Learning Bitcoin through Games - A Gameschooling Case Study
Summary:
Curious how to incorporate games into eduction? Learn how to make it work with this interactive session with the designer/author as he walks through his game/book journey.
Description:
The game designer and author of the accompanying lesson plan book will start the session with an overview of gameschooling. Then he will dive into an overview of the game, why he created it, and how it helps teach critical concepts simply through play. Lastly, the session will wrap up with Q&A.
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.
Dice are not fair; they cannot be manufactured precisely. However, some dice are fairer than others. See the latest dice testing information and a dice mechanic that rolls fair with unfair dice.
Description:
No dice are fair because you cannot manufacture them with absolute geometrical precision. The closest we can come are D6 casino dice whose manufacture is controlled by Federal and state gaming laws. They are machined to within a few ten thousandths of an inch and the material of the pips (spots) has the same density as the body of the dice. In contrast, D20s are especially problematic, because it is difficult to precisely manufacture a perfect icosahedron. For this reason, we have focused on D20s. Though all dice are unfair, some are very close to fair, and some are not. Using tens of thousands of physical dice rolls, and billions of simulated dice rolls, we have studied several statistical methods for testing dice with special attention on the power of the test. We will also show you a dice mechanic that rolls fair even with unfair dice.
Poisons in Gaming/Literature: High Level Assassin Poisons
Summary:
A new, system-neutral presentation by a physician toxicologist on poisons invented or discovered in the last 100 years that have been used for murder with game/writing suggestions. 8th year at GenCon.
Poisons in Gaming/Literature: High Level Assassin Poisons
Summary:
A new, system-neutral presentation by a physician toxicologist on poisons invented or discovered in the last 100 years that have been used for murder with game/writing suggestions. 8th year at GenCon.
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 and concerns common among new Game Masters.
Description:
The primary goal of this seminar is to address the anxieties and concerns that are most common for new and novice gamemasters, but everyone is welcome regardless of your experience level. We will talk about fears, improvisation, safety tools, "session zero", preparation, and many other topics. This is a non game specific session, and will not focus on the mechanics of any particular game. This is all about all the other parts of GMing, which truth be told is actually 90% of what you do behind the screen. Bring your questions, bring a friend, but most importantly bring your imagination, an open mind, a sense of adventure, and a sense of humor.
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 and concerns common among new Game Masters.
Description:
The primary goal of this seminar is to address the anxieties and concerns that are most common for new and novice gamemasters, but everyone is welcome regardless of your experience level. We will talk about fears, improvisation, safety tools, "session zero", preparation, and many other topics. This is a non game specific session, and will not focus on the mechanics of any particular game. This is all about all the other parts of GMing, which truth be told is actually 90% of what you do behind the screen. Bring your questions, bring a friend, but most importantly bring your imagination, an open mind, a sense of adventure, and a sense of humor.
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 and concerns common among new Game Masters.
Description:
The primary goal of this seminar is to address the anxieties and concerns that are most common for new and novice gamemasters, but everyone is welcome regardless of your experience level. We will talk about fears, improvisation, safety tools, "session zero", preparation, and many other topics. This is a non game specific session, and will not focus on the mechanics of any particular game. This is all about all the other parts of GMing, which truth be told is actually 90% of what you do behind the screen. Bring your questions, bring a friend, but most importantly bring your imagination, an open mind, a sense of adventure, and a sense of humor.
Learn how starting a family game night can improve your relationships between parents and children. Additionally, learn about the lasting impact a family game night has on families.
Description:
Strategies and ideas for starting your own game night will be provided after the presentation. Presenters are Mark Lowe (Psychology Professor at Ivy Tech) and Chris Stier (Owner of Tier One Games).
How do copyrights, trademarks, and patents affect the world of gaming and content creation. From protecting your game to not stepping on toes with content creation, come learn about IP.
Description:
Intellectual Property touches all corners of the gaming world. Creators have a multitude of ways to protect their games from copying, while not closing off avenues of gaming from others. Content creators and game creators both straddle the line of fair use and infringement. Come learn how to protect your games and yourself in the vast world of IP and games.
