Dave Arneson, Bob Bledsaw and Ross Maker tell how Dungeons & Dragons grew in popularity, how they began designing D&D advenures, how the adventures were tested, problems found and solved and why Ross chose to become the games first Dwarf!
Dave Arneson, Bob Bledsaw and Ross Maker tell how Dungeons & Dragons grew in popularity, how they began designing D&D advenures, how the adventures were tested, problems found and solved and why Ross chose to become the games first Dwarf!
Bob Bledsaw recounts how he obtained his first D&D license, how his company grew, faltered, and almost died, and is now regaining market share with resurrected products.
Bob Bledsaw is selling several of his works in down loadable format. Because he's been there, done that, he'll tell you about short run publishing, royalties or other arrangements for hard copies, putting up a website, selling your manuscript directly through a merchant account and more. Join Bob for all the ins and outs of publishing your game online.
Bob Bledsaw is selling several of his works in down loadable format. Because he's been there, done that, he'll tell you about short run publishing, royalties or other arrangements for hard copies, putting up a website, selling your manuscript directly through a merchant account and more. Join Bob for all the ins and outs of publishing your game online.
How do you create a world? Using either history as the model, or as the inspiration, this seminar will help you create believable gaming worlds for your gaming needs.
Colonel Louis Zocchi talks about all you need to know to succeed in the game business. He will cover everything from copyrights to trademarks, patents to getting other to publish your game and all points in between.
Ross Maker examines the 1870-71 unification achieved period as a major turning point in modern European history. He will also discusses this pivotal conflict from historical and wargaming points of view.
Ross Maker examines the 1870-71 unification achieved period as a major turning point in modern European history. He will also discusses this pivotal conflict from historical and wargaming points of view.
Colonel Louis Zocchi talks about the âwhat ifsâ surrounding the attack on Pearl Harbor. Learn why The Chicago Tribune published Top Secret American Defense plans 3 day before the attack. What did Roosevelt say when Churchill phoned him warning of the attack 1 day before it happened? Why the Japanese strike force was thought to be American B-17âs and why the 3rd strike was never launched.
Major David Wesley discusses how nuclear weapons work, how they were developed and how they were and are being made by countries that "do not have them".
Major David Wesley discusses how nuclear weapons work, how they were developed and how they were and are being made by countries that "do not have them".
Major David Wesley explains the enormous gab between the theoretical and actual performance of weapons in the muzzle-loading era snd explains how B.P. Huges and Bernard Cornwall are wrong.
Major David Wesley explains the enormous gab between the theoretical and actual performance of weapons in the muzzle-loading era snd explains how B.P. Huges and Bernard Cornwall are wrong.
The d20 System started strong with the release of D&D. Nearly every major RPG publisher jumped on the bandwagon. But theyâve been jumping off again ever since. Has d20 and the Open Game License lost its relevance? Or is this just a âshaking outâ phase? Listen to industry leaders discuss these very questions ⦠and more. Hosted by The Game Mechanics.
What Are We Learning Through Role Play? Academics Look Beyond Violence in the Media
Description:
The best research shows that people learn well by playing games. Games are beginning to enter even traditional learning environments as a tool for learning. How does role play fit into this research? What are people learning and why? David Simkins is a long time role player and a PhD candidate in games and learning research at the UW Madison. He will give an overview of the field to date, introduce his own research on morality in role play, and use that as a jumping off point for discussion.
How many players should you have in your game? How do you make the most of time limits? How can you best use your prep time before the convention? Can you create a dilemma that will really get to your players? With a combined forty years of convention game design, Dave and Mike want to help you make the most of your games. Come discuss with two of the creative minds behind Champions, Justice Inc. and Fantasy Hero tournaments.
