What is a megagame?
The line between 'game' and 'megagame' is a bit blurry, but is generally drawn by megagames being for a large number of players. In some cases, this means as few as 15 players. Other megagames are designed for over 200 players.
Megagames are a hybrid activity that borrows from board games, role playing games, and live-action role playing games. Some of them involve props, scenery, and player competition with firm mechanics akin to an escape room (Bring Them Home) where others drop much of the structure and rely primarily on the creativity of players to role-play with each other (Trope High).
While most megagames will lay out agendas, goals, or objectives, players tend to have an enormous amount of freedom to interpret what that means. Games range in length between 2-8 hours and will usually group players together in teams.
The other defining characteristic of a megagame beyond being 'mega' in scale is a group of individuals working together as game masters, sometimes known as 'Control' or 'Moderators' to help answer questions, coordinate the more mechanical parts of the games, or provide feedback to players during the course of the game.
These games aren't about winning. They're about coming together with like-minded people to tell cool stories.
If you want to know more, check out the Shut Up and Sit Down video below!
When are tickets available?
Tickets will be put on sale 2-3 months in advance of a game's scheduled production date. This gives you plenty of time to register so we know how many people will be participating in the game. Each game will have a number of different roles or factions that we need to plan for, so knowing how to distribute players among teams helps a lot.
I have a special need, disability request, or accessibility request. Can I still participate?
We make every effort to plan and host our games in an inclusive manner. If you have an accessibility request or questions about a particular event's accessibility that would help improve your participation in a game, please contact us at info@midwestmegagames.com
Can I sign up without a group?
Yes! Although this can be a fun experience to work on a team with friends, some of the best megagame experiences come from starting off fresh with complete strangers and working with them throughout the course of the day.
Can I sign up with a group?
Yes! When you purchase your tickets, each player must add the names and email addresses of the players they would like to be grouped up with. Due to game structures and team distributions, we may not be able to accommodate all such requests, but we will do our best. Groups of 2-3 players have the best chance of being able to stay together in a single group.
What can I expect after I purchase my ticket?
After you purchase your ticket, you will receive a confirmation via email.
4-5 weeks out from the event, you'll begin to see emails from info@midwestmegagames.com (please make sure we're on your safe sender list!) that will provide you with more information about the game. If you did not fill out a survey for role preferences during registration, you'll receive a survey at this point to help us better fit people into roles they're excited to play in the game. If you filled out preference information at registration, don't worry about this part!
2-3 weeks from the event, you'll receive your role and team assignments and the final package of game information for you to read through before game day. We highly encourage players to read and ask questions about the information we send, but it's not necessary.
If it sounds like a lot, please don't worry! Control/Moderator staff are available at the game day to help answer any questions you have. You can also send any questions to info@midwestmegagames.com
What do I need to bring to the event?
Although we send out player information packets, we will have player reference sheets and information at the game. You should plan to bring some water, comfortable shoes, and any other self-care items you require. We will provide plenty of seating for the event, but most games will involve moving around between tables or spaces.
If we host at a venue that serves food and drink and the event goes over lunchtime, we will provide time for players to return to vehicles or go off-site to eat. Those that are able and willing are highly encouraged to patronize the venue.
If you have an accessibility request or questions about a particular event's accessibility that would help improve your participation in a game, please contact us at info@midwestmegagames.com
Do I need to dress up or role-play a character?
Many players enjoy dressing up to match their role (whether that's hedge wizard, Dwarven Chief, or space alien), but it isn't necessary. We encourage you to do as much or as little as you're comfortable with. For some, this means coming in regular clothing. Others might develop a full cosplay costume for their role, where others still may simply come wearing a particular hat or pin in theme with their role.
Roleplaying is also strictly optional - megagames are not live-action roleplay (LARP), so generally a game will give you a role rather than a specific character. If you are given the role of 'hedge wizard who is deathly afraid of caves', for example, you might refer to yourself that way with no particular additional information. You won't be told that you're Aldorius Killraven of Thistledown, hedge wizard of the Westmarches, but you're welcome to refer to yourself as such, make up a backstory, and roleplay within the bounds of the game.
Do you have a code of conduct?
Yes. Our expectations of volunteers and players in our games can be found on our Code of Conduct page.
What is your refund policy?
Life happens, situations change - we understand. If the megagame is not hosted at a convention, we are happy to refund the ticket price (minus payment processing fees) up to 10 days before the event. That gives us time to rearrange players or fill your spot in the game.
If the game is hosted at a convention (Convergence, Austi-con, Con of the North), you'll need to see the convention policies and guidelines. Any changes regarding these games are out of our control.
This is awesome! How can I get involved?
If you'd like to volunteer to help organize and run a megagame through Midwest Megagames, please reach out to us at info@midwestmegagames.com
Where can I find more information on playing, designing, or running megagames?
Check out our Links & Resources page for more information on other megagames around the world, game design, and the worldwide megagame communities. The Megagame Coalition, a group of people dedicated to promoting megagames worldwide also has a very active discord that can be found here!
Do you host private games?
If you're within several hours of the Twin Cities metro area and interested in a private engagement, please reach out to us at info@midwestmegagames.com and we'll see if we can offer a game that meets your needs.
When is your next game?
All games will be posted on our Games page well in advance of the event opening for registration. Stay tuned!