Well said. I'm also curious what you think an expected cost of a session would be. By the same logic, there should be a baseline expectation of costs, while I still think vtt and ttrpgs should be different prices.
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For a professional that's been doing it for years, I would expect $300-$400 for a table of 6 for a 4 hour one shot in person. For online, if it's a drop in, $40 a seat per session and for long term $35.
In case you were wondering, I do this professionally and own a pro DM contracting business that runs at these rates. We vet our DMs based on my expectations and definition. If you can't meet the minimum, we don't hire you on. I asked the question to see if my expectations are unreasonable lol.
This has been enlightening, didn't know such a thing as a gm contracting business existed. I would love to hear an exact breakdown of gms that make the cut, or a showcase of a pro gm at work
We're new. Only been around since October. https://www.malvestudios.com/services is the page for the breakdown on what the GM vs the company makes. I could send you the player response form from the audition process if you want to see what my focus is.
That makes way more sense, and are 6 players the norm for pro level? I have found games run better with closer to 4 players, but maybe that's due to my own inability as a gm
You're charging a lot more than I would but if you're getting people to pay that, good for you!
Me, I'd charge $20/hr with a minimum of 4 hours, so I'd make $80 at least. That would be for a group of 1-4 players, with an added $20 per player after that. (so in your 6 player, 4 hour, scenario $120)
I like this kind of rate for someone who hasn't charged before that's learning to get into the professional aspect of it. You can find a ton of people charging that kind of rate. Personally, I started at $20/seat and that was fine at the time. Once you get to doing it consistently, though
you'll find yourself needing more money or working it like a full time job at $20/hr outside of prep time. $300-400/table for 4 hours pays the GM at $30-35/hr of work, gas, physical materials, probably dinner for the DM, and a private space. The little bit of profit the company takes pays for ads
$40 for 4 hours is what most people spend going to the bar or eating out with friends. $60 if there's an "experience" involved. People unwilling to spend $40 are probably mixing cocktails at home and hosting a dinner or game night.
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Me, I'd charge $20/hr with a minimum of 4 hours, so I'd make $80 at least. That would be for a group of 1-4 players, with an added $20 per player after that. (so in your 6 player, 4 hour, scenario $120)