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 have included: Jamey Stegmaier (SM Games) Michael Lee (Panda GM) Lance Myxter (Undead Viking Reviews) 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 (Backerkit) Dan Halstad (League of Nonsensical Gamers) Jonathan Liu (Geek Dad) Allison Chase (Quartermaster Logistics), and many more. Come see the new faces for this year as we discuss the evolving world of Kickstarter.
1948, a Year of Big Changes: 75th Anniversary, National Security Decision Making (NSDM) Panel
Summary:
Panel discusses year of "big deal" stuff that shapes us: Tojo et. Al. executed adds closure to WW2, but Cold War firming, Berlin, Koreas; Gandhi assassination/India; Israel formed, war. NSDM staff.
Description:
Stuff happens, especially in 1948. 75th Anniversary of a year of "big deal stuff, panel reviews key events that continue to shape the world today. Gandhi assassination, India breaking from UK, Tokyo war crimes trials & executions, Alger Hiss/Whitaker Chambers and communist hunting, Truman beat Dewey, Israeli Declaration of Independence, First Arab-Israeli War, Czechoslovakia goes communist, Marshall plan passed, Berlin blockade and airlift, Voice of America jammed, World Health Organization formed, Treaty of Brussels (precursor to NATO), Tito-Stalin split, Malayan Emergency, South and North Korea established, Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Panel discussion by the National Security Decision Making Game staff, featuring Merle Robinson, lead designer and retired DoD analyst, and Captain Mark McDonagh, USN/Ret. formerly at the Naval War College.
A Board Game Creator's Guide to Creating Your Space on TikTok
Summary:
TikTok is one big game and just like any good game, you need a solid strategy if you want to win! Join some of #boardgametiktok's biggest names as we share about everything we've learned so far!
Description:
Are you a small TikTok creator looking to grow your following? Maybe you're a brand or publisher looking to reach a new audience? Or maybe you've always wanted to make content but don't know where to start? If you said yes to any of these, this event is for you! Come join a panel discussion with some of #boardgametiktok's most well known creators, like Kasey from @brain_in_a_jar, Alex from @boredboardgames, and Grant from @grantsgamerecs! These awesome creators with more than 500k followers between them will be sharing their tips, tricks, and best practices to help you navigate the new world of TikTok and become your niche's next big thing!
A crash course for game designers and publishers on game manufacturing. Tips on component choices and the production process. Ideas for running your crowd-funding campaign will be up for discussion.
Description:
Are you a game designer looking to get your game published? Are you just interested in the ins and outs of the board game industry? Join the team from Panda Game Manufacturing for a behind the scenes look at game manufacturing.
Luke Crane—designer of Burning Wheel, Mouse Guard, Torchbearer—presents a theory of design for roleplaying games.
Description:
In the past five years, while teaching game design at NYU, Mr Crane has developed a set of concepts for analyzing and discussing RPGs from the point of view of the designer, rather than the player or game master. His hope is to create a common language of design which will facilitate productive dialogue, as well as provide tools for new designers and allow educators to more easily convey important ideas about the medium.
As an Art Director and Illustrator at FASA Games, lets discuss the impact of this new technology on the industry, as well as how the industry has been impacted and dealt with technology in the past.
Description:
I am not trying to debate the legalities of the sourcing. I am hoping to discuss how the new tech will shape how game companies are likely to move forward with this, and in my opinion, how artists may be affected by the decisions that the industry makes.
What was the inspiration for Battle Cards? Will Fiblthp ever be totally found? Questions like these will be answered by Magic: The Gathering's Principal Game Designer, Gavin Verhey!
How we can move forward to allow more space accommodations for those with disabilities, as well as for companies to consider whether their games reach all audiences equitably?
Description:
When you come to conventions, you will find all types of demographics and range of players in one space with the goal to have fun with friends, family or sometimes by themselves. However, there is a population of individuals that are often forgotten. In this discussion, we are going to explore what accessibility and inclusion have in common and how they differ. We are going to talk about disability accessibility and how we can transfer these tools and learn how to modify and adapt popular games so that all individuals in and outside the industry can be more aware of the changes we still need to do to have everyone be welcomed.
As the games industry is constantly changing and growing, accessibility in gaming has become a major topic. Panelists share their experiences and offer solutions for change.
Description:
Join Hero Forge and other industry experts to discuss everything from adaptive tech and thoughtful design, to raising awareness about ergonomic standards helping gamers with our perpetually aching spines! Accessibility is a broad topic, and this lively panel will share personal stories while empowering audience members with current accessible games and tech, as well as some new habits all die-hard gamers can use.
