Android: Netrunner offers a wonderful community, complexity of tactics, and an immersive setting. There exist, however, unsettling places that have not heard of the grinning king Jackson Howard, the sorcery of a Clone Chipped Parasite into a Datasucker, or someone frothing obscenities at last-click running into a Snare! Chiller still blows the wind about the one or two lonesome Netrunners that haunt the overcast game stores and college clubs in these dreary locales.

There is hope. An ember glows within these shuffling husks of hackers that with proper practice and dedication can be stoked into the alluring and comforting fire of an Android: Netrunner Organizer. It can be daunting to blaze this trail alone, so this article was designed as a guide to growing a community by equipping the mantle of an Organizer.

An Organizer doesn’t just get people to exchange credits for cardstock. What they actually do is offer an invitation to a community of friendly, creative, and competitive new people via simulation of war between a fugitive hacker and an evil CEO in a dystopian cyberpunk future. Android: Netrunner is not just a game; it is a bounty of unique experiences and should be presented as such.

The community grows with several elements that rez at common times in its progression. These components will be sorted into a general sequence, however it should be keep in mind that different stores, communities, and organizers may encounter these in different orders. The first step, however, is universal as it the most important.

Create and Maintain a Good Relationship with the Venue Staff

Keeping in goods with the venue will mean an allocation of space, labor, advertisement, and consideration. What this means to those that do not speak retail:

•  Space: Tables will be needed, which can actually be rare given the day. The day that currently has the fewest weekly events already planned should be established as Netrunner Day. This will result in less competition for tables as well as potential new Netrunners to whom the game is demonstrated.
•  Labor: The venue staff may be requested to assist in future tournament and league events. Starting a positive relationship long before requesting assistance greatly increases the accommodation of the folks behind the counter.
•  Advertisement: Additional options for advertisement may come up when the new game night of well-behaved Netrunners yields more purchases of the core set. This may mean an investment in grater space on the venue website, photos taken by the Organizer uploaded on the Facebook page, or cool signage to setup each game night.
•  Consideration: Resources go to the group with whom the venue has a better relationship. There are new games with comical amounts of hype monthly. Each one is going to have a person like the Netrunner Organizer, albeit not as good-looking, that will want to capture pilgrims off Mount Account Siphon.

Much of this may seem like common sense to many, however there are several venues that leave the event organization entirely in the hands of its potential participants. College game clubs or bookstores hosting a game night are the usual occupants of this category. Maintaining a positive relationship with the folks that make decisions where nets are run is key, as it shows that that the participants in the Local Netrunner Community (of which the Organizer now serves as the ambassador) are considerate and kind. Communities with these qualities are more likely to make the cut when venues decide that room needs to be made for other events.

There are, however, inexplicably successful game stores that do not appear invested in the workings of events contained by their very walls. The gaming groups therein can be thought of as ants in a farm on their desk. As ants, they can operate entirely without them, however can be completely wiped out should the venue decide them a nuisance. Playgroups that keep these stores in the loop are less likely to be struck from the desk.

Always Look Presentable

“Think about a night out with your friends where there also exists the possibility of meeting someone special. However you dress for that night is how you should dress for game night. An organizer should appear ready to impress. Comfortable, confident, and kissable. If you feel awkward, you will seem unprepared. If you look disheveled, you will come across as unorganized and unreliable. If you look unwashed, you will be avoided. Always dress in whatever style suits you, however just make sure that it looks you like you tried when you walk out the door. This includes smelling nice as well. Seriously, don’t be a gamer stereotype.”-Daniel Fackelman, Game Sales Training

Practice the Pitch

This is what makes or breaks each opportunity to grow the community. How the game is presented needs to be practiced or it will fail horribly. Android: Netrunner is an excellent game that can often sell itself by box alone. However, the Organizer now represents this excellent game and its great local community and is therefore tasked with the responsibility of the best and most polished effort each performance. The reason for this discipline is not weakness that lies with the game or the Organizer, but the singular intrinsic challenge of gaming sales.

