Realm VTT revolutionizes virtual tabletops by providing a comprehensive platform that connects Game Masters (GMs) with players through our Looking for Games (LFG) system, while also enabling GMs to monetize their time and expertise through paid games. This guide covers everything you need to know about finding games, running paid sessions, and managing payments on our platform.

Looking for Games (LFG) System

What is LFG?

The Looking for Games system is Realm VTT's marketplace for tabletop RPG sessions. It serves as a central hub where:

• Players can discover and apply to join games that match their interests, schedule, and experience level

• Game Masters can advertise their campaigns and find committed players

Key Features for Players

Game Discovery

• Browse Active Games: View all available games with detailed information including:

  • Game system (D&D 5e, Cyberpunk RED, etc.)

  • Schedule and timezone information

  • Session frequency (weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, or one-shot)

  • Language requirements

  • Audio/visual requirements (text-only, voice, or video)

  • Content ratings and mature content warnings

  • New player friendliness indicators

Smart Filtering

• Filter games by:

  • Price (free or paid)

  • System/ruleset

  • Schedule compatibility

  • Language

  • Available spots

  • Tags and genres

Application System

• Submit tailored applications to games with optional survey questions (requires a minimum of 1 question, and allows up to 10.)

• Track application status (pending, approved, denied)

• Allows GMs to send reasons for denial and welcome messages for approval. It is highly recommended to send a message on approval with detailed information about how to reach out to the GM such as via Discord or Email.

• Receive notifications about application updates

Key Features for Game Masters

Game Listing Management

• Create detailed game listings with rich text descriptions

• Upload game portraits

• Set player requirements and expectations

• Create custom application surveys to screen players

• Manage game visibility (active/inactive status)

Player Management

• Review player applications with their responses

• Approve or deny applications with feedback

• Send messages to prospective and current players

• Remove players from games when necessary

• Track player attendance and participation

Scheduling Tools

• Set recurring or one-time sessions

• Manage session cancellations

• Allow players to opt-out of specific sessions

• Automatic timezone conversion for global players

• Session reminders and notifications

Paid Games for Game Masters

Why Offer Paid Games?

Running quality tabletop RPG sessions requires significant time and effort:

• Preparation Time: Creating encounters, maps, and storylines

• Session Management: Facilitating gameplay and managing group dynamics

• Technical Setup: Configuring VTT tools, managing assets, and troubleshooting

• Ongoing Commitment: Maintaining campaign continuity and player engagement

Realm VTT's paid games system allows GMs to be compensated for this investment while ensuring players receive high-quality, committed game experiences.

Benefits of Running Paid Games

1. Committed Players: Paid games attract serious, dedicated players

2. Professional Development: Build a reputation as a professional GM

3. Flexible Pricing: Set your own rates based on your experience and game quality

4. Automated Payments: Focus on running games while we handle the payment logistics

Payment Processing & Fees

How Payments Work

1. Session-Based Charging: Players are charged per session, not as a subscription

2. Automatic Processing: Payments are processed 1 hour before each scheduled session

3. Smart Cancellation Handling:

   • If a GM cancels a session, no charges occur

   • If a player opts out of a session, they aren't charged

   • Inactive games suspend all charges automatically

4. Failed Charges

   • If a player's charge fails, it will retry 2 more times

   • After each failure, both the Player and the GM are notified

   • After three failures, the Player is removed from the Game and the GM will need to either have them re-apply or contact Support

Platform Fees

Realm VTT charges a 10% platform fee on all game payments. If GMs are subscribed to the Standard or Pro tier, the platform only charges a 7.5% platform fee. This fee covers:

• Payment processing infrastructure

• Platform maintenance and development

• Customer support

• Dispute resolution

• Server costs and technical infrastructure

Fee Example

• If you charge $20 per player per session

• Player pays: $20.00

• Platform fee: $2.00 (10%)

• You receive: $18.00

Payment Schedule

• Charge Timing: 1 hour before session start

• Payout Schedule: Funds are transferred to your connected bank account according to Stripe's standard payout schedule (typically 2-7 business days)

• Failed Payments: Players with failed payments are notified and given opportunity to update payment methods

Getting Started as a GM

Step 1: Create Your Game

1. Navigate to the "Looking for Games" section

2. Click "Create New Game"

3. Fill in game details:

   • Game name and description

   • System and ruleset

   • Schedule and session length

   • Number of players needed

   • Language and communication requirements

Step 2: Set Up Paid Games (Optional)

If you want to charge for your sessions:

1. Enable Paid Game Option

   • Toggle "Paid Game" in game settings

   • Set your price per player per session (minimum $5.00)

   • Note: Prices cannot be changed after game creation

2. Create Stripe Connect Account

   • If you have not yet configured Stripe Connect you must first do this before being able to post your game

   • Click "Create Stripe Payment Account" button

   • You'll be redirected to Stripe's secure onboarding

   • Provide required information:

     • Business type (individual or company)

