MNblockhead
A Title Much Cooler Than Anything on the Old Site
I find myself drawing parallels between movie theaters and FLGSs. I find that the successful movie theaters in my area are those that offer reserved, premium seating, better food options that are delivered to you, improved sound systems and screens, more raised stadium seating, imax style theaters, etc. Increasingly, there is very little reason for me to see a movie in the theaters as the experience of watching a movie is generally better at home. So, I go out to the movies less often, but when I do, I go to big special effects films, where I know I'm going to get a good seat and treat it more like a special event.When people don't, the theater starts reducing staff and/or closes.
And there are a surprisingly large number who do so.
Another thing that movie theaters are doing are special live events--like Fathom events. I went to an Acquisitions Incorporated Fathom even a few years ago and it was awesome. Not as cool as attending at PAX I'm sure, but many times better than watching alone from my laptop. Sharing a packed room with fans, swag (including a nicely printed adventure module) was a fun experience.
Similarly, I think that FLGS will increasingly struggle to attract customers by simply selling physical product in Kickstarter and Amazon era. The most vibrant FLGS in my area focus on events, classes, food and drink, lending libraries, and play spaces. They are also getting more sophisticated in how they layout store merchandise, including highlighting games with the product open so you can examine the board and pieces and see what it looks like "in action." I'm seeing more places that allow reservation of tables and rooms and, at least one, requires a fee for those who want to use the tables.
One downside to all of this is that it does make the hobby more expensive for those with low incomes who want to participate in in-person community play. I can't really blame the FLGS. They have to find ways to stay profitable and keep the lights on, which is hard to do on selling product alone if you also want to have large amounts of comfortable playing space.
This is one aspect that I haven't seen discussed in this thread. How "affordable" the TTRPG hobby is depends a lot on whether you or your friend group has home owners or apartments that can comfortable host a group of people (harder to do when you have a spouse and kids in a small apartment). While libraries and community centers are available in many locations, not every location is going to have much indoor community space, and it can be difficult to schedule and reserve those spaces. Somewhat paradoxically, I've found it easier in large urban areas. For example, in New York, it is common to play in basement seating areas of food markets that focus on lunch and in the evenings serve as convenience stores in the upper levels, but with the upper or lower seating areas being empty. As long as you are buying snacks and drinks from the store, they don't mind you taking up a couple of tables for hours.
When you are lower income, I think the issue is much less the cost of the rules and supplies (which can be very cheap with TTRPGs) but more having a PLACE to play.
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