The recently dusted cornucopias erupting with glinting cellophane, exquisitely painted boxes, and the promise of endless adventure that make up every game store wilt under pressure to the same weak point:

The entire game industry is built exclusively on disposable income. There are thousands of other games competing for the investment of each wide-eyed Explorer looking to a new world to claim as their own. Netrunner is a relatively inexpensive game to play, however, it still requires an investment of credits. Credits well-earned at demanding jobs with torturous hours and co-workers that make fun of these folks for liking Dungeons & Dragons or quoting Star Wars.

“It’s only forty bucks to get started.” may seem like a slow Tuesday morning for some, but a twelve hour Saturday shift of poorly tipping adults and condescending hipsters to others. More wide-eyed Explorers are transformed into steely-eyed Netrunners when each person’s forty bucks is treated with the utmost respect.

“The Hook” and First Impressions

The Hook is two well-constructed sentences, the first of which describing the setting and the second explaining the most basic concepts of gameplay. This is the Explorer’s first taste of ANR and will often lead into a demo if performed well. The Hook dances upon the fulcrum of conveyance and comprehension. Sufficient amounts of information should be explained, but not excessively that the game seems overwhelming. The rulebook is broken into chapters and its contents should be similarly explained.

The following is an example interaction along with some of the most common questions encountered. Note that initial interactions are rarely as long as presented in the following, as these common questions are never asked all at once. The Hook will be in bold.

Explorer: “Hey! That’s a really cool playmat. What game is this?”

Organizer: “Thanks. This is Android: Netrunner, a card game about strategy and bluffing in a dystopian cyberpunk future. My buddy here is trying hack into my computer servers and steal the secret agendas my evil corporation of trying to advance.”

Explorer: “Cyberpunk?”

Organizer: “Do you know Blade Runner or Ghost in the Shell?”

Explorer: “Not really.”

Organizer: “How about I, Robot?”

Explorer: “Yeah!”

Organizer: “It’s like that, but even cooler.”

Explorer: “Is it like Magic?”

Organizer: “Not really, although it was originally made by the guy who made Magic. Though there are some similarities, the game is simple enough to begin having fun right away.”

Explorer: “It looks cool, but Magic eats up most of my fun money.”

Organizer: “Yeah, Magic eats up a lot of people’s fun money. That is why I like that the two-player Starter Set of this game gives you seven decks for forty bucks.”

Explorer: “Really? Is it expensive to stay relevant?”

Organizer: “About fifteen bucks a month. It’s what’s known as a Living Card Game, meaning it’s non-collectible. You have a core set to get you started and monthly expansions called Data Packs which contain a playset of each card from that expansion for $14.99. About every six months we get a deluxe expansion for $30.”

Explorer: “Are there a lot of Data Packs?”

Organizer: “There is a good number, however we can guide you to the Data Packs that have the coolest cards for the factions you like after you get some games in with the core. If you decide you want it all, then buying every card that has ever been made in the history of mankind is still less than flat-out buying a top tier competitive Magic deck.”

Explorer: “Wow.”

Organizer: “Hi, my name is Dan by the way, and this is Aaron. You wanna check out a few turns and get some free stuff?”

New Netrunner: “Yeah, I do. Which one is the evil corporation? That sounded cool.”

A breakdown of each part of this interaction.

Explorer: “Hey! That’s a really cool playmat. What game is this?”

Early in the community’s development the Organizer will often have only one regular play buddy and therefore only a single match going on at one time. Two nerds playing a random card game doesn’t really draw much attention, so a little investment to make that single match catch the eye will go a long way. The purchase of a cyberpunk-themed playmat and some venue-approved signage will cover this wonderfully. The posters from a prize kit serve well as the latter and are inexpensive to laminate and place on a small stand.

 

Organizer: “Thanks. This is Android: Netrunner, a card game about strategy and bluffing in a dystopian cyberpunk future. My buddy here is trying hack into my computer servers and steal the secret agendas my evil corporation of trying to advance.”

This is an example of the Hook and is the defining moment of each interaction with Explorers. Organizers should take the time to form their own as it needs to be authentic so as to conduct genuine enthusiasm for this awesome game. If it feels forced then it will come off as rehearsed and insincere.

