The Uncaged Anthology has tackled feminist reimaginings of classic monsters and now they're going for the gods themselves. A retrospective on feminism in the ttrpg space and where we go next.
Description:
Every villain has her reasons... The Uncaged Anthology made a splash in the ttrpg publishing scene reenvisioning the way monsters can be portrayed. Reflecting on the series with their newest book: Uncaged Goddesses, the team discusses feminism in gaming, reframing monstrosity, the queer lens, and where we go from here. Featuring producer and art director Gwen Bassett (@gwendybee), writing director Jessica Marcrum (@Miss_Jess03), artist Elaine Ho (@artofelaineho), and writers Garrett Colón (@DM_GMC) and Grady Wang (@gallantgoblin).
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.
Join the RTG crew as we talk about our games, past and present, and sign autographs. This isn't a news and information session. Just a bunch of gamers hanging out.
Join Maximum Mike Pondsmith and the Cyberpunk crew as they discuss Cyberpunk RED and preview what's coming up for the classic TTRPG of the Dark Future!
Join lead designer Cody Pondsmith in a discussion about all things Witcher, including insights into the game and his love of the franchise. All Witcher fans welcome!
Produce a TTRPG Stream 101 (or How to Hit the Buttons)
Summary:
Join Producer DC Lasair as he guides you through the maze of skills needed to produce a TTRPG stream.
Description:
Explore the behind-the-scenes of setting up and running a TTRPG stream, and when to hit all the shiny buttons. Learn how to be the backbone of a TTRPG streaming production. Get an introduction to the skills and tools you need to deliver quality content. DC Lasair is a Producer for Gilding Light and has produced many other streams on Twitch, including Sirens: Battle of the Bards, and The Golden TTRPGif Awards. He has 20+ years of video tech experience, and has produced over 1,000 hrs of content on Twitch.
How did a $40 million company that started the tabletop RPG industry go belly up? Dozens of interviews and anonymously-sent secret documents tell the surprising truth of what happened to TSR.
Learn how to be a more effective GM, how to deal with disruptive personalities, & how to ensure that everyone has a good time. Covers basic & advanced rules & gamemastering techniques.
Description:
Learn how to be a more effective GM, how to deal with disruptive personalities, & how to ensure that everyone has a good time. Covers basic & advanced rules & gamemastering techniques.
ZPE, energy quantum theory says is all around us. It may not be real, but SciFi writers use it as limitless "free" energy. What's real vs. SciFi? Capt. Mark McDonagh, USN/ret., physicist on NSDM staff
Description:
Zero-point energy, ZPE, refers to energy that exists even at absolute zero. One form of this rises from quantum field theory, which cites a universe composed of continuous fluctuating fields formed from a huge amount of energy that we cannot see. Some argue this is an artifact of mathematics, not a real thing. Others say that, if it is real, it is in equilibrium & entropy principles will not permit us to tap it. Recently, ZPE has become fodder for SciFi novel & screenplay writers as a source of limitless "free" energy. What is SciFi & what is real? What's the true potential of ZPE & how close might we be to realizing it? With a focus on the science & engineering technology, lecture attempts to separate fact from fiction. Presented by Capt. Mark McDonagh, USN/ret., a physicist with 12 years' experience at the Naval War College, on the National Security Decision Making Game staff.
The JWST is designed to view objects 100x fainter than Hubble. We'll discuss the telescope's planned mission of observing the oldest and most distant objects, and look at images if available.
Description:
The James Webb space telescope (JWST) was launched December 25, 2021 after years of work. Learn about the intricate engineering of the JWST, designed to view objects 100x fainter than Hubble can. We'll discuss the telescope's planned missions including observing the oldest and most distant objects in the universe and of characterizing the atmospheres of exoplanets, and look at the first images if available. Presented by Elizabeth Koprucki, a NASA/JPL Solar System Ambassador and member of the National Security Decision Making Game staff.
A Great Power or a wannabe? The role of Russia and the goals of Putin in the current international system are examined and its unique position discussed. By Dr. Craig Greathouse, NSDMG staff.
