I was a member here for about a year before I tried out the games, and yes it can be intimidating at first, but everyone in the games forum is really nice and very patient and helpful to newcomers.  It is a lot of fun, and if you are interested you should definitely try it!  I would not rely on the red sticky thread for new games- not all of them are posted there.  Just check the forum frequently and scan down the list for threads that don't have many responses or that say "Taking sign-ups" in the title.  I would recommend starting with a basic elephant swap so that you can get the hang of how they work.  Some of the games are pretty complicated, so start with an easy one to learn how the games generally work.  I would avoid any of the multi-round or "with a twist" games until you get the hang of the basic ones.  Sometimes there are swaps specifically for beginners, so keep an eye out for those too.  Have fun!

I ditto the sentiment that the people that play/run the games are really nice.  The elephant swaps are the place to start for sure!

I would also start with a Basic Elephant swap.  I would read the rules of some of the games to get the idea of what to do. (they are pretty easy once  you get the hang of it).  Usually they get listed in teh New Swaps starting but not always.  You have to post your game on that thread to get it added. Sometimes they fill up fast and close before the member who manages that read sticky thread has a chance to get them up there.

I would also PM some hostess' of some of the games to add you to their buddy list. A lot of them send out a blast PM when they start a new game. 

I'm no the games forum everyday and I still miss some games that I would have joined.  They just fill up so fast-especially the cozy, WL and erotica swaps. 

Welcome Olivia! 

I was also intimidated by swap games before joining, but it's really easier than it appears.  Just let the hostess know you're a newbie, and most are very helpful.  I'm most familiar with paranormal and romance swaps, in those genre the hostesses and players love to welcome newbies and will make sure to answer questions and help you learn the ropes.

1.  No, not all swaps taking sign-ups are listed on that sticky thread. 
2.  Once the sign-ups are closed and approved by the swap moderator, new players cannot be added.  
3.  If you see an interesting game already in play, just pm the hostess and ask to have your name added to her/his blast list for the next swap.  Most stay within a genre or a similar genre for each swap, and are happy to notify you when their next sign-ups are open.
4.  Keep a couple credits free, as some swaps fill up fast and you may need to buddy your credit quickly. 
5.  Know your genre, and check any discussion threads for that Forum as upcoming swaps.  Example, Romantica has DOS: The Chat Room in the Games Forum, and most upcoming swaps for the genre appear in the the thread before opening for sign-ups. And also a good place to request addition to blast lists.
6.  Start basic, like an elephant swap.  Read the rules page (first post in the swap you are considering) and if your time online is limited, beware of Quickswaps.  Generally, swaps allow 24 hours for each play/turn - but quickswaps can be 12 hours, 1 hour, or whatever the hostess chooses. 

If you post here what type of games you would be interested in joining Olivia, we may be able to connect you with some hostesses or upcoming swaps?

ETA - Hi Mary!  Do you know if cozy has a discussion thread like DOS?

1.  No, not all swaps taking sign-ups are listed on that sticky thread.

No, they aren't .....but they should be :)   Hostesses should always be posting their new swaps there so all players are aware when new ones are starting up.

oh wow....thanks much for all your advice.  i'm always amazed at how quick i get responses here when i need help on pbs.  i think i'm off to try 2 games now...it's a tad exciting!!!! :D