Roleplaying games are cooperative storytelling games. Each person controls a character within the story, and then one person (In our case, our staff!) explains the setting, plays the background characters, and sets up challenges for the group to face together. We use dice and character abilities to make a dynamic story where sometimes things go super awesome, and sometimes things go wrong, and players need to think creatively.

One very common example of a roleplaying game is Dungeons & Dragons.

We welcome anybody and everybody, and we’re happy to run games for people who have never played before. Our expert game runners know how to explain the game as we play, so that new participants can dive in without reading the rules first! To that end, we also have all the supplies you’ll need to get playing-- you don’t need anything yourself. If it is your first time playing with us, we’ll send you some options for making characters before you play-- just let us know that you’re new! 

If you really truly want to bring anything, a pencil is always useful, and many players like having their own dice (though again, they are NOT required!)

We want everybody to be able to play games with us!! To that end, we’re always willing to work with you to make sure your child can participate. If you can’t afford our regular fee or have concerns, please email us at AlternativeGamesDC@gmail.com to talk about scholarships or payment plans.

Most often, we run a heavily modified version of first edition Dungeons & Dragons. However we can run a variety of games for parties, camps, or special games-- Including 5th edition D&D, D20 modern, and a variety of indie games. This can also include other games such as refereeing or teaching Magic the Gathering and guiding players through some of our favorite board games or card games.

Yes! We do our best to offer group matchmaking services. When you sign up for an event or summer camp, we’ll match you with a group for those. If you’re looking to start or join a regular game, we’re happy to check our rosters or advertise for other players to get you in a game!

We are happy to run games for set groups. If you let us know that you’re only looking to play with that specific group, we’ll do everything we can to accommodate that-- however, we may need you to guarantee a minimum number of players and/or a consistent schedule for long term services. Note: our birthday parties are always based on whatever group you want to play with, no matter how many or how long!

Roleplaying games offer a wider level of choice as well as more player control and cooperation than most board or video games. 

We are experts in storytelling, acting, and education, and our expert game runners have anywhere from 12 to 45 years of experience. We use these games to create opportunities for our players to build and practice:

• Positive socialization and social skills
• Empathy and communication
• Creativity, imagination, and storytelling
• Critical thinking and strategy building
• Problem solving and growth mindset
• Identity 

Roleplaying games have the power to bring people together, build friendships, and foster creativity. We use that power to create spaces for all ages to play and learn together.