Description:
The end of the Cold War and the fall of the Soviet Union returned the state of Russia as a player in the international system. Led by Vladimir Putin, Russia has attempted to forge for itself a dominant position in that system. This lecture looks at the goals and motivations of Russia under Putin and whether it has been a success at staking out a Great Power position in that system. Presented by Dr. Craig Greathouse, Professor of Political Science specializing in the EU, International Relations Theory and Security and Defense Policy, of the National Security Decision Making Game staff.
History of Ukraine in context of European international relations, diplomacy, natural resources and strategic position. By Merle Robinson of the NSDM staff.
Description:
Ukraine is the second-largest country in Europe after Russia, and with a population of 43 million, is Europe’s eighth-most populous country. Ukraine has maintained own unique ethnic and cultural identity despite the fact that, throughout history, parts of Ukraine have been ruled by Poland, the Mongols, the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the Ottoman Empire, Nazi Germany and, of course, Russia and the Soviet Union. As a crossroads between the Balkans, Eastern and Western Europe, Ukraine occupies a crucial position. As a breadbasket, Ukraine has been crucial to local economies. And as a point of contention, Ukraine has been at the center of the continuing conflict between Russia and the West. This lecture will examine Ukraine's history and its significance in European and world affairs. Presented by Merle Robinson of the National Security Decision Making Game staff.
Examines factors and events that transformed the American Colonists from mostly-loyal British citizens to the brink of armed revolt in eleven years. By Merle Robinson of the NSDM staff.
Description:
Lecture covers the sequence of events that took the American Colonists from mostly-loyal British citizens to the brink of armed revolt in eleven years. The French and Indian war was over, the Colonists were looking forward settling new lands west of the Appalachians that had been ceded by the French and they'd been promised. Then they were told London was giving that land to wartime Native allies. Then that London would keep a permanent military presence in North America, which the Colonists to pay for by an illegal tax. In London, MPs offended that the Colonists protested the taxes quickly abolished colonial legislatures and sent troops to Boston in response to the resultant riots. A spiral of increasing Colonial resistance and heavy-handed Parliamentary response ultimately led to combat and revolution. Presented by Merle Robinson of the National Security Decision Making Game staff.
Mechanics of Secrecy: Military Cipher Machine Demo
Summary:
Learn how historical military cipher machines like the German Enigma work. See historical specimens and replicas from the Civil War to the Cold War. By Ryan of the NSDM staff.
Description:
Militaries throughout history have had a vested interest in keeping their communiques secrets. This lecture will provide an overview of mechanical and electromechanical cipher machines from the Civil War through the Cold War, such as the Vigenère cipher, rotor ciphers based on the German Enigma, and the Hagelin pin and lug machines. The role of the CIA and German BND in sabotaging cryptography will be discussed. Ryan of the National Security Decision Making Game staff is a cryptography collector and nuclear geek. He will display machines from his collection, including a replica Confederate encryption wheel, a modern Enigma simulator, 3D printed Enigma, and historic machines, including a Swiss NEMA, Russian Fialka, a US Army Hagelin M-209, and a Swedish Transvertex HC-9.
Framework for grasping cyberwar & issues critical to understanding this new domain of war. Dr. Craig Greathouse, Professor of Political Science specializing in Security & Defense Policy, NSDM staff.
Description:
Lecture will provide a framework for grasping cyberwar & address current debates & issues that are critical for understanding this new domain of war. Lecture provides definitional clarity & an overview of the types of attacks that have been used within the international system. It will address historical & current examples of cyberwar & the actors that have engaged in its usage. Actors such as the United States, Russia, China, Iran & North Korea will all be discussed to show the impact of this powerful tool within the system. Lecture will also address the attempts to limit cyberwar through international law & the significant issues that have arisen in the attempt to moderate its usage. By Dr. Craig Greathouse, Professor of Political Science specializing in the EU, International Relations Theory, and Security and Defense Policy, on the National Security Decision Making (NSDM) Game staff.
The 1756-1763 conflict changed the world balance, but left issues, some of which brought Britain's thirteen American colonies to rebellion and war. Presented by Merle Robinson of the NSDM staff.
Description:
Considered a world war by some historians, the 1756-1763 conflict was a primarily a struggle for global pre-eminence between Great Britain and France involving nearly all major world powers. The French and Indian War, already being waged in North America, became subsumed into the broader conflict. The outcome changed the world balance in many respects, but left substantial issues including a trajectory that would bring Britain's thirteen American colonies to the brink of armed conflict within a decade. Presented by Merle Robinson of the National Security Decision Making Game staff
Boston Massacre as a root of the Revolution. The basis for conflict. What happened that night, and how things evolved from that. Capt. Mark McDonagh, USN/ret., on NSDM staff.