American Revolution, Land & Naval Strategy 1775-1783
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American Revolution, Land & Naval Strategy 1775-1783, Sinews of War#3. Examines land & naval strategies on five fronts: Europe, India, East Indies, West Indies, Americas. By Merle Robinson, NSDM staff
Description:
American Revolution, Land & Naval Strategy 1775-1783, Sinews of War#3. Capstone examination of the land and naval strategies of this "American" war including all five fronts of the conflict (Europe, India, East Indies, West Indies, & all of the Americas). Focus is on historical goals, overall capabilities, national factions & their perspectives. Explores the preconceptions/fallacies held by participants that impacted events, factual/counterfactual choices & challenges. Discusses the military campaigns in each theater, lightly delving into battlefield tactics & addresses the impact of sheer luck on the outcomes. Presented by Merle Robinson, retired DoD analyst on the National Security Decision Making Game (NSDMG) staff. NSDMG presentations have been enjoyed by more than 30K attendees since 1990, at GenCon, Origins, DragonCon & other gaming, government & educational venues.
American Revolution, Rebels & Redcoats 1774-1781, Sinews of War#1. Examines levers of power used by Colonials, England, Allies, mercenaries in 1st stage of conflict. Merle Robinson of the NSDM staff.
Description:
American Revolution, Rebels & Redcoats 1774-1781, Sinews of War#1. Examination of the critical levers of power used by Colonials, England, and their Allies and mercenaries through the first stage of the conflict in the colonies. Focus is on the diplomatic, intelligence, military & economics (DIME) of the conflict. Lecture covers how forces were financed, organized, trained, assembled, moved, supplied & commanded. This primarily addresses the land conflict in North America. Presented by Merle Robinson, retired DoD analyst on the National Security Decision Making Game (NSDMG) staff. NSDMG team presentations have been enjoyed by more than 30K attendees since 1990, at GenCon, Origins, DragonCon & other gaming, government & educational venues.
American Revolution, Worldwide War 1781-1783, Sinews of War#2. Examines levers of power used by France, Spain, Indigenous & International actors in 2nd stage of conflict. By Merle Robinson, NSDM staff
Description:
American Revolution, Worldwide War 1781-1783, Sinews of War#2. Examines the critical levers of power used all participants (e.g. France, Spain, Indigenous & International actors) through the 2nd stage of war in the colonies. This is when the colonial revolt became a World-Wide War. Discusses the stance & involvement of other world powers including Russia, Prussia, Austria, Netherlands & Ottomans. Focus is on the diplomatic, intelligence, military, & economics (DIME) of the conflict. Covers how forces were financed, organized, trained, assembled, moved, supplied & commanded. This primarily addresses land conflict in North America. By Merle Robinson, retired DoD analyst on the National Security Decision Making Game (NSDMG) staff. NSDMG presentations have been enjoyed by more than 30K attendees since 1990, at GenCon, Origins, DragonCon & other gaming, government & educational venues.
An "Infernal" Salon—A Fun, Low-Stakes Writing Workshop
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An interactive gaming and storytelling event with writers and game designers C. S. E. Cooney and Carlos Hernandez.
Description:
Join C. S. E. Cooney and Carlos Hernandez for a special interactive event. Each participant will be given a prompt of one or more cards from the very spooky deck that C. S. E. Cooney, Carlos Hernandez, and artist Rebecca Huston invented for their TTRPG, "Negocios Infernales." Once every writer has their prompt, they'll set a timer for 20 minutes. When the timer dings, the writers who want to will share their infernally-inspired works with all of us! This dymanic team has run Infernal Salons at cons, charity events, and libraries, and without fail, much revelry and fun is had by all. If you're looking for your next story idea or a way to shatter writer's block, have we got a salon for you! Track: GCWS Event.
Ask Me Anything Panel with Castle DMs and Special Guests
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Ask Mark Meer, Jason Charles Miller, Jason Azevedo, and Chris Lindsay about the premier D&D vacation event. Past White Wolf Publishing president, Mike Tinney will moderate the discussion.
Description:
Ask all your burning questions about D&D in a Castle - what is it like to play 24 hours of D&D with a world-class DM in a luxurious setting? How does it feel to DM that much in a short span of time? The panel will feature several of our esteemed Dungeon Masters (DMs), as well as a member of our staff. The panel will be led by industry professional Mike Tinney as the master of ceremonies. This panel is your chance to unveil the mystery behind the premier D&D vacation: D&D in a Castle.
Gabrielle Harbowy and James Farner are on agent paths at two different literary agencies. What's that like? Join them for a chat, as they discuss and take your questions!