Do you know one thing you would tell every GM? Do you have advice for other GM's? Can you say it in 5 minutes? (or less?) We are looking for a few GMs to join some of the best we know to give short talks on what makes their games amazing. Speakers already include staff from the Champions, JI, and Fantasy Hero tournaments. Come listen or Got a talk? Send a pitch to: GENCON_GM_Lightning@yahoo.com
Informal discussion on what is involved with running that first game. Hints, suggestions and no-no's. All ages, all experience levels welcome. Join the Fun.
Explore the interaction of GM and RP gamers. Presentation of roleplaying styles, discussion of GM's that encourage role playing. All ages, all experience levels welcome.
Planewalker.com, the premiere Planescape fan site, invites you to help us create plot lines, story arcs, and module ideas to continue the Planescape setting with Planewalker downloads. Bring your brain.
Everyone who wants to run an RPG has to either build a campaign world, or pick up one that someone else has built for them. But even after you have a wolrd built, you have to learn how to manage it and the denizens that inhabit it, from players to NPCs to monsters. We'll discuss how to build governments, control faction, manage players, build religions and histories into your world for a richer playing environment, one that is built from scratch or picked up out of a book.
Familiar with Shadowrun? Think you know it all? Have no idea what itâs about? "Whose Run Is It Anyway?" returns for it's second hilarious year! A sick and twisted GM will call on the audience to give him humorous/twisted/evil ideas and then everyone can watch the players try to squirm their way to survival. Laugh, have fun, then shout off an idea to make it even better. Prizes awarded.
The chance to ask our panel of renowned sculpting professionals anything. They will discuss how they got started, how they deal with clients, and how they market their work. Panelists TBA.
The chance to ask our panel of renowned miniature painting professionals anything. They will discuss how they got started, how they deal with clients, and how they market their work. Panelists TBA.
Join the creators of True Dungeon (tm) for a fun-filled meeting where all the secrets of this year's module are revealed. You can learn how your group stacks up against other teams, and have the chance to ask any questions. A Q & A will follow where you will get the chance to have input on the next True Dungeon(tm) adventure. Free admission.
"Order of the Stick" creator Rich Burlew heads a panel of content contributors and website staff to talk about the future of the popular gaming/comics website, www.GiantITP.comâand how you can be a part of it! (Or not, really, it's your call.)
The Bad A** Girl Gamers of Team Iuz would like to invite everyone to our seminar where we will focus on female gamers in a D&D 3.5 setting. Girls get involved! Guys, bring your girlfriends! Donât know how? Then come and join us at GenCon Indy 2006 where we will cover topics ranging from breaking stereotypes, integrating more females to your group, and basic character creation and backstories. Weâll see you there!
Want to know whatâs up with Classic BattleTech? Or whatâs going on in the Jihad? And what about those rumors of new Classic BattleTech fiction? Hear those answers and all about the latest products and plot developments that we have planned!
An old joke goes âHow do you make a small fortune in the gaming industry? Start with a large fortune.â Self publishing is risky, but a solid business plan can make the difference between losing a fortune and making a living. Learn what makes a good business plan, from a professional game company. Presented by The Game Mechanics.
Ever have a really good idea for a new ruleâbut it flopped when you tried it in your campaign? Learn the d20 design secrets the professional game designers use, and how those secrets can improve your d20 System game ⦠or help you get your foot in the door as a freelance game designer. Free CD of d20 design guides. Presented by The Game Mechanics.
âThat movie would make a great RPG!â Every gamer says it, but not many know how to make it happen. The Game Mechanics invite you to learn how to identify themes, tropes, and character archetypes, and how to translate those to successful d20 System campaigns.
Having trouble making your d20 spells work? Too weak or too strong? Want some help and advice? This seminar is for you! Come talk about d20 spell design and Sean's book How To Build Spells. The seminar includes a mini-workshop where the entire group grinds through some problem spells suggested by attendees.
Having trouble pricing your d20 magic items? Too weak or too strong? Formulas giving strange results? Want some help and advice? This seminar is for you! Come talk about d20 magic item design and Sean's book How To Price Magic Items. The seminar includes a mini-workshop where the entire group grinds through some problem items suggested by attendees.