Description:
Roots of revolution. Observing the 250th anniversary of the 1770 Boston Massacre. This lecture will discuss the context of events leading up to the American and the British discontent with affairs in the colonies, including the outcomes and aftermath of the French and Indian War (the Seven Years' War), Stamp Act and other measures imposed by London on the colonies in arguable violation of the colonists' rights as British citizens, and British moves to restrict westward expansion. Lecture will go on to discuss the deployment of troops to Boston and the conditions that led to the massacre, the massacre itself, and the outcome in terms of the direction that Anglo-American affairs took. By Mark McDonagh of the NSDM staff, a retired Navy captain with 12 years' experience on the Naval War College Staff.
Discusses modeling of the state of affairs, events and personalities that incited the American Revolution for RPG play. By Merle Robinson, lead game designer on the NSDM staff.
Description:
Discussing NSDM's new American Revolution Crisis game variant, the lead designer will discuss insights gained in creating a model of the event for roll playing purposes. What historical figures to include, to amalgamate, or to exclude? What historical events to plan as inserts, what to leave out, what counter-factual events to stimulate game play and keep outcomes uncertain? When to begin the simulation, and how far to take it? Lecture will discuss issues of target audience and expectations of their baseline knowledge, background material to present, the balance between politicking and fighting, and how to keep the simulation from going off the rails. Presented by Merle Robinson lead game designer on the National Security Decision Making Game staff.
The National Security Decision Making Game staff reviews recent changes and things to watch next year, including hotspots: Russia, Europe, China, Iran, Israel, North Korea. What's CNN missing?
Description:
Overview, analysis and insights on current and near-future world affairs. This panel discussion and seminar, the signature event of the National Security Decision Making (NSDM) Game staff, explores current, and potential future, problem areas around the world. Want to know what to expect in the next year? What might happen and what are its implications? What are drivers, what indicators to watch for, and how might events be affected by the U.S. and the West? What potential catastrophes is CNN missing?
National Security Decision Making Game staff-led discussion of global hotspots, things to watch out for next year, including hotspots: Russia, Europe, China, Iran, Israel, North Korea.
Description:
Continued discussion of current military/political/economic topics of interest/concern, analysis and insights on current/future world affairs. This seminar led by the National Security Decision Making (NSDM) Game staff, explores current, and potential future, problem areas around the world. Want to know what to expect in the next year? What might happen and what are its implications? What are drivers, what indicators to watch for, and how might events be affected by the U.S. and the West? What potential catastrophes is CNN missing?
The Washington Naval Treaty averted an arms race, limited capital ship, carrier & cruiser design & production, shaping naval forces at the start of WW II. Capt. Mark McDonagh, USN/ret., on NSDM staff.
Description:
Negotiated between November 1921 and February 1922, the Washington Naval Treaty between the World War I allies US, Britain, France, Italy and Japan averted a naval arms race. It ended the construction of new battleships and battlecruisers, placed armament and displacement limitations on aircraft carriers and cruisers, and prohibited construction of any new fortifications or naval bases in the Pacific Ocean region. And a 5:5:3 capital ship displacement ratio for US, UK and Japan was taken as a snub by Japan, one of several factors that drove a wedge between Japan and the US and contributed to World War II. In affecting carrier and cruiser design and numbers, it shaped many of the naval forces that were on hand at the start of World War II. Presented by Capt. Mark McDonagh, USN/ret., with 12 years' experience at the Naval War College, on the National Security Decision Making Game staff.
This seminar discusses what the history of air warfare, aerial combat, air-to-ground/sea warfare, and Isaac Newton, can tell us about the use of magic in air war. By Robert Mosher of the NSDM staff.
Description:
The invention of fixed wing aircraft led to the expansion of warfare into an additional dimension during the First World War. This seminar looks to answer your questions and examine what the history of air warfare, aerial combat, air-to-ground and air-to-sea warfare, and Isaac Newton, can tell us about the use of magic in aerial war. Presented by Robert Mosher of the National Security Decision Making Game staff.
