What happens if you have a ticket to an RPG event and you arrive on time but the DM doesn't show?
Do you get your ticket refunded and that's it? You're just left with a big hole in your schedule?
What happens if the DM shows but the system is different from the one advertised?
I may be in the situations above, so these aren't just speculative questions.
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What happens if you have a ticket to an RPG event and you arrive on time but the DM doesn't show?
What happens if the DM shows but the system is different from the one advertised?
It's not reassuring to think that while your ticket price is reimbursed - a relatively small amount - the huge opportunity cost is not. Sure, there's the trade hall (to which I have already allocated time) and maybe a drop-in board game, but that's not much consolation.
What happens if you have a ticket to an RPG event and you arrive on time but the DM doesn't show?
Go to the nearest Event HQ and explain the situation. There will be at least one in each hotel, one per Event Hall or section of rooms in the ICC, etc. They'll be shown on the maps and feature prominent signage. They will refund your ticket. Doesn't help you find something new for that timeslot, but if it makes you feel better, Gen Con keeps a record of no-shows and if a particular GM/group does it more than once or twice they can be barred from running future games at Gen Con.
What happens if the DM shows but the system is different from the one advertised?
If there is any issue with a GM or with another player (Event is not as advertised, GM or another player is disruptive/abusive or otherwise not following the Code of Conduct, mask/no-mask dispute, etc) likewise report the issue to the nearest Event HQ and a Gen Con staffer will attempt to help resolve it.
The fact that Gen Con will try to prevent a no-show DM from running a game again is good for the con and the hobby in general, but that doesn't help me.
Gen Con should have a team of back-up DMs to run emergency games should the need arise. It may not be what was advertised, but at least the players wouldn't be left gameless.
Very few events are actually run by Gen Con. The great majority of events are run by individuals. Even when a larger company is running events, the sheer number of game systems that would have to be covered makes having backups a near impossibility.
What happens if you have a ticket to an RPG event and you arrive on time but the DM doesn't show?
What happens if the DM shows but the system is different from the one advertised?
As for the game systems, I already alluded to the fact that it may not be the desired system, but at least the player wouldn't be left gameless. If Gen Con wanted to maximise the likelihood of running a replacement system that will satisfy, the best would be 5e D&D. Judging by the number of games in each system, that is both the system most likely to have a DM no-show and the one that most players would like. I realise that not everyone likes 5e D&D, but that would be the optimum choice.
What happens if you have a ticket to an RPG event and you arrive on time but the DM doesn't show?
Go to the nearest Event HQ and explain the situation. There will be at least one in each hotel, one per Event Hall or section of rooms in the ICC, etc. They'll be shown on the maps and feature prominent signage. They will refund your ticket. Doesn't help you find something new for that timeslot, but if it makes you feel better, Gen Con keeps a record of no-shows and if a particular GM/group does it more than once or twice they can be barred from running future games at Gen Con.
What happens if the DM shows but the system is different from the one advertised?
If there is any issue with a GM or with another player (Event is not as advertised, GM or another player is disruptive/abusive or otherwise not following the Code of Conduct, mask/no-mask dispute, etc) likewise report the issue to the nearest Event HQ and a Gen Con staffer will attempt to help resolve it.
Just to put an end to this thread:
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Derek Guder
Director of Events at Gen Con
Gen Con LLC
Starting to understand why you are not-going-to-Gen-Con
1. Too many games systems and types of games to "default" to one system. Many people simply don't want or won't play X system (I'm looking at you 4th Edition)
2. Many events are not even D&D ones. Or roleplaying ones for that matter.
3. Many games are designed for a specific scenario or hook or series which will cause players to take a refund and find something else to do (There is lots) or another event that starts soon to fill the spot.
4. Running said event with the left over players (As soon as they know the GM is not showing) may not be possible or even fun. So more unhappy attendees.
5. The best GM's in the country, world, and perhaps Betelgeuse system are already at Gen Con running events and or the convention. That leaves my nephew to be your GM...and nobody wants that.
It is a far better thing to refund your money and have you find something you will enjoy to fill your schedule. There are over 20,000 Events (Also leagues under the sea) and other places to visit.
Mike Boozer
Customer Service Manager
Gen Con LLC
1. Too many games systems and types of games to "default" to one system. Many people simply don't want or won't play X system (I'm looking at you 4th Edition)
Target the most popular systems (e.g. 5e D&D) and those that suffer the highest DM no-show rates based on previous Gen Cons. Then give players a choice to join the substitute game or accept a refund. If at least three players (plus the DM) accept to play, the game is on and the non-participating players get refunds.
2. Many events are not even D&D ones. Or roleplaying ones for that matter.
Pick the most popular by type. So 5e D&D and maybe one other system for RPGs, the top two most popular board games etc. It's not perfect, but it is optimum.
3. Many games are designed for a specific scenario or hook or series which will cause players to take a refund and find something else to do (There is lots) or another event that starts soon to fill the spot.
Then at least give players the option of joining another game without casting them adrift and letting them work out another game for themselves. Help in those circumstances in not too much to ask.
4. Running said event with the left over players (As soon as they know the GM is not showing) may not be possible or even fun. So more unhappy attendees.
Give players a choice to join the substitute game or accept a refund. If at least three players (plus the DM) accept to play, the game is on and the non-participating players get refunds.
5. The best GM's in the country, world, and perhaps Betelgeuse system are already at Gen Con running events and or the convention. That leaves my nephew to be your GM...and nobody wants that.
I won't cast aspersions about your nephew's DMing talents. Maybe he's a great DM. But to your point, there are probably huge numbers of talented DMs who attend Gen Con but normally only go as players. Also, it's conceited to imagine there aren't vast numbers of excellent DMs who won't be at Gen Con. For starters, there are those who live a long way away. Do you have any clue how expensive it is to attend Gen Con if, like me, you're travelling from another continent? Do you know what a nightmare Gen Con's organisers make attending for those coming from overseas? My guess is you have no idea. I have played D&D and other RPGs with a very large number of excellent DMs none of whom will be at the con.
You are really overthinking this. Look, I get it; it stinks if a game you were really looking forward to gets cancelled. It has happened to me before. But you just roll with it. Find a different game, shop in the exhibit hall or consignment store, try a new game in one of the sponsors' game rooms, go watch a performance, find a bar,...
It makes no sense for Gen Con to maintain standby GMs. If they had extra GMs (which they don't), then those GMs would be better utilized by putting more games on the schedule to begin with, not keeping them in reserve just in case a long list of conditions are all met.
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Ugh... spam link right at the end, after the period in drakemertz's post.
I wish these spammers would stop using our forum as their SEO playground. that's abusive on their part.
Edit: Oh good, the mods got to it by the time I posted. Well done!
Nothing more to add here accept #5 was more tongue in cheek and I'm sorry if it missed the funny mark lol. We are well aware of the costs of attending Gen Con.
I will let you all discuss the merits of this.
Gen Con has made it's position clear.
Mike
I find this puzzling. What makes you so concerned the GM won't show up or that it won't be the right game? Is the game not scheduled for release until close to con time? Does the GM have a reputation for flakiness?
Either you want to play these particular games enough that you are willing to risk it, or you should sign up for games run through a company (in which case the absence of a single GM will likely mean employees/gamers are shuffled around but everyone still gets to play).
If your biggest concern is ending up with a hole in your schedule, you could monitor other games with availability during the timeslot(s) for a last minute switch (make sure to have enough generic tickets), or sign up for the games library (which allows 8-9 hours of gaming in the time slot and doesn't block out the time).