Do your RPG sessions feel stiff or lifeless? Are you trying to take things to a higher level, but still feel stuck like you're playing a board game?
Description:
Come learn about conversational GMing - a way of injecting life into any tabletop RPG. A conversational approach is more natural than you might think, and enables much more fluid stories to be told. The game you're playing is irrelevant. You can make Conversational GMing a part of anything from D&D to Fiasco.
Do your RPG sessions feel stiff or lifeless? Are you trying to take things to a higher level, but still feel stuck like you're playing a board game?
Description:
Come learn about conversational GMing - a way of injecting life into any tabletop RPG. A conversational approach is more natural than you might think, and enables much more fluid stories to be told. The game you're playing is irrelevant. You can make Conversational GMing a part of anything from D&D to Fiasco.
Tabletop Media & You: What We Do, Why We Do It, And How To Use It
Summary:
A panel of media creators from both board games and tabletop RPG discussing how we got into our areas, how we work with publishers, and some of the challenges we deal with in the industry.
Description:
Featuring Charlie Hall (Tabletop Editor, Polygon), Lin Codega (Gizmodo/io9), Suzanne Sheldon (Master of Fireworks, Restoration Games), and Aaron Shanks (Marketing Director, Paizo Publishing). Q&A To Follow.
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.
You Can Make Anything With This: An Intro to Foamsmithing
Summary:
Learn the basics of why, when, and how to use EVA foam to create props, armor, and other creations from EVA foam!
Description:
EVA foam can be a cosplayer’s bread and butter: from armor to props, from leather to wigs, from feathers to leaves! In You Can Make Anything With This, you’ll learn the entire foamsmithing process from choosing foam to detailing and weathering, including tips on the best ways to get started and what you’ll need to buy. Includes lots and lots of hands-on examples so you can see for yourself the miraculous material!
Cosplay 101: What the heck is cosplay and how do I start?
Summary:
Want to get into cosplay but not sure how? Interested in making your own costumes, armor, or props but overwhelmed by the best way to learn? Learn what the heck it's all about at Cosplay 101!
Learn how to make a big prop that's safe for the con, light to carry, and will fit in your car!
Description:
Big props are one of the best parts of cosplay, but they can also be stressful to design and build, hard to carry around a con, and a tad risky at crowded events! At The WOW Factor, you’ll learn how to solve these problems and confidently tackle your big builds. Includes lots of examples and project walkthroughs!
Panelists give some basic tips about presenting the hobby in accessible ways, suggest that D&D might not be the game to attract everyone, and suggest classic starter RPGs.
Description:
Authors and panelist James D'Amato, Jef Aldrich, and Jon Taylor dive into classic starter RPGs like For the Queen, Fiasco, Ghost Court, Dread, Honey Heist, etc. and explain how to get friends into RPG and expand the community.
Journalist Linda Codega and a panel of experts (including Jim Butler and Ryan Dancey) break down what happened with the OGL 1.1 and the fan backlash around Wizards of the Coast.
Description:
From fan backlash to third party publishers, everyone had a reaction to the leaked OGL. This seminar will go over exactly what happened when, and why. It will focus on fandom, media response, and community movement, and dive a little bit into the history of the OGL, SRDs, and why the proposed January 2023 change was so hated. The group will also discuss how the backlash affected D&D--from books to movies to players' trust. Panelists currently include Ryan Dancey, one of the OGL 1.0's champions, Jim Butler, President and CEO of Paizo, and one of the original architects of the OGL, and Noah Downs, a lawyer who has extensive experience in the TTRPG industry.
Journalist Linda Codega and a panel of industry colleagues (including Charlie Hall, Chase Carter, Christian Hoffer, and Dan Arndt) discuss why gaming journalism is a critical part of the ecosystem.
Description:
Featuring journalists like Linda Codega (Staff Writer, io9/Gizmodo), Charlie Hall (Senior editor, Tabletop, Polygon), Chase Carter (Dicebreaker, Polygon), Christian Hoffer (ComicBook), Dan Arndt (Editor at Fandomentals) and possibly more, this panel will dive into why games journalism is important to the larger tabletop ecosystem, why games journalism is culture journalism, and give insight into how these writers got started. There will be time for a Q&A where people will be able to ask the journalists about their positions, work, and also get some pointers on how to get started in an increasingly shrinking media landscape.