Past seminars discussed how armies fight, this examines how armies are raised, organized, fed, paid, etc., who, what, where, when and how armies do what they do. By Robert Mosher of the NSDM staff.
Description:
Building on past War Magic seminars for the Writers' Track, in which we have discussed how armies fight, this time we answer your questions and examine how armies are raised, organized, fed, paid, etc., the who, what, where, when and how that enable armies to do what they do, and how these functions may be augmented by the use of a little War Magic. Presented by Robert Mosher of the National Security Decision Making Game staff.
After 80 years, more details are coming to light about this disastrous Allied raid. Did Intelligence interests or personal ambition overrule common sense? By Michael Tucker of the NSDM staff.
Description:
One German observer remarked that the attack on Dieppe was “Too small for an invasion, too big for a raid.” What factors were involved that led to the launching of this raid by British, Canadian and American forces? Inter-Allied politics, personal ambitions, Intelligence operations, and other issues all contributed. What went wrong (a lot), what went right and what lessons were learned from this debacle? Presented by Michael Tucker of the National Security Decision Making Game staff, who will show some of his photos from his own research on the battlefields.
Twelve Ball State University students came together to create a Dungeons & Dragons module based off the Moab desert in Utah...then they visited the desert.
Description:
Ball State University students talking about their experiences in the Moab desert in Utah! Listen in and ask questions about collaborative storytelling, and how to apply natural landscapes to your fantasy worlds. How did our game change from pre-Utah to post-Utah, and how did our field work influence our module even further? This panel will be one hour in length and will feature a presentation on the module created by the class.
Educator Panel Discussion: RPG's and the Classroom
Summary:
Come join a panel including lead game designers and professional educators as they discuss the nuances of combining immersive history and tabletop roleplaying in a classroom or educational setting.
Description:
Discussants will include: \ -Patrick Mooney, head designer and creator of Nations & Cannons 5E -Collyn Messier, senior designer and project leader of Nations & Cannons 5E -The Nations & Cannons Educational Liaison Team who specialize in bridging education, history, and roleplaying games for an educational audience.
This seminar is for anyone looking into freelancing in the gaming industry, newer freelancers who might need some advice, or anyone else curious about the industry.
Description:
We will talk about finding work in the industry, the type of work you can find, and anything newer freelancers need to know.
The presenter(s) will cover introductory DMing advice and offer tips/tricks learned from many years behind the screen. Perfect for brand new DMs or those ready to take the plunge.
Description:
Time left at end for Q&A. Michael has over 34 years of DMing experience but has learned more in the last 5 than the first 29 and is continually looking to improv. You'll learn some of my most powerful and easy to use tips and tricks aimed at giving brand new or newer DMs the tools and confidence to start running their own games and have fun doing it.
This event is for any DM that wants to discuss or learn about running the game. Each table and each group needs a different type of table control. We'll learn about these factors.
Description:
We will discuss types of games, including systems, genres, and media. We will get into types of groups and players, including roleplayers, min/maxers, jokers, and newbies. Each of these factors contributes to a unique need for the DM to relate to. They are all possible and welcome, but we at least need to acknowledge and recognize these factors. We can talk about how these things can make a game better, and how working with these factors/needs can make it more fun.
Planing to launch a crowdfunding campaign for your tabletop game? Learn how to best set yourself up for success by building a community, creating an expert campaign page, and using BackerKit Launch.
Description:
We have a powerful tool that can help you launch with confidence no matter your experience level. BackerKit Launch—a marketing and analytics tool specifically designed for crowdfunding that helps you build and message your audience before you launch. Expect to Learn: - What BackerKit Launch is and how it can help you - Things you can do now to set yourself up for success - How to create a landing page that converts emails into backers - Live Q&A to follow presentation BackerKit is the leading expert when it comes to crowdfunding projects on Kickstarter and Indiegogo serving 10K+ creators to date. They’ve got the tools and resources needed to set creators up for success, run strong campaigns, and deliver a trustworthy backer experience. Hosted by: Jason Furie, Senior Community Manager, BackerKit.
Building a world for your RPG campaign, game, book, or screenplay? Learn about how you can use real-world concepts from international politics to help bring your world to life!
