StartPlaying makes it possible for Game Masters to be paid for their services. But how much are you, as a Player, paying to join a game on StartPlaying? 👀
How much does it cost to play in a game on StartPlaying?
Each Game Master on StartPlaying sets their own prices for their sessions. The average price for games on StartPlaying is $15-20 a session.
📌 Tip: You can always use the Price filter to find games with the right price for you!
Is the price listed for the whole game or per session?
If you join a one-shot, the price you see is a one time cost because the game only meets one time.
If you join a campaign, the price you see is what you will pay each time your group meets, or plays a session.
What is the service fee?
The Service fee you see at checkout goes towards:
Paying StartPlaying's credit card processing fees
Fees to our payment processor Stripe.
If you are refunded by StartPlaying, your refund will also include the cost of the Service fee.
Do I have to pay sales tax?
Starting May 1st, 2025, StartPlaying is required by law to collect and remit sales tax in certain regions. This tax is government-mandated, not a fee set by StartPlaying, and is based entirely on your billing address.
Just like other platforms you use (like Amazon, Apple, Etsy, or Fiverr), sales tax is added only when legally required and varies depending on your location. The tax amount will be automatically calculated and shown at checkout before you complete your purchase.
This applies to:
Players located in the United States
Players located in the European Union
Players in Canada
Players in the United Kingdom
Game Masters are not affected. This tax applies only to player transactions, and StartPlaying handles all collection and remittance obligations as a marketplace facilitator. Because rates and laws vary, it’s not possible to predict the exact tax you’ll see until checkout.
How often will I be charged?
If you join a one-shot, you will be charged one time for a single game session.
If you join a campaign, you will be charged each time your group meets for a session.
📌 Definitions:
A one-shot is self-contained adventure that takes players through a story arc within one game.
A campaign is a series of connected adventures set in the same world. The Game Master will create a backstory, settings, and Non-Player Characters (NPCs) to help the story progress.
When am I charged for my game?
Players are automatically charged for their games one hour after the session start time.
Why do I have to add my card if I only want to play in free games?
Even for free games on StartPlaying, all players must add a card during checkout to:
Ensure accountability and prevent spam.
Assist with identity matching and verification.