Invitation to the Ball: A History of Ballroom Dance and Culture
Summary:
The masquerade ball is a classic trope of film & fantasy. Learn the culture and find out what makes a waltz Viennese, how to behave when the Duke asks you to dance, and why vampires love tango.
Description:
In this seminar, we will go over the history of partner dancing from the "chaste" dances of the middle ages to modern salsa and hustle. We will conclude with a discussion of how to use this information in writing and games.
Dinner & Dice Rolls - On Feeding your Adventuring Party
Summary:
This panel explores food's role in world-building and story development. Whether you're a writer, DM, or player, we'll help you go beyond the basic stew and brew with tips and free recipe cards!
A free-ranging discussion of the Traveller role-playing game rules system with system designer Marc Miller, covering concepts and philosophies of the Traveller rules. Will include a Q&A session.
A wide-ranging discussion of the Traveller universe with designer Marc Miller. He will cover the concepts and philosophies of Traveller, its background and history, including a Q&A session.
Secrets of the Traveller Universe Seminar with Marc Miller
Summary:
An intriguing discussion of where the Traveller universe came from and where it is going. Marc will cover the ideas to make adventures interesting and fun. Includes a Q&A session.
BBQ Dragon? Gelatinous Cube Aspic? This panel discusses how to cook and eat your favorite monsters. Join us for foodie fun and free recipe cards!
Description:
You've raided the dungeons. You've killed the monsters. What better way to celebrate than with a feast? In this panel, food blogger The Gluttonous Geek joins with other RPG foodies to discuss what fantasy creatures would taste like and how they would cook them -- starting with some favorites and then taking audience requests. Have your smartphone ready for FREE recipe cards via QR code!
Making the most of your cosplay budget, time, and skill level.
Description:
Between the Halloween store and the ultra-detailed screen-accurate showstopper lies... the vast majority of cosplay! Let's discuss how to plan your build to make the most of your budget, time, and skill level.
You've made your costume, you've registered for the competition... and now you have five minutes to explain it all to the judges??? That's where your documentation (aka "build book") comes in! Join us for a discussion of how to organize and present the story of your build in a clear and memorable way.
Mental Health in TTRPGs (And how safety tools help, not hinder)
Summary:
We will explore and talk about the mental health status in TTRPGs, and how it provides an outlet to those needing it.
Description:
This panel will include 5 panelists, and the support of Geek Therapeutics and will focus on the ways in which TTRPGs can positively impact mental health, as well as how the community can use safety tools to ensure that all players have a safe and enjoyable experience. In addition, we will explore how safety tools, such as lines and veils, are not meant to hinder the creative process, but instead provide a safe space for players to explore sensitive topics and to provide support if needed. The panel will provide a platform for open and honest discussions about mental health, and will help to raise awareness of the importance of mental wellness in the TTRPG community.
Among other Corvus Belli ambassadors, Carlos “Bostria” Llauger will host a presentation full of previews, announcements and insight information about INFINITY N4 and WARCROW Adventures.
The Kumano Kodō is 1 of only 2 UNESCO pilgrimage trails in the world, used since the 10th century by ascetics, samurai, emperors & monks. Learn the trail’s cultural history from someone who hiked it.
Description:
The Kumano Kodō is one of only two UNESCO-honored pilgrimage trails in the world, used since the 10th century for physical and spiritual journeys and helping to create a millennium of peaceful religious syncretism. Join a thousand years of ascetics, samurai, emperors, and monks to learn about the cultural history of this trail network from someone who has hiked it herself. We’ll discuss the historical context, the development of the trail network, the purpose of the pilgrimages and the resulting thousand years of religious syncretism, political implications, and how the trails can be experienced today.
Learn about a few of the amazing moments in Japan's long history—from the Genpei War to the Meiji Revolution, girl power to magical red cows, archery contests to smallpox. With illustrations & photos!