Description:
Why do nations go to war? Why do they make peace? What is polarity? Why does it matter? Explore the answers to all of these questions and more in a discussion of how realistic political dynamics can be applied to the worlds you build. Hosted by a veteran GM with a political science degree and real-world political experience, this session will explore concepts from the field of international relations that you can use to make your worlds more believable. Discussion will center around historical and literary examples, we will NOT be exploring present-day geopolitics.
Building a world for your RPG campaign, game, book, or screenplay? Learn about how you can use real-world concepts of domestic politics to help bring your world to life!
Description:
How does a government work from the inside? How does it make decisions? What is the Iron Law of Oligarchy? Why does it matter? Explore the answers to all of these questions and more in a discussion of how realistic political dynamics can be applied to the worlds you build. Hosted by a veteran GM with a political science degree and real-world political experience, this session will explore concepts from political theory that you can use to bring your worlds to life. Discussion will center around historical and literary examples, we will NOT be exploring present-day domestic politics.
This seminar will cover a high level overview of 3D printing basics such as: 3D printing concepts, differences between resin and FDM, 3D print materials, and 3D print recommendations.
This seminar will cover a high level overview of 3D printing basics such as 3D printing concepts, differences between resin and FDM, 3D print materials, and 3D print recommendations.
Panel discussion from current 3D printers (FDM and resin) on applications, concerns, and future of the industry discussion. Guests will be welcome to ask questions to the panelist.
Gen Con's longest running Kickstarter seminar: a Q&A event with top industry experts across design, publishing, manufacturing, pledge management, fulfillment, distribution, & retail sales. 1 day only!
Description:
A Q&A-based panel discussion featuring the best industry experts across design, publishing, manufacturing, pledge management, fulfillment, distribution, and retail sales. Every event has a new panelists, and new questions. Past panelists include: Jamey Stegmaier (SM Games) Michael Lee (Panda GM) Fabian Louton (Panda GM) Lance Myxter (Undead Viking Reviews) x2 Michael Mindes (President of Tasty Minstrel Games) Seth Jaffee (Designer at TMG) John Coveyou (Got Genius Games) Jeff King (All Us Geeks) Adam Clark (Creator of Kicktraq) Forrest Bower (Bower’s Game Corner Reviews) Joel Eddy (Drive Thru Reviews) Max Salzberg (Co-founder at Backerkit) Dan Halstad (League of Nonsensical Gamers) Greg Spence (Owner at Broken Token) Jonathan Liu (Geek Dad) and Allison Chase (Quartermaster Logistics). Come see the new faces for this year!
Keeper, Dungeon Master, Game Master…there are many names for the job. Thinking about taking the reins at your game table? This seminar focuses on the issues and concerns common among new Game Masters.
Description:
We'll talk about what works and what doesn't. We'll talk about common traps to avoid, but most important, overcoming fears and nerves about taking the helm - we'll get right to the heart of why its great to GM a game, and how you can have a blast doing it.
Carlos "Bostria" Llauger and Laura "Hoopoe" will present the updates on Infinity and the new project of Corvus Belli. News and surprises from the company with the best miniatures on the market.
Join a panel of Goodman Games writers as they discuss how to write exciting adventures both professionally and personally, and answer questions relating to game design and working in the RPG industry.
Description:
Back by popular demand, this panel features a stellar mix of known authors sharing their thoughts on adventure design. Whether your goal is to write exciting scenarios for your home group or you’re looking to break into the field of professional game design, these experienced writers will help you achieve that goal. The panelists will be taking audience questions as well as discussing good adventure design methodology, so if you’re looking to learn more about any aspect of the adventure writing process, either personally or professionally, this seminar is the perfect opportunity.
The Gamers: 20th Anniversary Retrospective & Cast Conversation
Summary:
20 years after the short film "The Gamers" debuted at Gen Con, come join cast members from across the franchise for conversation, reflection, and a Q&A like only ZOE can provide!
Reading Appendix Next: Additional Inspirational Fantasy Literature
Summary:
The GG crew discusses underappreciated and overlooked fantasy literature beyond Appendix N. Consider this an advanced studies course in inspiration literary sources for DCC RPG and other fantasy RPGs.