Do you struggle to craft backstories that feel compelling, avoid tropes, and connect you to the game's world? Learn to craft backstories that really bring your character to life.
Description:
Backstories aren't just for Player Characters--important NPCs need them, too. This is for players, GMs, and people who just enjoy world building and character crafting! We'll cover some classic backstory tropes--why they're so easy to fall back on, and a variety of ways ranging from simple to complex to turn tropes to your advantage, or to come up with something entirely different without having to start from scratch. We'll also learn why it's useful to build your character into the world, what makes that hard, and why it can make for an amazing experience.
BPI has been in a state of transition. The company management would like to address the fans of our products directly.
Description:
We will discuss the current state of undelivered titles as well as new products that are in production and the direction the company will be taking moving forward.
Sit down with the Designers and Writers of Project Black Flag from Kobold Press. Ask your questions about the process of streamlining, designing, and creating a new core fantasy roleplaying game.
Description:
Host: Dot Steverson Panelist: Wolfgang Baur (CEO), Celeste Conowitch (Lead Game Designer), Alexander Stangroom (COO), Thomas Reid (Editorial Director), and Sarah Madsen (Freelance Writer)
This panel will go over red flags to look out for, tips to keep yourself safe, making trans characters in a tabletop game, media good trans representation, and other related topics.
Description:
Traversing nerd culture can be difficult at the best of times but being transgender can add a whole new layer of difficulties. From gatekeepers to bigots to elitists there is a lot of uncertain ground to cover. This panel will go over red flags to look out for, tips to keep yourself safe, making trans characters in a tabletop game (for our cis friends), streams/podcasts/shows with good trans representation, and other related topics.
Black Lace and Candles: The Future of Gothic Fiction
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Writers discuss current directions in the gothic fiction genre.
Description:
The darkness of the soul, the black and lace aesthetic, the contemplation during midnight hours, the dash across the wind-swept moors: all of these elements have been part of the gothic genre, but what does it mean today? From Victorian gothic roots to southern gothic, non-Eurocentric gothic, and everything in between, join our panel of experts as they examine how this subgenre has permeated in books and pop culture in recent years, and what we can expect from it in the future. Panelists: Sarah Hans (moderator), Richard Lee Byers, Brandon O'Brien, Diana M. Pho. Track: GCWS Genre.
Join paranormal podcaster, Bob Anderson of Bob After Dark, as he shares his experiences, tells some ghost stories, listens and gives feedback on your encounters.
Have you ever felt that you couldn't cosplay because of your body type? Or because you're a person of color? This encouraging panel goes over, and helps remove the stigmas and hesitations.
Description:
In this panel, we'll go over some of the hesitations people may have about cosplaying due to being a person of color, or because of their body type. Tips on how to brig out your best features, improve your confidence, and help people see that cosplay is indeed for everyone.
Boston Tea Party as a root of the Revolution. The basis for event. What were the causes, what happened that night, and what were the consequences. Capt. Mark McDonagh, USN/ret., on NSDM staff.
Description:
Roots of revolution: on the 250th anniversary of the 1773 Boston Tea Party, part of a multi-year National Security Decision Making Game staff lecture series on key events in the American Revolutionary War. This examines the Boston Tea Party, in context of events affecting American & English discontent with affairs in the colonies, including the outcome & aftermath of the French & Indian War (the Seven Years War), English policy of restricting westward expansion, Stamp Act, Townshend Acts, Tea Act & other taxes. Lecture will go on to discuss the escalating violence in Boston in particular, the conditions that led to the Tea Party, the Tea Party itself, & the outcome in terms of the direction that Anglo-American affairs took. Presented by Capt. Mark McDonagh, USN/ret., with 12 years' experience at the Naval War College, on the National Security Decision Making Game staff.
Bringing Dragonlance and the Forgotten Realms to Organized Play
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From the misty isles of the Moonshaes and the shrouded upper plateau of Thay to the soaring Tower of High Sorcery in Palanthus, join the Baldman Games story leads as they discuss OP.
Description:
From the misty isles of the Moonshaes and the shrouded upper plateau of Thay to the soaring Tower of High Sorcery in Palanthus, join the Baldman Games story leads as they discuss capturing the feel of different worlds and different stories all while staying true to the Adventurer's League open play concept.
Daniel "Doc" Myers teaches techniques for building a fictional language from the ground up.
Description:
Just a few snippets of a fictional language can add a lot of depth to a story. However, for someone without experience in linguistics, it can be a daunting task to create something that is plausible and isn’t just a code superimposed upon existing grammar. In this seminar, experienced worldbuilder Daniel "Doc" Myers will provide a step-by-step method for constructing a fictional language. Track: GCWS Classroom.