WOW is a very well-designed game, and it has a lot of elements and ideas that DMs and game designers can loot for D&D. Let's discuss ways that WOW can help improve your D&D campaign ... and maybe even the D&D game itself!
Join the creators of Spycraft in this open seminar discussing all things Crafty. For the nitty gritty on the premiere modern roleplaying game's newest releases, as well as its deepest mysteries, this is your ultimate destination!
Your annual opportunity to meet with the Green Ronin staff and participate in a Q&A about our recent releases, plans for the future, and special announcements we're holding onto just for GenCon.
Mutants & Masterminds creator and line developer Stephen Kenson will be on hand to talk about what's in the pipeline for the game line, answer questions, and receive feedback from you, the fans who have made Mutants & Masterminds the success it is today. This is your opportunity to shape the future of the game line with your input!
Agent-Gamer Productions invites you to join Austrian film grads Klaus Grünfeld and Maynard Gills for their limited screening of âHygiene and Youâ. The graduating film luminaries will be making their first American appearance to follow up their award winning film with a presentation and Q&A session. Lets give them a big Gen Con welcome, donât miss it.
Every GM has to improvise at some point. Come learn a collection of tips and tricks to help you manage when the players do something unexpected. The Instant GM tools work so well, you might start planning less for your games. Author of Instant GM from the RPGnow Best Sellers list.
So you want to write. Whatâs the best way to go about it? How do you snag the time each day? What about deadlines, family, friends, free time, discipline, and the tools youâll need? Our panelists explore these topics and more to help you figure out the right approach to writing for you. Panelists: Jean Rabe, Elizabeth Vaughan, Donald Bingle, Anton Strout
Weâll discuss the books: fiction, non-fiction, and ones on the craft of writing, that every author should read. Panelists: Elizabeth Vaughan, Chris Pierson, Donald Bingle, Jean Rabe
Donât starve your main character. Donât force your villain to drink the wrong vintage of wine with his macaroni and cheese. Little details like food help make your fiction real and add depth to your characters. In fantasy and science fiction, it can also reveal important information about climate and culture. Panelists: Daniel Myers, Chris Pierson, Elizabeth Vaughan, Brad Beaulieu
And make them suffer and die, too. There is an art to portraying death and suffering that can add realism and emotion. Learn how to write about your characterâs imminent demise without crossing the line in the realms of morbid, gross, boring, and toomuchinformation. Panelists: Brad Beaulieu, Chris Pierson, Tim Waggoner, Steve Schend
A panel of two teams of 3 people will be given items to write a story about. Each member of the team will be given less than 2 minutes to write a story that will have to contain 3 specific items in it. Each subsequent writer will have to add to the story using an additional 3 items in the story line.
Join us for a discussion of what you can do as a player, GM, or gamer in general to ensure that your next session is awful! From showing up late to the game without your character sheet to railroading your players into situations that only a pet NPC can save them from, our presenters will cover it all followed by a Q&A session. Of course you could use this knowledge to learn what to avoid and how to improve your games, but what fun would that be?
Join the creators of Spycraft in this open seminar discussing all things Crafty. For the nitty-gritty on the premiere modern roleplaying game's newest releases and deepest mysteries, this is your ultimate destination!
Learn the basics of how to GM or refine your existing skills. Some of the topics to be discussed are campaign and scenario design, time management and dealing with problem players.
While every group may have a GM, not every group has a leader! Join this discussion to learn how you can take your game to the next level through proven leadership techniques. Weâll discuss the elements of leadership, common misconceptions, the difference between leadership and authority, and why good leaders arenât afraid to let go of the reins. The focus is on how leadership relates to gaming, but youâll learn tips that go beyond being a GM!
