Victoriana

[doctor_kaos]

So very figuring out Victoriana at the moment. At present I’m really pleased with how we’re doing.  Something I’ve realised is that if you tally up everything you spend on a game, it’s totally impossible to break even.  Seriously, if it’s not a labour of love, then you’ve not got a chance. The rules are really shaping up and the background is

Comments

[lstn_natalie]

I think that in order to encourage people to pay a large amount for a first event, your marketing will need to be spot on, and probably quite aggressive.

You're a premium product, and total customer satisfaction is the #1 priority for premium products, especially those with a focus on promoting return business.

It's going to be difficult the first time, but I think with some impressive photography, perhaps some video work, the excellent copy that I know you're capable of writing and the willingness of friends to volunteer unpaid to help with creating your initial advertising portfolio, you're on to a winner.

Once you have your first event behind you, and you have your player testimonials to work with, the amount charged will seem more reasonable - I know from personal experience that NWO had that effect on people, and indeed players were even making the suggestion of paying higher rates if it were to ensure a continually unsurpassed standard for events

[doctor_kaos]

That's perfect Nat, gives me a lot to think about.

[glamwhorebunni]

I think having a Unique Selling Point and a concept that get's people exciting is key as well.

Masquerades & Massacres: "Jane Austen's Aliens"
Winter In The Willows: "Post-Apocalyptic Wind In The Willows"
etc

[lstn_natalie]

The issue with a USP (and the reason that I didn't include it) is that EVERY live roleplaying event should have one.

An event that offers nothing new or unique is doomed from the outset; one may get by on the reputation of the organisers alone, but that's an exceptionally rare occurence and even then people are looking for something "special" from the event.

As Mikey doesn't presently have a reputation for organising events made of glam, glitter and the golden touch (though I sorely hope that he DOES earn such a reputation) then the need for a USP is a given.

The pre-event excitement over concept and execution is going to be down to the promotion materiel produced, and if Mikey is lucky, a bubbling undercurrent of word-of-mouth regarding how much FUN people had taking part in the promos.

x

[cuthrose]

60 to 70

[belisarius_534]

Given that its the first game of a new series, I'd suggest around £80 as your maximum.

I think people could pay £100 to go to a game for which they had personal experience or testimony that it would be top notch - but are unlikely to take a punt on it otherwise. I'm not saying the game won't be great, just that you might have a lot of people thinking they will hang on for game 2 before deciding to spend that much money.

[doctor_kaos]

I think you've hit the nail on the head matey.We should be significantly lower than £80 and hopefully we'll draw in punters through the website. I'm pretty sure we can run a good game, I mean, I've run games before that have been somewhat well received. However, yes. Can't expect people to fork out without an idea what it's about.

[glamwhorebunni]

Masquerades & Massacres is this year not indoor accomodation but is professional caterers, £60 or £10 for crew. In previous years we've been indoor accomodation but catered ourselves, £50 or free for crew.
But we do just 3 meals a day, not 5!

[glamwhorebunni]

M&M generally covers the cost of insurance, site and food with a bit left over. I then spend too much money on props, so we make a loss. And obviously all the time dedicated to the game is unpaid.

[cuthrose]

After also running a game my self, i would love to meet a larp runner that gets players and breaks even :) we all know their are just a few nicer props that would make a game be cooler if i go over budget...its a terrible temptation! :)

[doctor_kaos]

Oh I fully expect to go waaaaaaay over budget. And I'm fine with that. I don't expect to turn a profit. Consider the game and excuse for me to spend money on that thing I wanted anyway.

I'd rather loose money and make an outstanding game than break even and make an okay game.

Maybe not the best business plan to aim for, but I'm nor here to run a business, I'm here to make a kick ass larp game.

[archmike]

Dude I pay ~£250 4 times a year for friday night to monday afternoon 24hhr time in events with breakfast and dinner. I know for a fact they don't make a profit either.

However that is a club sized event expecting about 12-15 players, I don't know what size your aiming for :)

[foul_temptress]

I am unsure how to guess as few games provide that much food as the logistics would be awful let alone the allergy faff for food on that scale.

Normally for a standard indoor game with a couple of meals I would pay between £55/60. If I knew a game exsisted that was stunning and well run and had been recommended by others that may go up but Im afraid Im in the club of people that cant afford £100+ for a LRP.

I dont know many small games, if any that break even at all.Its a labour of love as you say.

I know that if the event is run the weekend of the 23rd I wont be able to make it or Rich as its my birthday, my mothers birthday and maybe my future niece/nephews birthday (yes my sisters due date is the same day). Missing the birth is a no no

[archmike]

Yeah I wasn't suggesting thats what they charge ^_^ Sword and sorcery have been going 20+ years, it's the system Medlock started in so I trust my money is goign to turn into utter awesomeness ^_^

Personally I would consider anything below £100 an absolute bargain for a 24 hour fully catered weekend. I reckon once the guys have done one and seen how big a loss it is they can adjust the price accordingly to what they can afford to loose every time they run an event. Hell if its good enough they may be able to justify breaking even eventually ^_^