Maple
02 Nov 05, 12:14 AM
My idea is to start a thread in which we can discuss what it takes to plan a OP/ game. There seems to be a small group of people who put on the majority of OPs, but it doesn't have to be that way. It'd be nice to see some other individuals or teams planning games. I know you all have ideas for a game, it's just pulling it off is harder than you may want it to be.
I have only run one game this year, with TMI next weekend being my second. Why did I decide to do another OP, simple, it is rewarding when you pull it off and people tell you that they had fun.
So by no means am I some kind of master game planner, but here are a few of my suggestions and please feel free to add your own.
1. Planning, Planning, Planning. Make sure to have a good game plan. Plan for things to go wrong, and plan on what can be done to fix them. No, you can not foretell every possible thing that could go wrong, but have a backup plan. If a mission objective is achieved quicker than you hoped, have a side mission you can run. If a team can't achieve an objective, have some way of helping to move along the skirm. Plan ahead.
2. Even simple props make a game more fun. Buy, make, build a couple of props and people will react fondly. For instance, Timmay provided some nice looking props at OP:RD and i personally thought they added some flair to the game.
3. Have a story to go with your OP. It only takes a few minutes to create a clever background as to why the teams are doing what they do.
4. Expect nothing. Sometimes the great idea you have may not be great to others. Sometimes you get 100 people at your skirm, other times you get 10. Don't let it bother you. Just remember, you are doing this for both yourself but more importantly for the other airsofters. Your reward for putting forth the effort is going to be in thanks, not in money.
5. Remember, basically every game is a hyped up version of capture the flag. Whether that flag may be bomb parts, a hostage, a down pilot, whatever, it all basically is capture the flag. With that said, try to think of a clever way to capture the "flag". Have multiple "flags" that need to be captured. Throw a monkey wrench in the middle of the game, making the teams have to re-think how they will capture the "flag".
6. Broad appeal. try to plan the game with something for the masses. Not all people like heavy shooting games, and not all like heavy tactical/ sneaky games. If you plan a spray and pray game, expect some people to not want to go. Same for a sneaky game. If you want a lot of people to show up, try to make a game that appeals to all sides.
7. Have your team or friends help you out. Have them assist as OCs, play character parts or just general assist you with the game prep and setup. A lot of people shy away from character roles, even though they can be some of the most rewarding experiences. Hell, some of the best games I played in were as characters. Dick Spangler (BH Wars) and Bryan Adams (OP:RD) come to mind.
I guess I'll shut up now. Those are a few of the basic lessons I have had handed down to me on how to pull off a good OP.
Feel free to pipe in with your own ideas or simply to tell me to shut my mork hole.
-maple
I have only run one game this year, with TMI next weekend being my second. Why did I decide to do another OP, simple, it is rewarding when you pull it off and people tell you that they had fun.
So by no means am I some kind of master game planner, but here are a few of my suggestions and please feel free to add your own.
1. Planning, Planning, Planning. Make sure to have a good game plan. Plan for things to go wrong, and plan on what can be done to fix them. No, you can not foretell every possible thing that could go wrong, but have a backup plan. If a mission objective is achieved quicker than you hoped, have a side mission you can run. If a team can't achieve an objective, have some way of helping to move along the skirm. Plan ahead.
2. Even simple props make a game more fun. Buy, make, build a couple of props and people will react fondly. For instance, Timmay provided some nice looking props at OP:RD and i personally thought they added some flair to the game.
3. Have a story to go with your OP. It only takes a few minutes to create a clever background as to why the teams are doing what they do.
4. Expect nothing. Sometimes the great idea you have may not be great to others. Sometimes you get 100 people at your skirm, other times you get 10. Don't let it bother you. Just remember, you are doing this for both yourself but more importantly for the other airsofters. Your reward for putting forth the effort is going to be in thanks, not in money.
5. Remember, basically every game is a hyped up version of capture the flag. Whether that flag may be bomb parts, a hostage, a down pilot, whatever, it all basically is capture the flag. With that said, try to think of a clever way to capture the "flag". Have multiple "flags" that need to be captured. Throw a monkey wrench in the middle of the game, making the teams have to re-think how they will capture the "flag".
6. Broad appeal. try to plan the game with something for the masses. Not all people like heavy shooting games, and not all like heavy tactical/ sneaky games. If you plan a spray and pray game, expect some people to not want to go. Same for a sneaky game. If you want a lot of people to show up, try to make a game that appeals to all sides.
7. Have your team or friends help you out. Have them assist as OCs, play character parts or just general assist you with the game prep and setup. A lot of people shy away from character roles, even though they can be some of the most rewarding experiences. Hell, some of the best games I played in were as characters. Dick Spangler (BH Wars) and Bryan Adams (OP:RD) come to mind.
I guess I'll shut up now. Those are a few of the basic lessons I have had handed down to me on how to pull off a good OP.
Feel free to pipe in with your own ideas or simply to tell me to shut my mork hole.
-maple