Description:
If you’ve read the famed Appendix N from Anderson to Zelazny yet hunger for more, this is the seminar for you. Join the Goodman Games crew as they look beyond the borders of Gygax’s list of inspirational literary influences on fantasy role-playing. Discover overlooked and underappreciated authors and the stories they wrote in the years prior to and during the early days of role-playing. We almost guarantee you’ll walk out of this event with a few more titles jotted down on your reading lists.
Is your child building armor in their room late at night? Are you that said child building armor in their room late at night? Do you have a creative brain and no outlet for it? Find the answers here!
Description:
I’m here to give you answers to all your questions! With 8 years of experience with crafting and designing costumes, I’m here to tell you all about the cosplay world. We’ll discuss conventions, costs, how to make cosplays, and what to expect at a convention! I’ll give you advice on how to get started and even discuss the cultural and social impact that cosplaying can have on your life. Put your worries to rest and come learn about this incredible hobby that is more than just a costume! Enjoy a powerpoint presentation with hands on examples of craftmanship, sewing, fun and safe weapon props, and more!
Robin D. Laws & Kenneth Hite talk roleplaying, history, conspiracy, occultism, writing, food, movies, & whatever you ask them about in this live edition of their award-winning podcast.
How to Use RPG Concepts to Drive Engagement in Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in a Corporate Space
Summary:
Tired of the other characters at work not getting involved in Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) at work? Don't know where to start? Learn how Morningstar turned NPCs into players in the DEI Realm.
How did a $40 million company that started the tabletop RPG industry go belly up? Dozens of interviews and anonymously-sent secret documents tell the surprising truth of what happened to TSR.
Query Letters—A No Nonsense, Low Stress Approach to Breaking Down Publishing Walls
Summary:
Part introduction and part terrifying, the query letter is the most misunderstood yet essential component of getting your work published. Join us as we break down the ins and outs of querying.
Description:
Query Letters—the ever important and oft overlooked part of publishing. If you’ve written something for publication, chances are you’ve come across the dreaded query letter. Join HauntedMTL’s very own the award-winning Jim Phoenix as he breaks down the mystique, the pitfalls, and the triumphs of the query letter. In this seminar, we will discuss the basics parts of the query letter along with the Dos and Donts in submissions. By the end of the seminar, you should be able to construct a letter that has the best chance of gaining the eye of a publisher. Feel free to bring your own query letters for Jim to review and give feedback on!
Come learn about the CMU- Gen Con online applied game design courses kicking off during the 2022-2023 academic year. Meet some of the designers behind the courses.
Description:
CMU’s Center for Learning through Games and Simulations (CLGS) and Gen Con are collaborating to bring you courses on applied tabletop game design. These courses take place in a synchronous online environment using the Gather.town platform. Participants will be taught by industry experts as well as an academic expert from the CLGS. The courses are designed with an active learning curriculum in mind with minimal lecture content. Participants will be able to apply what they are learning to both their game nights and their career.
3rd Edition Dungeons & Dragons: Creation of a Masterpiece
Summary:
How 3rd Edition rose from the ashes of TSR to become an epic phenomenon. RPG historian Ben Riggs has interviewed the creators, & brings you the true inside story of the game's creation!
Award-winning RPG publisher Free League, voted Fan Favorite Publisher at the ENNIES last year, invites you to a special Gen Con showcase to reveal news for the coming year and answer your questions!
Join Darker Days Radio & guests as we talk about how to use horror in your roleplaying games, including different types of horror, safety mechanics, & why people enjoy playing horror games.
Description:
Darker Days Radio is a podcast that has been around for 10+ years. We focus on horror in gaming and media, with games like World of Darkness, Chronicles of Darkness, Warhammer, and other horror games. Guest Panelists include:
Bryce Perry - Darker Days Radio, Moderator
Crystal Mazur - Third Eye Games, Freelance Writer
Brian Holland - Chaosium
Khaldoun Khelil - Freelance Writer
Noxweiler Berf - Creative Director for Hunters Entertianment and Game Master for Outbreak-Undead : United States of the Dead & Rag & Bone
Markeia McCarty (she/they) Host/Creative Producer of The Something Scary Podcast, Marketing Manager/Actor for Hunters Entertainment
A discussion on the development of a modern horror fantasy IP with creator Ryan Verniere and developers Joseph Limbaugh, Ed Hall, Jared Rosen, Rob Sather, and Marguerite Dabaie.
