To join a game on StartPlaying, find a listing on the Find Games page, sign up, and add your payment details. Depending on the game's settings, you'll either be added immediately or wait for the GM to approve your application.
How do I find a game to join?
Browse games on the Find Games page. You can filter by game system, schedule, price, experience level, and more to find the right game for you.
See How Does the Find Games Page Work? for a full guide to the filters.
How do I sign up for a game?
Click on a game listing that interests you
Review the game details — description, schedule, price, content warnings, and safety tools
Click Join Game or Apply
Add your payment details if you haven't already
Confirm your signup
What happens after I sign up?
It depends on whether the game has Instant Book enabled:
If Instant Book is ON: You are added to the game immediately and will receive a confirmation email. No further action is needed — just show up for the session.
If Instant Book is OFF: Your application is sent to the GM for review. You'll receive a notification when the GM approves or denies your application. GMs have up to 1 week to respond.
What if my application is denied?
If a GM denies your application, you'll be notified and no charge will be made to your account. You are free to apply to other games. GMs are not required to provide a reason for denying an application.
When will I be charged?
You are not charged when you sign up — you are charged 1 hour after the session start time. Your card is authorized at sign-up but no payment is processed until the session begins.
See When Are Players Charged? for more detail.
Do I need an account to join a game?
Yes. You need a StartPlaying account to join a game. If you don't have one, you'll be prompted to create one during the sign-up process. Creating an account is free.
Can I join multiple games at the same time?
Yes — there's no limit on how many games you can be signed up for at once.
What if the game is full?
If a game has no seats remaining, you won't be able to sign up. Fully booked games are also removed from the Find Games page, so if you can see a listing it still has seats available.
How do I prepare for my first session?
Once you're confirmed in a game, check your confirmation email for Prep Materials from your GM. Prep Materials typically include:
The link to join the voice or video call (e.g. Discord, Zoom)
The Virtual Tabletop (VTT) link if one is being used
Character creation instructions
Any other information you need before the session starts
Make sure to read through the Prep Materials carefully before your first session so you're ready to play. If anything is unclear, send your GM a message through the platform.
See How Do I Message a Game Master? if you need to reach out to your GM.