 

Explorer: “Cyberpunk?”

Organizer: “Do you know Blade Runner or Ghost in the Shell?”

Explorer: “Not really.”

Organizer: “How about I, Robot?”

Explorer: “Yeah!”

Organizer: “It’s like that, but even cooler.”

There are many people for whom Android: Netrunner is their first experience with the cyberpunk genre. Connecting something new to something familiar greatly helps the interaction and each Explorer has a connection that exists somewhere within the massive spectrum created by these three particular films. If the Explorer is in anyway connected to the table-top RPG scene, go straight for Shadowrun.

 

Explorer: “Is it like Magic?”

Organizer: “Not really, although it was originally made by the guy who made Magic. Though there are some similarities the game is simple enough to begin having fun right away.”

Magic the Gathering is the most iconic card game in history. This means many people will ask how similar Android: Netrunner is to tapping lands, using the Stack, and swinging in the red zone. The answer yielding the greatest success is: “there are some similarities.”

The Organizer should draw on these similarities during the actual demonstration only if he or she feel they would assist in teaching. Otherwise it can be construed that Netrunner is similar enough to Magic not to yield enough unique experiences for investment and that the Explorer should simply play Magic. Here are the comparisons:

• Operations and events ≈ sorceries
• The ID ≈ a Commander, mentioning that it influences deck building
• Every other card is a permanent
• The factions have defining gameplay styles similar to the color philosophies in Magic
• Credits are colorless mana and everything costs colorless mana

 

Explorer: “It looks cool, but Magic eats up most of my fun money.”

Organizer: “Yeah, Magic eats up a lot of people’s fun money. That is why I like that the two-player Starter Set of this game gives you seven decks for forty bucks.”

Magic can be quite a hefty investment due to the popularity of the booster pack draft format in addition to the eternal formats where out of print and expensive cards are used. As such, any other card game will have the challenge of competing for the monetary resources of the Explorer who already has an existing community in Magic.

By explaining the contents of the core starter in this way, seven decks for forty bucks is perceived as a high value for someone coming from a game where a single pre-constructed deck costs about fifteen dollars. In addition, mentioning that the starter is a two-player game presents the core set as a possible standalone addition for the Explorer’s board game library. $39.99 is just low enough to pick up and try out a fun and customizable game with a cool sci-fi setting.

There are a variety of non-verbal physical signs such as smiling, leaning into the conversation, and arm placement that can indicate deepening interest in the game. There is nothing, however, as telling as the next question.

 

Explorer: “Really? Is it expensive to stay relevant?”

Organizer: “About fifteen bucks a month. It’s what’s known as a Living Card Game, meaning it’s non-collectible. You have a core set to get you started and monthly expansions called Data Packs which contain a playset of each card from that expansion for $14.99. About every six months we get a deluxe expansion for $30.”

Explorer: “Are there a lot of Data Packs?”

Organizer: “There is a good number, however we can guide you to the Data Packs that have the coolest cards for the factions you like after you get some games in with the core. If decide you want it all, then buying every card that has ever been made ever in the history of mankind is still less than flat-out buying a top tier competitive Magic deck.”

A new Netrunner doesn’t realistically need to buy every Data Pack, just the ones containing desired cards. Reducing the perceived investment makes getting into the game less daunting, which is further lessened by removing the random booster pack aspect. An Explorer with a monthly Netrunner budget of $30 can buy the exact same cards as someone else’s $30. It doesn’t take a king’s ransom to be competitive, let alone have massive amounts of fun. There are a few free ANR apps that organize cards by set and Data Pack to assist developing the new Netrunner’s arsenal.

 

Explorer: “Wow.”

Organizer: “Hi, my name is Dan by the way, and this is Aaron. You wanna check out a few turns and get some free stuff?”

New Netrunner: “Yeah, I do. Which one is the evil corporation? That sounded cool.”