Learn from the best in fantasy and gaming art about getting started and making a career from your passion. Also, get a copy of Wreaking Havoc: How to Create Fantasy Warriors and Wicked Weapons signed by the authors. Panel features: William OâConnor (D&D 4th ed.), Jim Pavelec (WoTC, AEG), Chuck Lucaks (AEG, Magic the Gathering, D&D) and Chris Seaman (WoTC, AEG).
Independent Publishing: the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly!
Description:
Considering various publishing paths? Join C.S. Marks for the perils, pitfalls and perks of 'going indie'! Topics include: --Why go indie? Is it an option for you? --What to expect: the 'up'side and the 'down'side. --The mechanics of 'going indie'. --Traps and Pitfalls: things we MUST avoid. --Marketing options: all writers need them! Everyone welcome, including published authors (indie or otherwise), aspiring authors...anyone wishing to learn or share.
Join us as we discuss many of the issues facing women in gaming today, including how our gaming styles differ from men, what roles we play within our gaming groups, issues of respect at the game table, and how to attract more women to gaming. The women convening this seminar have many years of combined knowledge in nearly every form of gaming and we want to hear from you. Be ready to participate in an active discussion. Bring your own topics!
Collegiate Association of Table Top Gamers: Introducing Ourselves to the Gaming Community
Description:
The Collegiate Association of Table Top Gamers wishes to introduce itself to the gaming community, recruit more college gaming clubs, and become acquainted with companies that would like to sponsor our philanthropic events. Come out to this seminar to learn about our organization, how we operate, and how easy it is to be a part. Question/Answer session will follow our presentation.
Join us for a panel discussion with Q&A time on balancing faith and gaming, gaming as a ministry, defending gaming from attacks, the use of evil and magic in games, and other topics on how to be both a Christian and a gamer. Learn about the Christian Gamers Guild at our website.
The Russian Navy - It's Still There, and Modernizing
Description:
Russian Seapower. Naval policies, doctrines. Industrial base, geographical situation, technological capability, national tradition, and political resolve. Procurement from foreign sources. Platforms and systems.
The Red Chinese Threat - Scarier This Year Than Last
Description:
What is the Politburo's policy with regard to its neighbors? What aggressive aspirations might they have in the longer term? How are the PLA, PLAN, and PLAAF armed today, and how might they be armed in the future?
DoD professionals with long experience in the field will discuss what motivates Islamic terrorism, what groups are involved, what governments support it, and what can be done in response.
Dieppe - "Too Big for a Raid, Too Small for an Invasion."
Description:
Of the 6,000 men involved, over 4,000 became casualties. Was it poor planning, bad luck or incompetence? Did politics, ambition or overconfidence lead to disaster on the beaches of France?
Online Components for Your Campaign - Blogs & Wikis
Description:
This is a seminar discussing how a GM can use free resources on the web to enrich his or her campaign. Specifically, I'll discuss and show examples of blogs and wikis being used in an ongoing game.
Come enjoy an open forum with the folks from Pinnacle Entertainment Group. Shane Hensley, creator of Deadlands and Savage Worlds, Pinnacleâs President Simon Lucas, and others will be on hand to talk about up-coming releases and to take questions from the crowd. And just like last year, Shane may even let slip a secret or two.
Do you love steampunk, clockworks, warforged, and the gritty adventures that go with it? Come talk to Wolfgang Baur, the designer of the Zobeck steampunk setting of Open Design, and meet patrons of the Open Design community. This event will also serve as the Open Design meetup, and an opportunity for patrons to discuss what they want from upcoming projects. Help shape the release schedule for Open Design in 2008 and 2009.
MHE Seminar - How to Become a Professional Miniature Sculptor
Description:
Our panel of renowned sculpting professionals answer all your questions and discuss how they started, how they deal with miniatures companies, and how they market themselves.
