Not every event needs a game attendant. Learn when games can run themselves and when help with rules, scoring, and guest flow is worth it.
If you’re hosting a small get-together where everyone knows each other, you may not need a game attendant — especially if you’re picking familiar games.
Where a game attendant can really help your guests mingle is at events with less familiar games that require an introduction, or at an event where people may be standing off to the side, wanting to play a game but hesitant to join in.
Sometimes it takes someone who understands the game and knows how to explain the first round and get people into the action.
Once the game is underway, the attendant can stay nearby to answer questions, reset anything that needs it and make sure one enthusiastic group doesn’t take over for the rest of the night. For tournaments or prize games, they can also keep score and let people know when it’s their turn.
What Does a Game Attendant Do?
Game attendants can perform several roles that help keep the event running smoothly, such as:
Explain or demonstrate the rules
Reset games between rounds
Keep lines and player rotations moving
Track scores or tournament standings
Hand out prizes
Encourage hesitant guests to join in
Game attendants are also great for when you have a more complicated setup, such as tournaments, or if you’re expecting busy periods.
When Is a Game Attendant Worth Adding?
Let’s take a look at three common scenarios when a game attendant can help your event go smoothly.
1. You’re expecting a busy rush
If most of your guests are arriving at once, it’s helpful to have someone there to explain the rules, reset the games and make sure everyone gets a turn.
This is especially useful when the games are only available during breaks between meetings or for a short wedding cocktail hour. An attendant can help bring shy guests into the next round while taking the burden of answering questions off the host.
2. You’re running a tournament or handing out prizes
If you’ve got prizes or awards involved, it’s much easier to have someone there to keep score.
A game attendant can organize teams, settle disputes and handle more complicated point systems, especially when scores from different games need to be weighted against each other.
They can also let contestants know when they’re up next. That way, the tournament doesn’t grind to a halt because someone is across the room mid-conversation. It also keeps the event organizer from having to step in and referee.
3. You want to enjoy the event, too
The host of the event has to wear a lot of hats, from coordinating vendors and greeting newcomers to making sure everything’s running according to schedule.
If people have questions about the games, you’ll also have to become the de facto referee, which can keep you from joining in on the fun!
Related Read: How to Plan an Indoor Game Zone for a Large Event
When Can the Games Run Themselves?
Many games are designed for self-guided play. Take Giant Jenga, Connect 4, or Giant Tic Tac Toe, for instance. If your game package consists primarily of simple games like this, without a tournament style of play, you probably won’t need someone there to explain the rules.
Here are some other scenarios in which you probably won’t need an attendant:
The event is fairly small
The games will be available for several hours
Guests can play whenever they feel like it
The game area is easy to see
The games have simple, familiar rules
You aren’t tracking scores or awarding prizes
How to Make Self-Guided Games Work
If you decide not to hire a game attendant, a little planning can go a long way to make sure everything goes smoothly.
Start by choosing common, easily recognizable games, with instructions posted somewhere easy to find. Make sure that the games don’t block any main pathways, seating areas, or bar stations, and that there’s enough room for spectators.
Ready to make your next event special?
Knotty Games delivers, sets up and collects handcrafted games for indoor events throughout Metro Vancouver, the Lower Mainland and the Sea to Sky Corridor.
