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Launch HN: StartPlaying.Games (YC W20) – Tabletop RPGs run by pro game masters

startplaying.games

91–100 of 145 posts

Re: Launch HN: StartPlaying.Games (YC W20) – Tabletop RPGs run by pro game masters

#91

This is cool! Have you guys considered going into modern board games too? Some of the rules can be quite complex (1-2 hours explaining rules, getting through the first couple of rounds), and there's quite high demand for people figuring them out on say, TTS. Think Splotter games, Brass, etc.

We are! Trying to figure out the best way for Virtual Play with them, with things like Virtual Tabletop Simulator and Vorpal Board.

Re: Launch HN: StartPlaying.Games (YC W20) – Tabletop RPGs run by pro game masters

#92
post #68

This looks cool, but the pricing is absolutely insane. I saw $10-30 per session. Dming is a lot of work, sure, but that is a steep price. I don’t know many people who would pay $120 a month to play DND.

It's not that much when you consider that the the IRL group we where paying £2 to £4 dues and a couple of drinks and food so I was spending £15+ a night last year.

Ands that counting the cost of buying books figures etc for the DM

Re: Launch HN: StartPlaying.Games (YC W20) – Tabletop RPGs run by pro game masters

#93
This is an awesome service. I initially planned to do one or two one-shot games and this has become a regular pastime with half a dozen games played over a couple of months.

Some GM’s are better at keeping players engaged and I have found you get what you pay for. There is a walkthrough game for kids on Saturday mornings that is on my list to try.

I would like to see player profiles somehow captured by the platform as the back and forth between the different gameboard programs is a bit clunky. Letting GMs set up multi-game campaigns on a subscription basis may also be interesting.

Overall a big fan and now a loyal user!

Re: Launch HN: StartPlaying.Games (YC W20) – Tabletop RPGs run by pro game masters

#94

Super neat idea! As a DM + general TTRPG lover, I think the real magic is playing with friends so the game can be exactly what the group wants, then each session and campaign can build on each other. Our group has running jokes that span campaigns and worlds, because we have that shared language from being a group. With that said, I still think this is a fantastic idea for everyone from all fronts to be able to play…

I'm one of the DMs on this site and I have to say, nothing pulls a group together like a life or death experience.

Bonds form quick and true friendships have been made.

What's nice about using a Virtual Table Top is that each player has their own FOV to the game.

Re: Launch HN: StartPlaying.Games (YC W20) – Tabletop RPGs run by pro game masters

#95
post #71

Earlier quoted context omitted.

That price is in fact per player per session. I'm making a note make that clear!

That's only for one player though, if you click through then it says: Schedule: Price is $30 per player per session for one player, $15 per player with 2 players, and $10 per player with 3 or more players. Ask me about my availability! I don't know if there's a way to display the variable pricing, because at first glance it looks like it would be $150 for a group of 5, but if you click on the page, you find out that…

As a DM, I can put up different listings. Each listing has it's own price.

My general pricing is $120 per session. $20 for groups of 6 or $30 for groups of 4.

Re: Launch HN: StartPlaying.Games (YC W20) – Tabletop RPGs run by pro game masters

#96

Feature request: For public games, it would be nice if there was a way (similar to kickstarter) to have a minimum number of people attached to the game before it starts/gets-funded, otherwise it doesn't happen. I would be very interested in trying this out, but do not want to end up paying for a 1 on 1 session if no one else joins.

As a DM, I control this. I keep open communication with the players about start dates and player counts.

It's easy enough for me to cancel a session before anyone gets charged.

Re: Launch HN: StartPlaying.Games (YC W20) – Tabletop RPGs run by pro game masters

#97
post #81

Oh wow, just the other day I wished I could find people to play in a WoD campaign and thought there is a need for a tool like this.

If you cant find anyone else running it, and have enough people, LMK. That looks like a system I'm willing to learn.

Re: Launch HN: StartPlaying.Games (YC W20) – Tabletop RPGs run by pro game masters

#99
post #4

Really cool idea! I could definitely see myself using this service when I graduate and have more time. Out of curiosity, what is player retention like in campaigns? Have you guys considered adding any incentives to keep players coming to the sessions? When I last played DnD, we would always have a ton of fun during the sessions, but it was difficult to keep everyone coming back regularly.

Running paid games brings in a different type of player. As a DM, nothing has been more satisfying. Player retention has been great and I've never had more involved players.

Do you have any ideas about incentives I could offer as a DM?

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