7 things I wish I’d known before my first megagame

By Becky Ladley (megagaming since 2014; blogs at BeckyBecky Blogs; designer of the Everybody Dies and Trope High megagames). Published on Megagame Assembly.

Context

• A megagame is hard to categorize — part board game with many players, part LARP, part model UN, part tabletop roleplay.
• First-timers often feel overwhelmed by the handbook, briefing, costume suggestions, and general uncertainty. The post reassures newcomers that megagames are awesome.

The 7 tips

1. It’s okay — no one else knows the rules by heart

• Most players don’t arrive with encyclopedic rules knowledge.
• Control (the game-running team) is available to help; cheat sheets often exist; early turns usually run slower to let people catch up.
• Still essential to read the rulebook properly — you’ll pick things up faster and make better decisions.

2. There are a lot of other new players

• Roughly 20–50% of players are typically new.
• Games often ask newbies to raise hands so you can find each other.
• Tell people it’s your first time — they won’t go easy, but they’ll explain rules and cut you slack.

3. The community is SUPER welcoming

• The megagaming community is very friendly to newcomers (everyone was one once).
• A cherished tradition: the post-game pub “real debrief”, sharing your moment of triumph.
• Get involved online too — join the Facebook Event for your game and the Facebook group for the community to catch pre-game hype and post-game reports.

4. If you get stuck, New Player Liaison is your friend

• Many games now have a New Player Liaison / Player Liaison / New Player Control — a Control member with no game responsibilities, there purely to help newer players.
• They can reconnect you to the game (suggest allies, attack routes, ways to read your briefing), help manage feelings of being out of your depth, mediate disputes, and even pivot your character or move you to a role you’ll enjoy more.

5. Bring food, drink, pens and paper

• There’s usually no lunch break — bring snackable food and plenty to drink (water; taps are usually available to refill).
• Pack a pad and a couple of pens for notes or written messages to other players.
• Read the game designer’s emails for anything else you need to bring.

6. Turn up on time

• Late arrivals frustrate runners and miss pre-game team bonding, essential briefing info, and mechanics demos.
• Registration usually opens ~30 min before the opening briefing — aim for then.
• Check handbook/emails carefully: don’t confuse registration time with kick-off. Too early and you may be stuck outside during setup — it’s a balancing act.

7. It can be pretty intense

• Megagaming is full-on: you may not sit down all day, forget to eat, forget everyone’s names, and finish “exhausted, happy and confused” — that’s standard.
• If overwhelmed, take a time out: fresh air, splash water on your face, give yourself a pep talk. Even the author (50+ games in) still does this.
• Missing a phase or vote isn’t the end — “your narrative has just changed”, and new opportunities open up.

Bonus 8. Read “7 Habits”

• To go beyond surviving and actually thrive, read the author’s 7 Habits of Highly Effective Megagamers.
• These skills aren’t reserved for veterans — a debut is a great time to make a splash.

The megagame learning curve (short!)

• Step 1 — What do I do? Learning the rules and basic structure.
• Step 2 — What can I do? Realizing the game’s boundaries are set by your creativity, not just the rules.
• Step 3 — How do I do it? Having mastered the creative side, asking Control what you need to reach your objectives.

Many players reach Step 3 within their first or second game. Free your mind from the confines of typical gaming types and think like your role for the day.