’s in it for me?

What do I have to do?

When submitting a game, be sure to include: Name of game and what type (board, RPG, minis, LARP, etc), a brief, catchy description, min/max # of players, materials being provided by GM or what needs to be brought by players, requirements needed at the Studio to make your game a success and time slot to run. We currently run 2 slots, Early (11am to 4pm) and Later (5pm to 10pm+). Additionally, what experience level of players will be accepted? Will beginners be taught, (strongly suggested by SWA), some experience needed or experts only? 

You can get this info to us via email.  Or, even easier, you can use our Game-a-thon Event Registration online form.

We expect you to have full knowledge of the game you are running. It can be a frustrating experience for everybody, including the GM, when it becomes obvious that an unprepared GM is constantly looking up rules and chasing down another piece of scratch paper because there weren’t enough charts to go around.

We have always strived to maintain a relaxed atmosphere at our Thons. Everybody likes to win, but it is important that the GM approaches their event as if they were an instructor, particularly when playing with a significant number of beginners. Rules manipulation, fostering an unnaturally tense gaming atmosphere and similar poor “gamesmanship” will not be allowed and will lead to having future GM submissions being denied. Save the “win at all costs” attitude for when you are playing with experienced players or require “experts only” when submitting your game.

If you are submitting a popular game that could generate enough interest to make use of a second copy, we would encourage (but not require) you to do so. If need be, you can designate an Assistant GM who could handle the 2nd game and that person would play the game for free.