MHE Seminar - How to Become a Professional Miniature Painter
Description:
Our panel of renowned painting professionals answer your questions and discuss how they started, deal with clients, market themselves, and how they take advantage of various Internet technologies, including Ebay.
Join Sean Preston and Stacy Young of Reality Blurs as they discuss current and upcoming projects and riff on world building and approaches to game design.
Haunted Bed & Breakfasts in Indiana and around the country
Description:
Join us for a look at the best haunted bed & breakfasts in the country. Weâll discuss the stories and examine some of the evidence. Are some more hype then haunt? What are your chances of having a ghostly encounter there? Letâs find out!
An examination of the âprosâ in the world of reality TV ghost hunting and video. Letâs critique their performance as we watch everything from zany to serious video clips from their hit shows.
Electronic Voice Phenomina is a method of verbal communication with ghosts. Find out about EVP and how ghost hunters use it to find evidence. Many Indiana EVPs will be played and we'll review how these are gathered, analyzed and presented.
Started in 2002, the Indie RPG Awards recognize the drive and passion of independent roleplaying game designers and the year's best indie games. The presentation of the awards also includes a brief overview of what happened in indie roleplaying during 2007 and projections for the future.
Interested in submitting art or articles to the Kobold Quarterly RPG magazine? Come to this seminar, meet the editor, and learn who, what, when, where and how! Periodicals are a great way to break into the game design world, and Kobold Quarterly is the leading magazine for gamers.
The various types of submarines and their missions. Submarine and anti-submarine doctrine, platforms, sensors, weapons and tactics. Presented by a veteran submariner and an ASW coordinator.
Small Press Game Design & Publishing Crash Course: Layout & Art
Description:
Matt and John talk about layout and art design for indie RPGs. Matt Snyder is the author of Dust Devils and Nine Worlds. John Harper is the author of Agon. Each hour long panel is part of the day long seminar Small Press Game Design & Publishing Crash Course.
Small Press Game Design & Publishing Crash Course: Production (HTML, PDF, POD, Print)
Description:
Luke and Fred talk about various forms of digital and analog production for indie RPGs. Luke Crane is the author of Burning Wheel, Burning Empires and the Mouse Guard RPG. Fred Hicks is the coauthor of Spirit of the Century, and the author of Don't Rest Your Head. Each hour long panel is part of the day long seminar Small Press Game Design & Publishing Crash Course.
Small Press Game Design & Publishing Crash Course: Marketing & Play
Description:
John and Judd talk about marketing small press RPGS. John Stavropolous is the VP of Digital Marketing at Nettwerk Media. Judd Karlman is the cohost of Sons of Kryos Podcast and the author of The Dictionary of Mu. Each hour long panel is part of the day long seminar Small Press Game Design & Publishing Crash Course.
Small Press Game Design & Publishing Crash Course: Money
Description:
Ralph and Fred talk about money handling and small press RPGs. Ralph Mazza is the coauthor of Universalis and the author of Blood Red Sands. Fred Hicks is the coauthor of Spirit of the Century and the author of Don't Rest Your Head. Each hour long panel is part of the day long seminar Small Press Game Design & Publishing Crash Course.
This event is the perfect opportunity to meet Skirmisher editors, authors, and artists, and to discuss what the company is doing now and what it has planned for the future. Subjects will include the company's Cthulhu Live 3rd Edition LARP, its d20 line, its self-standing books and games, and its miniatures rules based on the works of H.G. Wells. Previews and sample products provided to all attendees. Media and prospective contributors welcome.
Small Press Game Design & Publishing Crash Course: Theory and Philosophy
Description:
Emily and Ron talk about the theory and philosophy behind small press games publishing. Ron Edwards is the author of Sorcerer, Trollbabe, Elfs and Spione. Emily Care-Boss is the author of Breaking the Ice and Shooting the Moon. Each hour long panel is part of the day long seminar Small Press Game Design & Publishing Crash Course.
