Is your focus introducing our hobby to newcomers? Or are you interested in veteran players? Do you want a very casual gamer or someone who is more hardcore? Will you want the sorts who shy away from games that are highly competitive or welcome those who thrive in a “winner takes all” environment?
It’s important to take these questions into consideration because when you’re just starting out you want to do your best to attract players who will eventually make up your core group.
You might think to yourself, that in the beginning, you’ll just take whoever shows up and go from there. That’s honestly what comes to mind when you’re getting a public group together – I know it did for me! Yet that might be a sure recipe for high turnover in your group. Even if you’re very specific about the games (or types of games) that you want your gaming gang to play you’ll still have people showing up thinking that you’ll be playing bridge, or Monopoly, or Magic:TG. Of course if you are going to play those games then knock yourself out, but if those aren’t on your radar you want to make it very apparent that’s not what you group is about.
This isn’t to say that folks who play anything outside the scope of your gaming gang aren’t welcome. Not by any stretch! But there’s nothing worse than having people come out with a misconception that they’re going to be busting out the ol’ Euchre deck only to find out that no one is interested in playing; I’ve noticed if you mention card games in your postings this is going to happen – you’ll attract folks who are itching for a Texas Hold ‘Em tourney. So make sure you point out that you’re looking for gamers who are into the same sorts of games as you are all the while keeping an open mind to try out some of their favorites. Just because you’re the organizer doesn’t mean that you’re going to call all the shots. Plus you’ll be exposed to a lot of new titles that might become one of your new “must plays”!
So just be as detailed as you can about the sort of genres you’re into and give some specifics as to what you’re bringing along. Welcome others to share some of their own games and you’ll find you’ll be up and running (and growing your gaming gang) in no time!
Up next? Your First Meet Up!
