TOPIC: Idea for GenCon 2016: Newbie Runs

As posted earlier - I already did this informally on my runs. I think the problem comes when the experienced players are not sensitive to the new players enjoyment. They may not realize it nor not care. We can't do anything about not caring short of special ticketed events.

If you want to buy all 10 slots and wait list them you could but you will have to take generic tickets and what are you going to with $468 worth of generic tickets?

I think the only answer is the special tickets, run TD101 all con, and gently educate experienced players on how to run in a mixed equipment environment.

Ed

Arthur wrote: How do you connect with new peeps? Advertising and free stuff...Beginner ticket giveaways...Mini dungeon run for newbies is a great Idea.. It could be like Hoosier Con to a degree...You know..smaller but good... Some of the older great puzzles and combat could be used. Drag out some of the classic monsters etc...

Who wouldn't want something like the anvil puzzle around? Even if it was just for beginners?.. It would be a great way to teach..Show some of the history of TD and keep the veterans out of the new player experience...

If done creative it could all fit... I am sure everyone will say it can't be done, but it can.. I see a lot of un used space at times in the Dungeon. This could be perfect for the beginner areas and experience.

that unused space is filled quickly when 10 people go into a room...the unused space in story scape is needed..or otherwise people will be marching down a narrow corridor and get claustrophobic...now there could be a Dm giving training on combat and a puzzle (like at WYC)...but as far as shrinking rooms and storyscape...that is a bad idea

It's an interesting idea. As someone who has offered spots on runs to new players since 2009, and done his best to try to enhance their enjoyment, it's fun.

I echo Mike's thought: If you're going to let them have treasure pulls, you should let them keep what they pull. I would advise not being present when they pull, so you don't have any hard feelings if they pull something cool and they don't want to trade it away. If you want to give them uncommons, go first in the treasure line, and when you're done collecting what you want, give them the greens. That way, your generosity is taken as such.

Some potential problems I foresee:
Players new to TD tend to register for GenCon, and look for tickets at GenCon registration and not elsewhere. Potential new players don't necessarily know there is a wait list, and don't sign in to anything else.

You are potentially taking slots away from new players who are trying to go through the GenCon Registration process, and don't know you are offering runs. You are also taking slots away from other players as well.

If you don't fill the slot, playing on normal may end up being difficult, and you may defeat your initial intent of providing a fun experience for new players.

I doubt you will be able to eliminate the potential of veterans or people who have done the run before potentially spoil it for players running through the first time.

Sorry, don't mean to be a downer, since I think your proposition is a noble idea, just wanted to make you aware of some potential pitfalls.

Something I would suggest also is Volunteer Appreciation slots that I was thinking about doing already. Since some Volunteers are strapped for cash, IMHO, this would be something where they could run at a significant discount at a cost of not getting at least a portion of the treasure tokens.

I think it is how peoplease play. We get two runs with 6 tickets. This year both runs had newvies for the other 4. Oneof the runs the lady was carrying her 6 month old.

We do the first runs in puzzle with newbies, give them some free gear, reds and greens then we go.

W we stress team work and fun. Both runs the newbies want to go again. I sat mission success.

The real Lazlo Hollyfeld could figure out how to make it work...

Arthur wrote: The real Lazlo Hollyfeld could figure out how to make it work...

steam tunnels

EXCELLENT! and pajamas!

Perhaps an opposite strategy of the previous Nightmare slots could be sold.
One of the failures of the Nightmare slots was that New players potentially bought Nightmare tickets.

At some frequency on the hour (once every 2 hours, perhaps?), is a slot dedicated to new players, labeled "New Players Run Only". A veteran should know better than to buy a "New Players Run Only" ticket. Perhaps these wouldn't fill up immediately, giving new players a better chance to get tickets.

Establish a deadline, say one week before the end of registration, after which, kind-hearted veterans could buy any leftover tickets (hopefully there would be none anyway).

quip wrote: Perhaps an opposite strategy of the previous Nightmare slots could be sold.
One of the failures of the Nightmare slots was that New players potentially bought Nightmare tickets.

At some frequency on the hour (once every 2 hours, perhaps?), is a slot dedicated to new players, labeled "New Players Run Only". A veteran should know better than to buy a "New Players Run Only" ticket. Perhaps these wouldn't fill up immediately, giving new players a better chance to get tickets.

Establish a deadline, say one week before the end of registration, after which, kind-hearted veterans could buy any leftover tickets (hopefully there would be none anyway).

it didnt work for nightmare tickets...it wont work for this either...vets will buy because the other slots sold out

I bought 3 tickets for each puzzle run.

The first group (Underdark) was 1st and second year players. I pulled out my +2 Long Bow of the sun, my +2 Dwarven Axe and then used the tokens in my ten pack. I didn't want to dominate the group.

I think we all had a pretty good time. It was fun playing geared down for a change.

The second run (Sable) I had a few Vets with me and we did not gear down. We held back and let the rest of the group try and solve things and we held back a bit from combat.

Unfortunately, we solved the final puzzle before everyone was engaged. It was immediately obvious to the 5 of us gathered around the pit what had to be done. Before I could say "WAIT!" skulls were turned and the puzzle solved. At least some of the newer people were involved.

lazlo_hollyfeld1985 wrote:

quip wrote: Perhaps an opposite strategy of the previous Nightmare slots could be sold.
One of the failures of the Nightmare slots was that New players potentially bought Nightmare tickets.

At some frequency on the hour (once every 2 hours, perhaps?), is a slot dedicated to new players, labeled "New Players Run Only". A veteran should know better than to buy a "New Players Run Only" ticket. Perhaps these wouldn't fill up immediately, giving new players a better chance to get tickets.

Establish a deadline, say one week before the end of registration, after which, kind-hearted veterans could buy any leftover tickets (hopefully there would be none anyway).

it didnt work for nightmare tickets...it wont work for this either...vets will buy because the other slots sold out

I would hope vets would have more sense than to do that.

quip wrote:

lazlo_hollyfeld1985 wrote:

quip wrote: Perhaps an opposite strategy of the previous Nightmare slots could be sold.
One of the failures of the Nightmare slots was that New players potentially bought Nightmare tickets.

At some frequency on the hour (once every 2 hours, perhaps?), is a slot dedicated to new players, labeled "New Players Run Only". A veteran should know better than to buy a "New Players Run Only" ticket. Perhaps these wouldn't fill up immediately, giving new players a better chance to get tickets.

Establish a deadline, say one week before the end of registration, after which, kind-hearted veterans could buy any leftover tickets (hopefully there would be none anyway).

it didnt work for nightmare tickets...it wont work for this either...vets will buy because the other slots sold out

I would hope vets would have more sense than to do that.

probably not, if it is the only slots left and not filled..they need that run..i will bet money there would be vets doing it