What does it mean to be "Trans"? How do I support a friend who is Transgender? What does being trans have to do with playing games? Find answers to these questions and more.
Description:
Panelists will share their personal experiences and answer questions from their own perspective. Because of the potentially sensitive nature of the questions, all questions must be submitted in advance. See the registration email message for instructions on how to submit a question.
What does it mean to be an "Ally" to the LGBTQIA+ community? How do I make my games "inclusive and welcoming" for everyone? Find answers to these questions and more.
Description:
Panelists will share their personal experiences and answer questions from their own perspective. Because of the potentially sensitive nature of the questions, all questions must be submitted in advance. See the registration email message for instructions on how to submit a question.
Catch up with the Burning Wheel crew for our annual report on what we've done and what we hope to do. We'll talk Burning Wheel, Torchbearer and Miseries & Misfortunes.
Is there a right way to teach RPG design? Sam Roberts (USC) and Luke Crane (NYU) discuss designing collegiate-level curriculum specifically to teach roleplaying game design.
Football is a sport, but it is also a game…with a massive, complex, constantly evolving ruleset. Sam Roberts (USC) and Luke Crane (Burning Wheel) discuss sport from the perspective of game designers.
Two nuclear explorers share photos, videos and stories from their trips to the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone, including a peek inside the Sarcophagus. Ryan and Elizabeth of the NSDM staff.
Description:
Ryan and Elizabeth were into Chernobyl before the HBO miniseries made it cool and well before the Russian occupation, travelling there in 2013, '15, and '16. They will share photos, videos and stories from areas not accessible on past public Chernobyl tours, such as the hospital basement, contaminated vehicle graveyards, the unfinished Unit 5 reactor building and cooling towers, abandoned laboratories, and areas inside the power plant such as the Unit 2 control room, pump halls, turbine hall, and a journey inside the Sarcophagus to visit the Unit 4 control room where the fatal safety test that caused the meltdown happened. Presented by Ryan and Elizabeth of the National Security Decision Making Game staff.
Join Zac Goins, Andrew Bishkinskyi, and other hosts as they chat about navigating 5e freelancing from both the designer and publisher angles. Hosted by World of Game Design.
Description:
Every publisher and their dog has their own setting for D&D 5e, and each comes with their own constraints for the designer. Join Zac Goins, Andrew Bishkinskyi, and other hosts as they chat about navigating 5e freelancing from both the designer and publisher angles. Hosted by World of Game Design.
Join Zac Goins of World of Game design, along with his peers as they put their ignorance on display, chat about the process, and go behind the scenes on all this foolishness. Q&A to follow.
Description:
Between all the hosts, over three dozen RPG Kickstarter projects have been successfully launched, funded, and delivered over over the last two years. Join Zac Goins of World of Game design, along with his peers as they put their ignorance on display, chat about the process, and go behind the scenes on all this foolishness. Q&A to follow.
Dr. Niecikowski will present research on rulebook comprehensibility and provide a rulebook evaluation performance list of 92 weighted comprehensibility features organized into 10 categories.
Description:
David Niecikowski, PhD will present his dissertation research on rulebook comprehensibility. The dissertation’s findings were co-constructed by 21 solicited surveyed industry experts and informed by unsolicited public forum comments by 541 users on the website Boardgamegeek. The evaluation results of eight published rulebooks are discussed using the performance list’s 92 weighted comprehensibility features organized into 10 categories.
Dr. Niecikowski will present research on rulebook comprehensibility and provide a rulebook evaluation performance list of 92 weighted comprehensibility features organized into 10 categories.
Description:
David Niecikowski, PhD will present his dissertation research on rulebook comprehensibility. The dissertation’s findings were co-constructed by 21 solicited surveyed industry experts and informed by unsolicited public forum comments by 541 users on the website Boardgamegeek. The evaluation results of eight published rulebooks are discussed using the performance list’s 92 weighted comprehensibility features organized into 10 categories.
Join us as we answer your question about LARP! What is LARP? How do I join? What do I need? Ask all your questions so you can be ready to start your Live Action Role-Playing Adventure!
Ever wanted to write, illustrate, or produce for your favorite tabletop RPGs? Then join our team of panelists as they break down what it takes. This panel will also include a Q&A at the end.