Description:
As the oldest monarchy in the world, Japan's had plenty of time for some amazing moments in history. Hear a few of the most important, most famous, or most fun—from the Genpei War to the Meiji Revolution, from girl power to magical red cows, from archery contests to smallpox—with illustrations, photos, ties to your favorite anime/manga, and plenty of geekery.
How did a hostage situation lead to the rise of Cup Noodles? Who were the Shitennou before they were Sailor Moon villains? Come pick up a few more intriguing stories and facts from Japanese history!
Description:
How did an earthquake lead to the development of ramen and a hostage situation to Cup Noodles? Who went "Gotta paste 'em all!" about religious stickers? Who were the Shitennou before they were Sailor Moon villains? What will you eat at a Buddhist temple, and why is it so good? Come pick up a few more intriguing stories and facts from Japanese history!
Welcome to the Jianghu: An Introduction to Chinese Fantasy Drama
Summary:
Cultural context can help you more fully enjoy Chinese cinema! We’ll cover the history of the wuxia & xianxia genres, Confucianism, censorship, fantasy tropes, Daoism, forms of address, recs, & more.
Description:
More than half the world’s TV dramas are produced in China, with some titles achieving international mainstream popularity. Don’t miss out on this global phenomenon! This overview of the wuxia and xianxia genres will give you the necessary background and cultural context to enjoy these hit films and TV shows to the fullest. We’ll cover topics from Confucianism to censorship, from fantasy tropes to forms of address–and throw in some of our recommendations as well!
The First Superhero: A History of The Scarlet Pimpernel
Summary:
Long before Zorro or Batman, a colorful crusader with a secret identity revolutionized the world of adventure fiction. Learn the origin story of this seminal hero and the woman who created him.
Description:
Plus, see rare antique Scarlet Pimpernel memorabilia from a local collector's archives!
Have you ever wondered samurai swords? Join ITK for a learning session about the history and art of these weapons!
Description:
We will be hosting a lecture on the art of the Nihonto - or traditionally made Japanese sword. We will discuss history, forms, features, and schools of Japanese sword smiths. This is a great opportunity to learn more about these fabled weapons, and even learn how to begin a collection of your own!
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.
Arid landscapes present a huge variety of scenes, interesting terrain, and challenging conditions. A GM/geologist highlights unusual story elements that can enliven your next desert adventure.
Description:
Desert landscapes are classic settings for adventures, yet they hold lots of unexplored potential for plot twists and gaming experiences. Even before adding fantastic elements to a desert setting, a GM can draw on a rich array of arid region landforms and natural processes to give distinctive environmental character to a campaign. We’ll talk about worse hazards than snakes, unexpected barriers to movement, and problems with too little and too much water. We’ll visit hogbacks, star dunes, badlands, rock windows, arroyos, hoodoos, and other weird spots. This session gives GMs, game designers, and writers (any genre) a chance to discuss story opportunities and gameplay factors with a GM/geologist. Scott Rice-Snow is author of 'Landscapes for Writers and Game Masters - Building Authentic Natural Terrain into Imagined Worlds', from McFarland Books.
Rivers are barriers, travel routes, and watering places. Place your players/readers in memorable river scenes! Examine their distinctive challenges with a GM/geologist.
Description:
This session is for GMs, game designers, and writers (any genre). Your adventurers make journeys on rivers, struggle to cross them, and seek them to sustain life (also maybe for a badly needed bath). See how your story can be enhanced by richly depicting one of the distinctive types of river channels, considering natural patterns of sandbars and islands, and incorporating tricks that currents and streambed erosion can play on unwary travelers. How does a river’s look and behavior change as you travel downstream? What interesting, game-changing terrain elements inhabit river floodplains? How are floods different from one river to another? Make each river scene memorable, with the help of a GM/geologist. Scott Rice-Snow is author of 'Landscapes for Writers and Game Masters - Building Authentic Natural Terrain into Imagined Worlds', from McFarland Books.
Intro To Cosplay Crafting - Prop Making and Makeup
Summary:
Join Valtir Faye, a talented cosplayer with experience in absolute transforming makeup techniques and styles, as well as unique prop crafting of varying skill levels of basic, to mind blowing.