Building exciting & functional cities for your TTRPG games can be daunting. Join some of the best minds from Kobold Press as they discuss creating vibrant cities and towns for your games.
Description:
Moderator: Erik Frankhouse Panelist: Wolfgang Baur, Celeste Conowitch, Alexander Stangroom, Sarah Madsen
Building Character: Introducing Kobold's Tales of the Valiant & Eldritch Foundry's Custom Mini Maker
Summary:
Design experts from Kobold Press & Eldritch Foundry offer a character creation crash course; walk away with a FREE character sheet & resin mini perfect for the TotV playtests running all weekend long.
Description:
Tales of the Valiant (aka Project Black Flag) is an exciting new TTRPG system in final public playtest at Gen Con, and the folks from Kobold Press and Eldritch Foundry are here to walk you through character creation from conception to character sheet to custom physical miniature. We'll talk design philosophy, power selection, and more as we build one of the 6 playtest characters before your eyes, while showing you how to use Eldritch Foundry's free web-based mini maker to bring that creation to life on your table. Learn how TotV and EF compare to other systems; see how we’ve made character creation intuitive, epic, and cool. Each attendee receives a resin miniature and character sheet, usable at any of the TotV playtests running all weekend long.
Building Character: Introducing Kobold's Tales of the Valiant & Eldritch Foundry's Custom Mini Maker
Summary:
Design experts from Kobold Press & Eldritch Foundry offer a character creation crash course; walk away with a FREE character sheet & resin mini perfect for the TotV playtests running all weekend long.
Description:
Tales of the Valiant (aka Project Black Flag) is an exciting new TTRPG system in final public playtest at Gen Con, and the folks from Kobold Press and Eldritch Foundry are here to walk you through character creation from conception to character sheet to custom physical miniature. We'll talk design philosophy, power selection, and more as we build one of the 6 playtest characters before your eyes, while showing you how to use Eldritch Foundry's free web-based mini maker to bring that creation to life on your table. Learn how TotV and EF compare to other systems; see how we’ve made character creation intuitive, epic, and cool. Each attendee receives a resin miniature and character sheet, usable at any of the TotV playtests running all weekend long.
Writer Sandra Tayler teaches techniques to holistically engage your community of readers.
Description:
There is tremendous power in a devoted fanbase, it is a gift and a responsibility. In this workshop, join author Sandra Tayler as she discusses things you can do to encourage a community to build around your own work, making connections between your readers, and why it is far more important to give than to ask. Track: GCWS Classroom.
Building a Better Hand Puppet - Tips and Techniques
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The internet is filled with patterns & pictures of fleecy friends, but if you want to build your own characters, you need an approach that that gives you strong results & makes your puppet expressive.
Description:
Puppets are not sculptures, they need to move! Building a puppet that moves well, stays light, and won’t break is the real key. We will look at the function of each part of the puppet, and then explore some tried and true ways that I have been building puppets for decades. Greg Ballora will emphasize taking a drawing and creating an easy blueprint that leads to success! For more than 30 years, Greg has been a Los Angeles-based puppet builder & performer. He has puppeteered with the Muppets, Henson’s Puppet Up, & was the Puppet Captain on Disney’s Crash & Bernstein. Greg has also been a Puppet Master for the Disneyland Resort, building puppets, training puppeteers, teaching students & creating parade choreography for puppets & large floats. Greg has taught puppet construction & performance at UCLA, Pepperdine University, Penn State & Cal Arts.
We've run over three dozen RPG Kickstarter projects over the last three years. Join us as we discuss best practices for the new and semi-new creators. Q&A to follow.
We've ran over three dozen RPG Kickstarter projects over the last three years. Join us as we discuss best practices for the new and semi-new creators. Q&A to follow.
But This is How I Write: When and How to Talk to Editors About Voice
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Writers discuss when and how to stand up for one's personal style.
Description:
When an editor suggests changing something that is true to your culture or writing style, how do you decide when to argue for your version without ignoring good advice? Join our panel of expert writers and editors as they discuss developing healthy working relationships with editors, softening barriers in the publishing industry, standing up for your voice, and knowing when to listen. Panelists: Brady McReynolds (moderator), Matt Forbeck, Sarah Hans, Karen Menzel. Track: GCWS Editing.
Join designers, authors, and other creators from across the long history of the Forgotten Realms—from Ed Greenwood on down to today—to discuss their origins, past, present, and possible futures.
They actually gave us this panel! A 30-minute Careful Cantrip Meet & Greet. A place for the Trippers to finally unite! Do you have no idea who we are or what we do? Come find out! All are welcome!
