What games do I run?
You get to choose! Run your favorite games. Run the latest, hottest games. Or run classics. It’s completely up to you. Keep in mind that the longer you wait to submit your game, there is a chance it won’t be accepted if there are already multiple sessions of the game being run or the time slots are full.
What are the expectations of GMs?
GMs are expected to bring the games they are running. In most instances, games will be explained and taught to new players. If players need to bring anything specific, please make note of it in the description (i.e., players need to bring their own level 3 characters or players need to bring their own dice or players need to bring their own card decks). GMs are expected to have their game setup and ready for the time slot they are scheduled in and ready for players to begin playing.
Can I run a game where I don’t teach the rules?
Absolutely! When submitting this game, make it clear in the description that the game is for veteran players that already know the rules and that the rules will not be taught. If you do not say this, it is assumed that the game will be taught.
Can I play the game I run?
Yes! If you wish to play the game you run, when you submit the game on Tabletop Events, check the box that indicates the GM will also play. For the number of tickets/seats, keep it at the maximum. For example, if the game plays a total of 4 players (including the GM), still choose 4 players. When you check the ‘GM will play’ box, it will automatically reserve the GM’s spot. It is up to you, if you wish to play the games you run or only teach the games.
What time slots do I use to submit games?
While Carnage does have open gaming, most of the games at Carnage are scheduled. When submitting games to run, please use the following time slots:
- Friday: 1pm to 5pm
- Friday: 7pm to 11pm
- Saturday: 8am to 12pm
- Saturday: 1pm to 5pm
- Saturday: 7pm to 11pm
- Sunday: 8am, 10am, 12pm, 1pm start times, 4-hour blocks
- Sunday: all games must end by 5pm
Can I run a game overnight or late at night?
Yes! You can run games on Friday and Saturday nights beginning at 11pm.
I have a special request for my game. Is that possible?
We try our best to fulfill special requests for games. Perhaps you need a quieter space or maybe you need a larger table. When submitting games on Tabletop Events, in the additional notes to staff, put your requests there or email the appropriate field marshal. The longer you wait to submit your game, the less chance we will be able to fulfill your special requests (we will still do our best!).
Do you accept games from independent game designers?
Absolutely! We love our Indie Games, and we want to be sure your game gets visibility. When submitting your games to Carnage, submit it like any other game, choose the appropriate category (ie. Roleplaying Game), and in the game description or in the additional notes to staff, include that your game is part of Indie Alley. In addition, submit your game to our prototypes page where you can highlight your game and get even more exposure. If you have questions, please email our Indie Alley field marshal.
Can I run a non-game event?
Certainly! We have had people run non-game events like late night trivia, steampunk fashion show, paint ‘n sip, plus others. We may not be able to accept the non-event because of space limitations, but we will work with you to see if we can make it work.
Do I choose card game or board game?
There are many card-based games, some of which we categorize as ‘board games’. What is the distinction? We consider it a card-based board game if the game is self-contained, meaning one opens the box, sets it up, and can begin playing. People will never bring their own cards. Decks are constructed within the game (not outside of the game). Examples of card-based board games are Dominion, Fluxx, Saboteur. Card games are living card games (LCGs), collectible card games (CCGs), trading card game (TCG), games where people can build and bring their own decks. Examples are Magic the Gathering, Keyforge, and Arkham Horror: The Card Game.
If I run games, will I get free admission?
Gamemasters that run two (2), 4-hour sessions of Board games, Role Playing games, LARP, Card games or Special Events OR GMs that run at least one miniatures session with at least 24 player hours of time (i.e., a 4-hour session for 6 players) will receive a free Gamemaster admission badge to attend Carnage. For games or events submitted after the game submission deadline, a free Gamemaster badge is not guaranteed, and games will only be accepted on an as needed basis.
How do I get my GM badge if I am running enough games to qualify for the free admission badge?
If you meet the criteria to receive a GM badge, you will be automatically issued a badge. With this badge, you will be able to sign up to play other games.
The game I wish to run goes longer than 4-hours. What do I do?
There are a couple of options. If your game is likely to go about 5-hours, then submit the game for either the evening slot, or, even better, one of the 7pm to 11pm slots. In the description, please make note that the game is likely to run long.
If your game is one that can last all day, submit the game for the morning time slot and choose that it will run 8 hours (or longer!). In the description, note the game will be played for the whole day and make a note in the ‘additional notes to staff’. You may also wish to email the appropriate field marshal.
I’m ready to GM some games! What do I do now?
Head to Carnage’s Tabletop Events (TTE) page and click on the ‘Submit Events’ button. You will need to sign up for a free TTE account if you do not have one already. Then fill out the game submission form. PLEASE USE AN EMAIL ACCOUNT THAT YOU MONITOR REGULARLY!! The field marshal may have a question for you before scheduling your game and will email you.
I’ve submitted my game, but I am not seeing it on the schedule. What do I do?
If it is before the game submission deadline, don’t fret! The field marshals approve games in their spare, personal time. If you have submitted your games before the submission deadline and game sign-ups are about to begin and your game is not on the schedule yet, please check your email (the one you used to sign up!). You may have a message from the field marshal. If you do not have an email from a field marshal, please reach out to the field marshal to see if there are any issues. We have games that have been submitted and the field marshal emailed the GM multiple times but got no response. If there is an issue and we don’t get a response, the game will not be approved.
No one has signed up to play my game. Do I need to still show up?
Yes, it is a requirement for you to receive your free admission badge. There are people who do not sign up to play games. They will wander around to see what games have spots available and join on the fly. Plus, some people sign up for games at the last minute. And don’t forget, we do have people who do not pre-register and those folks will be looking for games to play. So, please show up and set up your game. DO NOT CANCEL YOUR GAME UNLESS YOU HAVE CONTACTED THE FIELD MARSHAL.
At the convention, how do I know who is playing in my game?
Log in to TTE, go to your schedule, and find the games you are running. You should see a list of players at the bottom of the listing. This is also where you can find which space for you to go to and which table number to look for.