Description:
This panel is moderated by Little Red Dot, and panelists include B Dave Walters of Demi Plane, Diana DiMicco of Die Hard Dice, and Friday, the second highest earning GM on Start Playing Games.
Topics to cover include getting started in the industry & deep dives into professional GMing, best practices for submitting work, and how to book the writing gig.
After 28 successful campaigns, Kobold Press has knows what it takes for a successful Kickstarter. The Kobold Press creative team breaks down what it takes & answers your questions directly.
Description:
This panel is moderated by Little Red Dot, and includes Wolfgang Baur, Victoria Rogers, Alexander Stangroom, and Meagan Maricle as panelists. They will cover tips and tricks, best practices, and what it really takes to raise funds to bring your gaming projects to come to life on Kickstarter.
One-shots: what are they good for? Starting campaigns, trying out new systems, trying out new character builds, and more! Maximize one-shots at your table with the team that knows them best!
Description:
The Threeflings and Huetopia teams take you through all that one-shots are capable of and how to maximize them at your table. Featuring Gwen Bassett (@gwendybee), Jessica Marcrum (@Miss_Jess03), Nala J. Wu (@NalaWu/@naladraws), Rue Dickey (@IlanaNight13), and Xan Larson (@palewhiterabbit). @Threeflings is a campaign of over 100 interconnected one-shots from the Uncaged series and @Huetopia is a TRPG streaming channel hosted by BIPOC, for BIPOC.
Join Little Red Dot for an hour with Wolfgang Baur, founder of Kobold Press. Learn about the past, present, & future of Kobold Press. Get your burning questions answered during the Q&A at the end.
Building an exciting and functional world for your TTRPG games can be daunting. Join the industry’s leading GMs & writers for info on creating vibrant worlds. This panel will include a Q&A at the end.
Description:
This panel is moderated by Little Red Dot, and panelists include Gabe Hicks, Eugenio Vargas & Celeste Conowitch.
Art Director/Illustrator/and Story Teller Don Higgins talks about working with FASA Games as a lead artist and art director, and discusses the things he's learned and how he got to where he is now.
Description:
Don talks about jumping from Game to Game, package design, book layout, illustration, interiors and covers, and graphic novel writing and illustration. Don will discuss the things he's learned and how he got to where he is now.
Creating WebComics & Graphic Novels from an RPG setting
Summary:
Don Higgins is the creator of Ha'Penny Pie and Champions Challenge for FASA Games, and will discuss working on these titles for the past 3 years and what he has learned along the way.
Protect Yourself: Why Game Designers Need to Know Patents, Copyrights & Trademarks
Summary:
Learn about patents, copyrights, & trademarks (and how they fit in a normal design cycle) with 2 gamers & IP professionals who've educated on these topics at Gen Con for about 10 years.
We are two gamers & legal professionals who love to serve game designers, having presented educational seminars at GenCon for about 10 years. Come ask questions & hear some war stories!
The Posthuman crew talks about the coming year, our Eclipse Phase announcements, and more. Bring your questions! We might even ask about your characters!
Industry leaders in tabletop gaming and video gaming discuss how TTRPGs can use lessons from video games.
Description:
Panelists include Bruce Nesmith, lead designer of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, Wolfgang Baur, head of Kobold Press, and Ferret Baudoin, lead designer of Dragon Age II.
Want to learn how to make the best villain for your RPG campaign? This is the panel for you. Famous designers/writers will discuss what makes a great villain and how to make your players love them.
Description:
Panelists include Bruce Nesmith, lead designer of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, Wolfgang Baur, head of Kobold Press, and Ferret Baudoin, lead designer of Dragon Age II.
What's it like to work with writers? How can you help them improve their work? Jaym Gates, LaShawn M. Wanak, Toiya Kristen Finley, Christopher Morgan (M)
How do you prep for an upcoming book, both with promotion and for your own mental state and expectations? Erin M. Evans, Michael R. Underwood, C. S. E. Cooney, Carlos Hernandez, Christopher Bell (M)
Find out how our authors each got started, and what they recommend to new writers. Toiya Kristen Finley, Gregory A. Wilson, Jerry Gordon, Howard Andrew Jones, Steve Diamond, R.A. Salvatore