Gamealot would be nothing without YOU—the people willing to host the games!
Who Can Host?
Everyone is welcome to host a game! To be a host you MUST:
- Have access to a complete copy of the game you wish to run. Gamealot organizers do not supply copies of the games hosted, and the board game library onsite is limited.
- Know the rules thoroughly ahead of time in order to clearly explain the game to your players and still have enough time to play.
How to Register as a Host
- Purchase an Entry Badge
- Submit your game(s) for approval. You will be notified by email once the game has been approved.
Choosing a Game to Host
- We invite you to host any published board game or Role Playing Game. We ask you to set aside your CCGs for another event.
- Are you game developer? Prototype games are welcome.
- Kickstarter games may only be played as unscheduled, pick up games in the designated area.
- Hosts may set age minimums on their games.
- You will be notified by email once the game(s) you’ve selected to host has been approved.
A Note about Role Playing Games
This year, we are dedicating a limited number of tables to Role Playing Games.
- RPG sessions will be no longer than 4 hours. This includes time to set up, explain, and clean up the game.
- Because there are a limited number of tables and times for RPGs, all sessions will be one-off campaigns. Hosts may not book consecutive sessions in order to extend their campaigns.
- All RPG sessions will implement the X-Card as a Safety Tool.
- We are a family friendly event. Please keep this in mind when choosing an RPG.
In a spirit of inclusiveness, all games at Gamealot are played with the understanding that everyone is welcome to join.
Preparing to Host
- Make sure your game has all necessary the pieces.
- Consider printing “player aids” (a.k.a reference cards at a glance). The manufacturer’s website or Board Game Geek might have these available online if they weren’t supplied with the game.
- Familiarize yourself with the Safety Tools available at the table. All roleplaying games will have an X-card. All tabletop games will be Open Tables.
- Check the Schedule page to find out where your game table is located and how many players have signed up to play. Please note that there will be “Players Needed” signs if there are still spots available by the time online registration closes.
Running Your Game
- Find your table with enough time in advance to set up before your session is scheduled to begin.
- Confirm the players who signed up are in attendance. Players listed on your game sheet have priority over drop-in players. If a player does not join the table within 10 minutes of the start of your session, you reserve the right to give their seat to someone on the waitlist of another player.
- Remember to introduce yourself and facilitate introductions around the table.
- Explain the rules of the game. Discuss the strategy and winning tactics prior to starting the game. Ensure all players understand what is going on.
- Explain the Safety Tools available to players. All roleplaying games will have an X-card. All tabletop games will be Open Tables.
- Check the time regularly to ensure your gaming session does not run overtime. **If your game runs long, you may be asked to end the game before it’s over to accommodate the next game assigned to that table.**
Things to Remember
- As the moderator and host, ensuring your guests are engaged should be your priority.
- We do not tolerate harassment of any kind. Please help maintain a positive, friendly atmosphere by discouraging poor sportsmanship, and if necessary, reporting foul language or crude behaviour.
- HAVE FUN