Post/Author/DateTime	Post
solipsist00 02-08-04, 03:42 PM	Hey guys, I had an idea and I just wanted to run it by you to see what everyone thought, and maybe get some pointers on it. I work at a comic book/gaming store, more comics than gaming but we're trying to fix that. On Saturdays we have hero clix tournements for the local community, and every Saturday a bunch of kids show up. The parents don't mind because it's in a controled environment and they're welcome to stay and watch. While I was preparing to game this Saturday I thought what about a beginner game for younger gamers. Obviously the store owners would go for it, it's more money for them. And the kids would probably like it, but what about the parents? We all know that gaming has a stigma about it, and what I want to know is how to go about offering this without sounding like I'm asking parents to let their kids join Satan's legions. I'm thinking about playing up the Lord of the Rings and mentioning it will be a PG group. Can anyone give me any pointers? Has anyone tried this, and can tell me how it worked out? I really want to get kids excited about this and pass on the hobby. Thanks, solipsist00
macfry 02-08-04, 03:55 PM	Well, if you find that parents have a stigma, and you have a gaming group currently, invite them to come to a session to come watch, or even play a session with you and your current group. That could serve to dispel their illusions. (heh, or you could just tell them to actively disbelieve and roll their will saves. *groan*. Sorry.)
solipsist00 02-08-04, 04:16 PM	Well see there in lies the rub, both of the groups I currently play in are after hours at the store and neither has anyone younger than 21. I was just thinking of running some modules straight from the book or from a dungeon magazine, and keep it very PG. Not that our groups are obsene, but foul language is known to happen. Along with puns about rolling to see if someone's drunk.:D
Rhineglade 02-08-04, 05:02 PM	A local gaming store I used to frequent near Chicago hosts game for young kids almost exclusively. Everytime I would go there on a Saturday during the day, the place was teaming with the little rugrats! :) They used a back room for the games that could be closed off from the retail area. They also sold soft drinks and candy (even MORE income). I never played there but it seemed to run very well from what I observed. I don't think parents really seemed to mind at all. It has been my personal experience that only people unfamiliar with the game have an aversion to it. I agree with the above mentioned comment to maybe invite parents to observe or have a some "fact sheets" printed off that briefly detail the game you want to offer so parents know what it is all about. If it helps, I actually have a Masters in Education and you can quote me in saying that I always felt that RPG's offered an excellent source for creativity and social interaction.
Autosponge 02-08-04, 07:17 PM	Hide the goat's blood, and no sacrifices unless the parents sign a waiver of some sort.
Morka 02-08-04, 07:54 PM	Originally posted by Rhineglade If it helps, I actually have a Masters in Education and you can quote me in saying that I always felt that RPG's offered an excellent source for creativity and social interaction. I hope you're willing to give him your true name, with true references, because quoting Rhineglade the Dreamcaster, Member of the Indigo Order, Emissary of Hyerune is nothing to comfort the parents! ;) Seriously, I think it's a good idea. I would avoid games were the BBEG is the second son of the king, and want to have his older brother be assassinated to rule the kingdom. For kids, a simple dungeon crawling, fighting orcs and goblins should be enough. And don't throw baby goblins to say to the players "if you kill them, then you are evil!" Three words: Keep it simple!
Blueeyeswhitedragon 02-08-04, 08:22 PM	Made by a friend of mine "What if a Mom went to a tournament and sees some guy with a shirt that say 'I'm Satonic' Mom: Ok kids how bout we go somewhere else!" ;)