This is known in the retail world as “asking for the sale.” Imagine if the interaction had simply stopped after “Wow.” What would happen? The particulars are impossible to predict, but seldom contain a purchase of the core set. Asking the Explorer to join the match currently being played expresses interest in that person and is this is the first token of comradery that knits this wonderful community together.

Demonstrate with a Game

The Explorer is invited to spectate the ongoing game or one should be started for exhibition. Goals, card types, and play areas for each side should be explained in more detail prior to the game. Care should be taken not to overload the Explorer with information. The components should be discussed individually, leaving their interactions to be explained during the course of the game. A set of extra cards of each type should be kept on hand to assist in conveying their differences. Organizers should inform their opponent that everything should be narrated once someone begins observing. The pre-game component explanation should be practiced with a friend until it is efficient and flows well. This discipline is conveyed as confidence and enthusiasm, both of which carry an Explorer long strides toward becoming a Netrunner.

Be the Opponent for each Person’s First Game

Explorers are invited to try a game after the demonstration game finishes or after ten to fifteen minutes, whichever comes first. They should have a general idea of the game’s flow and be able to navigate the Runner with some help at either of these time points. The Runner should be the first side someone tries as it requires the fewest specialized rules. Simply draw stuff, put it into play, and hack the way to victory. A set of decks unencumbered by complexity and designated for teaching should be made available each game night. This first game is an instructional one, so it should be played with the Runner’s grip open. The Explorer should be given enough mulligans until a decent set of cards appear and advice offered on available decisions with a very brief as to why for each one. Explanations should be kept simple so as not to overload the Explorer.

“Dopamine acts to reinforce behaviors that make someone feel good and is strongly associated with the reward center of the brain. This can be applied to a demonstrated game (an initially neutral stimulus) by presenting an element of achievement (guiding the Explorer to victory in this first game) which begins conditioning said game into a positive stimulus and, therefore, something to be repeated. To reconsolidate: guide the Explorers to win in their first game, as it will increase the chances they will want to play again. You are not giving them the win, but helping their first steps in a long journey of victories.”-Daniel Fackelman, Game Sales Training

Schedules will often yield Explorers with insufficient time to observe or participate in a game. Should this be the case simply offer to explain the basics of the cards and win conditions. If even this is inconvenient, then invite that person to the next Netrunner night and thank them for their time.

Explorers should be Given a Card before they Leave

This does wonders for several reasons. Hey look, bullet points!

• Something physical taken home will remind Explorers about that really cool game that dead sexy Organizer showed them every time they see it.
• “What’s that, you say? Free stuff? Why yes, Mr. Dopamine, I concur that this is moving in a positive direction.”
• The second token of comradery from the Local Netrunner community.

Each Explorer should be thanked for their time with a handshake and a freebie. The go-to cards are extra, non-core IDs as these are the most versatile, however extra alt arts will do in a pinch. The local community will very likely give the Organizer extra IDs from their Data Packs if politely requested.

A Request for the Playgroup

The members of the local Netrunner scene be should asked that the organization of events and demonstrations be respected. To put it blatantly, “Please do not help unless requested” should be conveyed. Unsolicited non-Organizer or non-venue staff participation in management, demonstration, and rulings is potentially disruptive and additional people explaining rules may present the game as overwhelming to the Explorer. While enthusiasm for growing the community is wonderful, it should be kept out of the Organizer’s interactions with Explorers unless otherwise requested.

Have a Thorough Understanding of the Rules

The latest FAQ and Tournament rules should be printed and on hand. They don’t need to memorized, but read enough times that the answer to most complex rules questions can be located quickly. In addition, tournament operation and formats should be familiarized. Knowing the following terms does most of the work.