     • Tax information

     • Bank account for payouts

     • Identity verification

3. Complete Stripe Onboarding

   • Verify your email

   • Confirm your bank account

   • Review and accept Stripe's terms of service

   • Wait for account approval (usually instant, sometimes 1-2 business days)

4. Access Payment Dashboard

   • Once approved, access your payment dashboard, and create your LFG post

   • View earnings and pending payouts

   • Download tax documents

   • Manage banking information

Step 3: Manage Your Game

1. Review Applications

   • Check player applications regularly

   • Use survey responses to find compatible players

   • Communicate expectations clearly

2. Start Running Sessions

   • Sessions begin according to your schedule

   • Payments process automatically

   • Focus on delivering great game experiences

For Players: Joining Paid Games

Finding Paid Games

1. Browse the LFG listings

2. Look for the yellow pricing badge showing cost per session, or filter to show Free games only in the Advanced Filters

3. Review game details and GM profiles

4. Submit your application

Payment Setup

Once approved for a paid game:

1. Initial Setup

   • You'll receive an approval notification

   • Click "Set Up Payment Method"

   • Enter credit/debit card information

   • Confirm your first session

2. Automatic Charging

   • Charged 1 hour before each session

   • Receive email receipts

   • Manage payment methods through customer portal

3. Avoiding Charges

   • Opt-out of sessions you can't attend (before the 1-hour window)

   • Leave the game if no longer interested

   • Update payment methods if cards expire

   • Remember to communicate with your GM before leaving the game or opt-ing out of a session!

Payment Protection

• Secure payment processing through Stripe

• No charges for cancelled sessions

• To dispute charges if issues arise, please contact Support

• Payment method information never shared with GMs

Frequently Asked Questions

For Game Masters

Q: Can I change my game's price after creation? A: No, prices are locked once a game is created to protect players from unexpected price changes.

Q: What if a player's payment fails? A: The player is notified and given time to update their payment method. They may be temporarily unable to join sessions until resolved.

Q: Can I run both free and paid games? A: Yes! You can run multiple games with different pricing models.

Q: How do I handle refunds? A: Refunds can be issued through your Stripe dashboard for exceptional circumstances, or by contacting Support.

Q: Are there any upfront costs? A: No, the platform fee is only deducted from successful payments.

For Players

Q: When exactly am I charged? A: You're charged 1 hour before each scheduled session starts.

Q: What if I need to miss a session? A: Use the opt-out feature before the 1-hour charge window to avoid being charged.

Q: Can I get a refund if a session was poor quality? A: Contact support with specific concerns. Refunds are handled case-by-case.

Q: Is my payment information secure? A: Yes, all payments are processed through Stripe's PCI-compliant infrastructure.

Q: What if the GM doesn't show up? A: Report no-shows to support. Charges can be reversed for GM no-shows.

General

Q: Why does Realm VTT charge a 10% fee? A: This fee covers payment processing, platform development, customer support, and infrastructure costs while keeping the platform sustainable.

Q: Are prices in USD only? A: Currently, all prices are in USD. International cards are accepted with automatic currency conversion.

Q: How are timezones handled? A: All session times are displayed in your local timezone with clear indicators when times differ from the game's primary timezone.

Best Practices

For Successful Paid Games

1. Set a Player Profile

   • All GMs and Players can set a Profile by clicking "View and Edit Profile" on the Looking for Games page

   • It is very important for the GM to set their own profile so that Players can view details about the GM before applying to join!

   • If a player leaves a review on your profile, those reviews will show up here as well as your average rating

2. Set Clear Expectations

   • Define session 0 requirements

   • Communicate house rules upfront

   • Establish attendance policies

3. Price Appropriately

   • Research comparable games

   • Consider your experience level

   • Factor in prep time and materials

4. Deliver Consistent Quality

   • Prepare thoroughly for each session

   • Start and end on time

   • Maintain professional communication

5. Build Your Reputation

   • Encourage players to leave reviews

   • Maintain high attendance rates

   • Develop a unique GM style

For Players in Paid Games

1. Commit to Attendance

   • Paid games rely on consistent player participation

   • Communicate scheduling conflicts early

   • Use opt-out features responsibly

2. Respect the Investment

   • Arrive prepared and on time

   • Engage actively in sessions

   • Support fellow players

3. Provide Feedback

   • Leave reviews for GMs! Reviews help Game Masters grow their reputation with the community and allow others to see what your experience was with a particular GM. All reviews are viewed publicly. If you'd like to give private feedback to your Game Master you can use the "Send Message to Game Master" function.

   • Communicate concerns constructively

   • Help build the community

Conclusion

Realm VTT's Looking for Games system combined with paid game functionality creates a thriving ecosystem where GMs can be fairly compensated for their efforts while players gain access to high-quality, committed gaming experiences. The 10% platform fee (or 7.5% for subscribers) ensures we can continue providing robust features, reliable payment processing, and ongoing platform improvements.

Whether you're a GM looking to monetize your skills or a player seeking quality games, our LFG and payment systems provide the tools and security you need for successful online tabletop gaming.

For additional support or questions not covered in this guide, please contact our support team or visit our help center.