Sword and Sorcery writers discuss new directions in this evolving genre.
Description:
The sword and sorcery genre continues to evolve with new and exciting concepts and directions. Join our panel of expert sword and sorcery writers as they discuss their thoughts on this genre. Panelists: S E Lindberg (moderator), Matt John, Howard Andrew Jones, Sean CW Korsgaard, Dedren Snead. Track: GCWS Genre.
Writers discuss the practical challenges of an extended career in writing and how to manage them.
Description:
A writing career is a marathon, not a sprint, and as a writer, it's a good idea to plan forward for your career—whatever path you have chosen. Join our expert panel of writers as they discuss how to manage your written/audio work once you have your rights back, dealing with reprints and omnibuses, planning collections and compilations, and expanding your work into other mediums. Panelists: Jennifer Brozek (moderator), James Lowder, Dedren Snead, Patrick S. Tomlinson. Track: GCWS Career.
The Power of Pieces: Creating Compelling Board Game Components
Summary:
We pioneered sample toolkits so people could experience our component quality. Join us for a look at our current offerings, sustainable options, and innovative ideas.
Description:
Many years ago, Panda Game Manufacturing pioneered making sample toolkits so people could get a good look and feel for our component quality. Since then, toolkits have become a standard in the game manufacturing industry. Join the team from Panda for a look at our current offerings, FSC certified & sustainable options, and innovative ideas. We will have a Q&A to answer your questions about specialty components you want made or have had difficulty getting manufactured. A complimentary toolkit will be given out to attendees.
The Rifle on the Mantle: Worldbuilding and Potential Energy
Summary:
Writers discuss the nuances of tying introduced elements of interest back into a story - or when to let them be.
Description:
Worldbuilding detail by its nature contains some level of potential energy. Does a rifle on the wall mean it must later be used, per the Chekov's Gun principle? Or does it tell you a lot about someone who would hang a rifle on their wall, whether it's fired or not? Join our panel of expert worldbuilders and writers as they discuss the concepts of when worldbuilding sets up questions that will need to be answered, when it doesn't need to, and how you play with reader experience and expectations in a way that pays off. Panelists: E.D.E. Bell (moderator), Katherine Monasterio, Latoya Peterson, Erin Roberts, Gregory A. Wilson. Track: GCWS Worldbuilding.
Join StartPlaying and other professional Game Masters as we chat around their experiences and why professional dungeon masters are essential to the growth of TTRPGs.
Description:
The session will begin with a brief overview of the TTRPG landscape and the emergence of professional GMs, and we'll then delve into the challenges facing the TTRPG industry, including accessibility and gatekeeping, scheduling and commitment issues, and the steep learning curve for new players. Focusing on the vital role of professional GMs, we'll discuss how they enhance the quality of gameplay, introduce players to new game systems and experiences, and cater to diverse playstyles and preferences. We'll also explore how professional GMs help new players overcome initial barriers and contribute to the growth of the TTRPG community by building inclusive and welcoming environments, encouraging new players to join the hobby, and fostering long-lasting connections between players.
The Road to Terraforming Mars and International Publishing
Summary:
Enoch Fryxelius tells the story of how a very small family business from a very big family suddenly turned into an international publishing house with the success of Terraforming Mars. Time for Q&A.
Jacob Fryxelius takes us on a journey on how the board game Terraforming Mars was developed, and the design philosophy that made it what it is. Time for Q&A.
Join our panel of scientists & engineers in a discussion focused on the real science behind your favorite science fiction & fantasy shows, movies, stories, & games.
Join our panel of scientists & engineers in a discussion focused on the real science behind your favorite science fiction & fantasy shows, movies, stories, & games.
The Story's in the Cards: Worldbuilding Outside of Prose
Summary:
Professional writers discuss worldbuilding for elements outside of prose stories.
Description:
Worldbuilding, by definition encompasses worlds - storybooks are just one element. Join our panel of expert worldbuilders as each focuses on a specific element of worldbuilding - in this case Card Design, Miniature Design, Tech Tools, Video Games - and Cooking and Clothing. Panelists: Anthony W. Eichenlaub (moderator), Jennifer Allaway, Grace P. Fong, Gabrielle Harbowy, Daniel "Doc" Myers. Track: GCWS Multimedia