Small Press Game Design & Publishing Crash Course: Design
Description:
Jared and Luke talk about small press game design. Jared Sorensen is the author of Inspectres, Lacuna Pt 1 and OctaNe. Luke Crane is the author of Burning Wheel, Burning Empires and the Mouse Guard RPG. Each hour long panel is part of the day long seminar Small Press Game Design & Publishing Crash Course.
Small Press Game Design & Publishing Crash Course: Playtesting
Description:
Luke and Paul talk about the playtesting process for Indie game designers. Luke Crane is the author of Burning Wheel, Burning Empires and the Mouse Guard RPG. Paul Czege is the author of My Life with Master. Each hour long panel is part of the day long seminar Small Press Game Design & Publishing Crash Course.
Small Press Game Design & Publishing Crash Course: Writing
Description:
Vincent and Robin talk about writing an indie RPG. Vincent Baker is the author of Dogs in the Vineyard and In a Wicked Age. Robin Laws is a respected and prolific writer and game designer. His best-known work includes the role playing games Over the Edge, Feng Shui, Hero Wars, and Jack Vance's The Dying Earth Roleplaying Game. Each hour long panel is part of the day long seminar Small Press Game Design & Publishing Crash Course.
Small Press Game Design & Publishing Crash Course: Editing
Description:
Thor and Alexander talk about editing small press RPGs. Thor Olvasrud is the editor for Burning Wheel and Archaia Studios Press. Alexander Newman is a technical editor at Google. Each hour long panel is part of the day long seminar Small Press Game Design & Publishing Crash Course.
Tracy Hickman (Dragonlance author and game designer) and Curtis Hickman (Professional magician and game player) presents radical player techniques which one designer of Third Edition D&D said threatened gaming itself! Learn both player and gamemaster techniques designed to put fun and adventure back in your games (and drive bad DMs and players wild) in this riotous seminar based on their upcoming book.
From the worlds between the pages of your favorite book… to adventures teetering on the edge of the dice… join Tracy and Laura Hickman on a voyage beyond imagination! Get the inside answers on the Dragonlance Movie and the new Weis & Hickman series. Hear about Tracy and Laura’s latest novels and games then listen to a reading from a not-yet-published work… recorded live to be podcast on the internet that same night!
So what does it take to be a writer—whether it's a part-time gig or a full-time job? Just what does it take to make the dream a reality? We will also tackle the topics of family, friends, time, marriage, discipline and deadlines. Panelists: Jean Rabe, Elizabeth Vaughan, Chris Pierson, John Helfers, Don Bingle
Want to write a page-turner? A sizzling suspense yarn? An edge-of-your-seat thriller? Our panelists provide a lesson in nail biting. Panelists: Richard Lee Byers, Tim Waggoner, Jean Rabe, Luke Johnson
Horror writers and editors teach you how to send shivers down your readers' spines. You don't need to write in the horror genre to throw a good scare or three into your story. Panelists: Richard Lee Byers, Luke Johnson, Tim Waggoner, Linda Baker
Writers’ Symposium—Worldbuilding: In other words
Description:
What do calots, lembas, Moradin, and Kakrafoon have in common? They are all words from fictional languages used as background detail in books or games. The panelists will discuss the ways authors and game designers use fictional languages to make their worlds more real, and will reveal their tricks and techniques for making up new languages. Panelists: Tim Waggoner, John Helfers, Daniel Myers, Elizabeth Vaughan, Linda Baker
Writers’ Symposium—Worldbuilding: What to eat on the planet Kriznak
Description:
Harry Potter has his pumpkin juice, and Whorf has his gagh. Just because the food isn't real doesn't mean it can't be realistic. Learn how to give your world more flavor. Whether your characters are in a medieval fantasy or a rollicking space opera, they will appreciate a decent meal. Panelists: Daniel Myers, Kerrie Hughes, Elizabeth Vaughan, Tim Waggoner, Steven Schend, Linda Baker