• Round-Robin
  • Single Round-Robin: Each participant plays every other participant once
  • Double Round-Robin: Each participant plays every other participant twice
  • Ideal for a small number of participants
• Swiss
  • 1^st round matches are randomly paired
  • Subsequent matches are paired by similar performances (Prestige values)
  • Predetermined number of rounds
  • Ideal for a large number of participants
• Single Elimination aka “Knock-out”
  • Swiss Modifier
  • Losers of each bracket are eliminated
  • Shortens tournament duration
• Double Elimination
  • Swiss Modifier
  • Participants are eliminated after two losses
  • Commonly viewed as the format that brings “best” players to the final matches
  • Requires at least twice the number of matches as Single Elimination
• Getting a “bye”
  • Participant automatically proceeds to next round
  • Does not affect strength of schedule
  • Given in Round-Robin if there is an odd number of participants
  • Given in Single Elimination if the number of participants is not a power of 2.
• Strength of Schedule
  • A tie-breaking methods where the participant with the more powerful opponents wins
  • Calculated by total Prestige and wins of opponents

Competition Galvanizes a Community

Monthly tournaments should begin once the playgroup reaches about four regulars. These early tournaments won’t have the numbers to justify a prize kit purchase, especially considering that those [awesome] Freelancer mats need to be pre-ordered. However, an entry fee with a store credit prize for first place conditional under a four player minimum should be satisfactory after some discussion with the store management. This is usually $5 entry/$20 credit or $10 entry/$30 credit. These tend have the most balance between not hurting the wallet of the participants or margins of the store. A quick note as to why store credit is the prize and not Data Packs or other product. Store credit is an easy prize to give because someone purchasing with store credit/gift certificate always spends more than that amount.

A prize kit should be purchased from Fantasy Flight Games when the store reaches $40 in profit from tournaments with the explanation that said kit will warrant about a $10 entry fee. The store makes a profit as long as at least five nerds pay to play WebJogger once a month. Multiple tournaments may be held using the contents of a single prize kit if the community has less than five. The most dedicated Organizers should feel free to forgo the acquisition of a new videogame or decorative candles one month and offer said funds toward to pre-order of a prize kit.

“Such charitable souls are viewed as heroes among the community and may actually drown in the resulting flood of phone numbers and makeouts.”-Daniel Fackelman, Game Sales Training

The Inevitable Plateau and League Play

“Well, now the community has a handful of innovative opponents with a taste for competition and an Organizer a far cry from the green horn of so many months ago. Here comes the plateau. No, for realsies. The growth of the community is going to stop. That is not to say the community will hemorrhage players, but that the influx of Explorer’s that go from demo to purchase will alarmingly decrease. This is no one’s fault. It’s sociology or, like, a wizard did it. For whatever reason, this happens every time. This blight is a flummoxing phenomenon with no balm for the grinding itch.

That is until one a young man unbridled by romantic relationships discovered that this was not a slump, but a signal for the next stage of growth for the community. The platform for this new metamorphosis: league play. This consists of folks playing for points that accumulate over the course of a predetermined number of weeks with final standings established by total point values. A league can actually double the number of regulars at a game night.”-Daniel Fackelman, Game Sales Training

The venue staff should be informed of the league prior to its first week and humbly requested to assist by storing match results in a binder that also contains the list of paid entrants, latest FAQ, and a rules document for that particular league. The documents should be comprehensive, concise, and organized considering they are not actually for the convenience of the organizer, but the venue staff and potential participants. It league rules document should contain:

• Start and end dates
• Requirements presented by the venue
• Match time limit
• Points system as per the latest FFG-released rules
• A reminder that decks containing alternate art cards must be sleeved
• A statement that the acting tournament organizer’s rules decisions are final
• A rule that individuals may only play each other once a week
  • Though a suggestion, it is a highly recommend one. Prevents “match spamming” where two dorks play each other repeatedly to gain a point advantage.
• Contact information for the Organizer

The community may also request non win-based point awards such as deck building achievements or in-game accomplishments. If the decision is made to include such things, then for the affordable mercy of Sol keep them simple! Complexity will lead to balance issues for the players and a point calculation nightmare for the Organizer.

The First Steps End and the Adventure Begins

“This summarizes the tools the Organizer will needs to develop a community. A single person can become a hub for an entire culture when leadership and diplomacy are carried with dedication and discipline. Event organization is an essential and one of the most rewarding experiences in gaming. Get out there, make your community, make your store money, and most importantly, make new friends.”-Daniel Fackelman, Game Sales Training