Paid to Run A Wargame?

[Griffon86]

I’m seeking advice on what to charge for setting up and hosting a miniature wargame participation demonstration event for a local business. Not sure of the parameters yet, but I’m guessing upwards of 10-12 participants for 2-4 hours. Business owner’s willing to pay me to run the event. This would not be at a game, hobby, or book store.

I’m aware of the “paid DM” thing, haven’t read much about it (and a TTRPG gamemaster role is a bit different than a wargame referee/host role), and while I have a general idea of a rate to suggest, running events for money (beyond the occasional complimentary convention badge) is new to me.

Many thanks,

Schweig

PS

Photo just for fun: The set-up for an American Civil War ironclads game I ran two years ago at the local history museum.

 

Griffon86

hobbygamesrecce.blogspot.com
peterschweighofer.blogspot.com

[Mike]

I guess the reasons for the game may determine that?

If for a charity, I would do it for free.
If they will be making a profit from it, then maybe something?
What is the situation?

[Patrice]

Mike wrote:

I guess the reasons for the game may determine that?

This.

It may also depend on the laws in your country.

In France if the money goes into your pocket the organiser must (…should…) declare it and pay social contribution (for health insurance, unemployment, your old age pension etc.) which is about 2/3 more on top of what you get directly, otherwise it’s illegal. To avoid this, people who run a game (it doesn’t happen much for wargames, but I’ve seen it quite often when a community center asks a local gaming club to run tabletop RPGs) would ask that the money is not given to them but to their (non-profit) gaming club so they can use it for their other projects.

http://www.argad-bzh.fr/argad/en.html
https://www.anargader.net/

[Griffon86]

The business (a winery) is looking for an event to draw in customers to play games and buy/drink wine, particularly in the cooler months in a cozy indoor function room. It’s done this with other geeky pursuits such as LARP weekends and buhurt events. They’re looking for games similar to what I offer at conventions: wargames for newcomers to the hobby interested in history but not grognards.

I sense they’re willing to pay me to make it worth my while; so it’s not as much a professional paid gig as a generous tip or honorarium. The business knows I also volunteer for free to run events for kids and newcomers at the local history museum (the owner’s attended a few) and they want to use interest in the games to draw like-minded patrons to the winery.

 

Griffon86

hobbygamesrecce.blogspot.com
peterschweighofer.blogspot.com

[Chris Pringle]

A case of wine?

[willz]

Ooooh ask for free wine 😁.  I would ask them what they wish to pay, how much would you charge for your, time, research, construction, painting, printing and travel.

I was invited to play a WW2 game at a gaming centre in the UK in 2014 to game a Normandy wargame, the company wanted me to bring my own AFV’s and figures, also they wanted me to pay £100 for the privilege of one day or 8 hours of gaming with my own toys.  Plus they had invited another 19 players?, I declined the invite.

I would consider £100 or dollar equivalent fair remuneration for your time or ask the company to pay that amount to a local charity of your choice.

Free wine sounds good also🍷

[willz]

Chris Pringle wrote:

A case of wine?

But don’t drink it while playing 🍷😁

[deephorse]

willz wrote:

Chris Pringle wrote:

A case of wine?

But don’t drink it while playing

This.  I wouldn’t want any liquids being drunk anywhere near my toys and terrain 😱  Especially of the intoxicating variety!

Play is what makes life bearable - Michael Rosen

[Griffon86]

I don’t mind adults drinking near my games; goodness knows I’ve had kids (and adults) with drinks and snacks and meals nearby, and once reminded they’re pretty respectful and careful.

Thought about asking for wine but I think legally they can’t do that.

Thanks for all your thoughtful questions and suggestions. It’s given me some issues to reflect on (along with talking about it with my wife). You’ve helped me get a better handle on how to approach this. Here’s hoping I can soon share with you how this opportunity develops.

Griffon86

hobbygamesrecce.blogspot.com
peterschweighofer.blogspot.com

[OotKust]

FWIW,

As a commercial venture you’re entitled to ask for a fee- you are a ‘contractor’ so I’d stake it around a reasonable wage per hour; working out how much effort you will put in and any risks of damage.

Also they contribute to you ‘welfare’ with drink (soft/ water) and some snacks to keep you pumping. Like others some commercial gamers companies who suck their own kool-aid seem to think they can get something for free AND charge the contractor! No way in hell…

cheers and good luck

 

[MartinR]

What OotKust said. This is paid work on a short term contract, so come up with a reasonable hourly rate.

 

"Mistakes in the initial deployment cannot be rectified" - Helmuth von Moltke

[Who Asked This Joker]

Here in the states, if you run a game at some of the larger conventions, you get in for free.  As this is a winery, that likely would amount to nothing.  However, the case of wine is an excellent idea if you are a wine drinker.  Kind of like waving the entry fee.

If you go for an hourly rate, consider that you should include an extra hour on each end of the gig for setup and teardown.  For a 2 to4 hour game charge for 4 to 6 hours.

Finally, consider using pool table (billiards) rules for drinking.  No drinks within a few feet of the table’s edge.  Park them on a side table when it is the player’s turn.

John

"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power."

--Abraham Lincoln

[The Red Hobbit]

Sounds like a very fun opportunity!  I’ll echo the above posters recommendation that playing at a drinking establishment means all drinks should at a minimum be kept several feet away from the table, lest you find the rivers running red with wine hah!

Best of luck and hoping to hear good news back on this venture!

[Author]

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