Timings at Continuum 2010

[Evilgaz]

Very well tamed beasts those were

Indeed! However, most cons these days mostly use the sign-up-on-the-day method (Con-Quest, Conception, Indie Con, Furnace, Dragonmeet, Concrete Cow etc).

Trouble is with your tame beasts, is that often a GM or few won't turn up, or even if they get to the con can miss slots - so with that method you've got six people turn up to a game they've booked in for and there is no game, and by that point its usually too late to get into something equally desirable. Disappointing.

There's no perfect way of doing the game sign ups, but the Continuum way is fairly standard I'd reckon.

you seem to just have to turn up and feel the vibe and maybe you might be able to play something.

Generally, that's how it works for everyone. If you're fairly open minded about what you want to play, and part of going to cons is to try new stuff and play with different folk, you can normally get some games - and frequently discover something new and cool. I was really not all that interested in Dogs in the Vineyard for example, but having had it run for me a couple of times I can really see the attraction. Wouldn't have been my first choice on paper, but as it turns out, it was worth the gamble. Of course, some games have been less interesting, but you pay your money and take your chances.

I'm going as a residetial delegate, but have long since given up trying to plan in advance. Best bet is to head for the sign-up boards and see what's there that looks cool. Sheets can go up any time, so there's not necessarily an advantage in being camped on site or just coming for the day a lot of the time. Typically I've stuck my sign up sheets on the board mid-slot, so that those without a game currently have more chance of seeing it first and getting sign up for a future game. Some GMs put their sheets up for the whole weekend as soon as they get there to save messing about.

On the whole as long as you're open to trying some new games or GMs you don't know, you'll definitely get in something but as I say, even for a campaigner like me, trying to organise what I'm going to play in advance with 200 other people potentially getting the boards first, its just a non-starter.

As for getting the right GM - that's all very subjective. There's some people I'd never want to be in a game with again, yet others flock to their games every convention - so its horses for courses. The only way you'll know is to come and play some games and try some GMs out

Is it possible to choose a game and try to register for it on the Friday and then come back if you get into it?

I would think so. You mean on another day? I guess you'd have to pay for each day you're there, but otherwise signing up for something on Saturday that's running Sunday is fine. Same as signing up for a game at 9am that runs at 8pm that night.

Quick version: If you want to go along and play some games, its well worth it. If you have a really select palatte and with only play one game system, you might struggle to get value for money.

[toxygenie]

Cheers for all that! Gives me a good idea of what to expect and along with the Continuum report I might try to get into a particular session or just try what's about if not. Only problem might be paying for the day and then not finding a game at all *crosses fingers*.

[Evilgaz]

Only problem might be paying for the day and then not finding a game at all *crosses fingers*.

There are usually some demo games going on - also check out the Orange Cone Manifesto (i.e. if you're stuck for a game and a table has a cone displayed it normally means you can jump in on that one), and of course if you're still struggling then you can ask a friendly Mentor or one of the Committee to help you out - Continuum Control is manned throughout the day.

I'm sure you'll be fine.