Description:
Featuring cast members: DM Dave, Rayna Rai & Dead Aussie Gamer
The story is generally told to stress drama or harangue over reactors, loose with facts. This gives the physics & engineering. Capt. Mark McDonagh, physicist, retired nuclear sub officer, NSDM staff.
Description:
What really happened at Chernobyl? What we see in miniseries and documentaries largely steers clear of technical details, or worse, was written by someone overly fond of exploring the drama but clueless on the physics, nuclear engineering and radiological details. Then there are activists, often clueless as well, who exaggerate the description of the damage and the potential consequences to their own ends. This lecture attempts to separate the science, engineering and actual facts from the drama and activist demagoguery. It describes the Chernobyl reactor design, including its advantages and its vulnerabilities in light of other nuclear reactor mishaps. It goes on to describe what went wrong and why. Presented by Capt. Mark McDonagh, USN/ret., a former nuclear submarine officer and physicist with 12 years' experience at the Naval War College, now on the NSDMG staff.
Writers discuss the importance of reading children's speculative fiction.
Description:
Despite their marketing, children's books are often loaded with difficult themes and powerful messages that resonate with readers older than what may be the target audience. Join our expert panel of writers as they discuss why everyone should read children's speculative fiction. Panelists: George Jreije (moderator), Erin M. Evans, Mary Fan, Jerry Gordon. Track: GCWS Genre.
Choosing Your Path: Writing Games for Player Agency
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Game writers discuss choices and techniques for crafting interactive narrative.
Description:
Not sure how many dialog options should you provide your player in a conversation? Debating the benefits and drawbacks of large-scale choices in your narrative? Interested in procedurally generated narrative, but unsure if it's right for your game? Join our panel of experts as they unpack what tools in the toolbox are most useful for any interactive narrative experience. Panelists: Jennifer Allaway (moderator), Kelli Fitzpatrick, Grace P. Fong, Mostafa Haque, Bryan Young. Track: GCWS Game Narrative.
Join us for a discussion on the intricacies of gaming as followers of Jesus. This will be a Q&A style panel with the majority of time spent responding to questions from the attendees of the event.
Description:
Come and enjoy a Q&A session to help Christians gain discernment as we participate in the gaming community. Enjoy tips and ideas for hosting game nights, figuring out your own boundaries, building healthy relationships with gaming, etc.
Game writers discuss nuances of collaboration - including their real world experiences - in game design.
Description:
Most writing requires collaboration, but how does this manifest in the worlds of game design? Join our panel of gamewriters as they discuss. Panelists: Toiya Kristen Finley (moderator), Jeremy Bernstein, Jordan Jones-Brewster, Gabrielle Harbowy. Track: GCWS Game Narrative.
Join the Baldman Games story leads as they discuss the challenges and triumphs of creating adventures for the shared worlds of Forgotten Realms and Dragonlance in D&D Adventurers League.
Description:
Join the Baldman Games story leads as they discuss the challenges and triumphs of creating adventures for the shared worlds of Forgotten Realms and Dragonlance in D&D Adventurers League.
So you want to be a community manager? In this session, you will learn what it takes to build your own community or take your first step into a career in games as a community manager.
Description:
Community Management is an increasingly important profession not just in the gaming industry, but in the larger corporate world. Companies like Facebook, Apple, and more have community managers, but the role originated in the gaming industry. What exactly does a community manager do? What skills might you need? In this session, experienced community managers and industry professionals will break down all the details for an often misunderstood position at gaming companies.
Writers discuss techniques and considerations for broadening the spectra of intimacy in fiction.
Description:
Writing intimate scenes goes far beyond sexuality when incorporating elements such as physical closeness, emotional intimacy, sensuality, consent, ace-spec dynamics, trauma, and shared experiences. Join our panel of writers as they discuss more comprehensive elements of how to write a compelling and impactful intimate scene. Panelists: Jennifer Allaway (moderator), Erin M. Evans, Sarah Hans, Gini Koch. Track: GCWS Writing.
Do you want to create production-quality videos and live streams for your puppet characters? We're here to help!
Description:
Have you ever wanted to stream puppetry content live, or build yourself a humble (or not-so-humble) home studio setup? The folks from the Gen Con Puppetry Program are here to help you figure out cameras, lighting, monitors, workflows, streaming software, you name it for your puppet productions! Bring questions, we've got answers!
Copyrights and Wrongs: Lessons from OGL 1.1 to Blood & Honey
Summary:
We will cover recent popular events in Intellectual Property (IP) law—including D&D's abandoned Open Gaming License 1.1 and Winnie-the-Pooh Blood and Honey movie—as teachable moments for designers.