Description:
Valtir Faye will guide a seminar on cosplay crafting, including tips and tricks on how to begin, develop and execute techniques used in makeup design for a cosplay and prop making. Having made anything from complex clothing to more simple styles, and the same goes for props, from small props using foam and other simple materials to fully functional bows. Valtir is a non-binary cosplayer who will be able to share their knowledge for those unsure how to go about creating transformative looks in their cosplay. For details on their crafting feel free to check out their instagram at: @valtirdesigns
Cosplay Repair- Do’s and Don’ts with Costume Corpsman
Summary:
This panel will go over the do and do nots of cosplay building and repairs, in the possibility of issues or failures.
Description:
The Costume Corpsman will be on hand to discuss assist and instruct everyone on what steps they can take to avoid cosplay issues and also what they can do in case they are faced with an issue. So come and ask questions and bring your props, costumes and questions.
Michael is a 35+ year veteran of running RPGs and will share some of his top tips and tricks to get started running games with a focus on fun for you and the players.
Description:
Join long-time DM/GM Michael Ross from The Rpg Academy podcast for a presentation of his top tips and tricks for new(er) DMs to get started running games with a focus on fun for you and the players. While some of the material is focused on D&D 5e a lot of the ideas and suggestions would be applicable for any RPG. If possible Michael will bring along a guest or two to assist and offer a wider spectrum of experiences to draw from. The presentation will last approx. 1 hour with about .5 hour left for audience Q&A
An attorney talks about the original purpose of the OGL, modern intellectual property law, and what the OGL was and was not actually doing. Discover that you never actually needed the OGL and why.
Description:
This seminar discusses some of the modern intellectual property law that surrounds the Open Gaming License, and why the OGL, though well intended, never actually did what most people think it does. We go over what the OGL's actual legal effect is and how a world without certainty in the OGL hurts the gaming world, but not in the way you might expect. Hosted by a National Security and International Business Law attorney, this seminar is a great place to come talk shop about the differences between copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property concerns as they relate to tabletop RPGs.
The LGBTQIA+ community has always been an active part of the gaming industry. In games we all can find empowerment, escape, inspiration, community, and purpose.
Description:
Join Hero Forge and others in a discussion on queerness, and how it exists and thrives in the games space. How can we as gamers and industry professionals actively create inclusive environments and products? Panelists will share personal stories, and engage in positive highlights about queer characters. Everyone is welcome, all LGBTQIA+ community members and allies!
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.
Get all of your burning questions about custom miniatures answered!
Description:
For the first time, join Hero Forge leaders in an "Ask Me Anything" panel! Directed by the audience, learn more about Hero Forge's custom minis, the company, and exciting projects being worked on by the team.
Join our panelists as they discuss creating settings & rules that allow for each table that plays in their game to have unique experiences. Is there a line between too much & not enough?
Love horror? Dream of a more diverse future? Come learn how to give voice to those who are not often heard and gain tools necessary to co-create a more equitable and representative horror landscape.
Description:
Horror has long been a genre of storytelling used to explore themes of fear, power, and justice. This seminar seeks to empower underrepresented voices in horror, allowing participants to gain a better understanding of how to recognize and utilize their voices in the genre. Through presentation and interactive discussion, we will explore how horror can be used to examine and challenge issues of inequity and injustice. Participants will be encouraged to share their ideas and perspectives on how horror can be used to amplify the stories of those who have previously been underrepresented in the genre. Those attending will leave the seminar with a better understanding of how to create and use their talents to bring about meaningful change.
Free League invites press and the public to a reveal of exciting news for the upcoming year and a chance to ask our game designers anything!
Description:
Participants at the Free League Showcase are:
- Tomas Härenstam, lead designer of Dragonbane, ALIEN RPG, Blade Runner RPG, Twilight: 2000, Forbidden Lands, and Mutant: Year Zero.
- Johan Nohr and Christian Sahlén, designers of MÖRK BORG and CY_BORG
- Carl Niblaeus, lead designer of DEATH IN SPACE
- Luke Stratton, lead designer of Pirate Borg
- Kiku Pukk Härenstam, co-writer of Seasons of Mystery and A Wicked Secret for Vaesen