Puzzles are classic obstacles in games. Used effectively, they can be a rewarding experience. We'll discuss elements of puzzle design & how to use them to build engaging interactions in your games.
Description:
Puzzles are classic obstacles to players in role playing games. When done well, they are rewarding for both game master and players. There's a fine line between a rewarding puzzle and one that is frustrating. Members of geekspective.com will discuss successful elements of puzzle design, how to combine those elements and build puzzles that are complex yet fun for players. We believe that puzzles should always be solvable, either the easy way, or failing that, "The Hard Way". Puzzles can add an extra dimension to gameplay and with the elements of good puzzle design, you'll be able to create more exciting and rewarding games for your players.
Incorporating Physical Props Into Your Tabletop RPG
Summary:
Keeping players engaged is key to a good RPG session. One way to accomplish this is through physical props. We’ll give examples of some items, how to create them, & when to use them to great effect.
Description:
As any good gamemaster will tell you, keeping your players excited and engaged is the key to a good RPG session. We believe that one of the best ways to accomplish this is through appropriately placed physical props. In this seminar, we’ll give examples of some of the simpler items, how to create them, and when to use them for maximum effect!
Surprisingly, these props don’t have to take a lot of time, money, or (most importantly) skill to make. The key is to know when to use them and what introducing props can do to your different players. We’ll discuss examples we’ve used in our games and even do a live demonstration for some of the simpler props. Lastly, we’ll have a few samples for a lucky few audience members to take home and use in their game.
Join our Industry Guests of Honor and moderator for a free flowing conversation and thought provoking questions about games, game design, world building, and the passion that drives it all.
Industry Guest of Honor: Creative Resilience, Creating in Difficult Times
Summary:
Join Guest of Honor Shanna Germain as she discusses why creativity matters in hard times and how you can continue to do it, despite everything. A Q&A will also be included.
Description:
From the personal to the political, being a human in the world is sometimes more difficult than we can imagine. Creating helps us take our power back, gives others power, and really can change the world. But when it's a challenge to just get through the day, how do we find the space, time, and energy to make words, games, stories, and art? Author and game designer Shanna Germain talks about why creativity matters in hard times and how you can continue to do it, despite everything.
Industry Guest of Honor: Lessons From a Life of Roleplaying
Summary:
Join Monte Cook, gamer of 40 years, game professional for 30, and 2019 Industry Guest of Honor for tips, suggestions, and Q&A on how to enable a more fun RPG experience for you and your players.
Take a peek under the lid as Paizo staffers talk about making the kit, developing the adventure, and how to use the box to launch games around the world!
Introducing Magonomia, the RPG of Renaissance Wizardry
Summary:
This is an information session about Magonomia, a new RPG from Shewstone Publishing about magic, mystery, & adventure in a fantasy version of Elizabethan England.
Description:
Learn what it’s like to play a wizard in Elizabethan society. Are you living within the law or using your magic to stay ahead of it? Are you a full-time wizard or do you have a real job?
Magonomia is a stand-alone RPG coming to Kickstarter in summer 2019. The core mechanics are the award-winning Fate Core System, with heavy modifications to character creation, magic, and campaign creation and storytelling.
The centerpiece of Magonomia is an original magic system based on what Renaissance magicians thought was possible by such means as astrology, alchemy, and conjuration. What destiny do your stars foretell?
At this seminar, we’ll describe what’s unique about the design of this game, outline the release schedule, and answer audience questions.
The free Starter Rules will be available this spring, so you can download a playable preview and try it out yourself before Gen Con.
Introductory DMing advice & tips/tricks learned from many years behind the screen. Perfect for brand new DMs or those ready to take the plunge.
Description:
Roughly 1 hour of presentation and .5 hour of Q&A. Each year I bring in a couple other DMs to round out my experiences and have full confidence that DMs of any experience will benefit from this seminar but it is designed primarily for those brand new or with very limited experience.
Introduction to Pathfinder Roleplaying Game (2nd edition)
Summary:
Join Paizo staffers as they discuss the evolution of the Pathfinder Roleplaying Game. Learn what changed, what stayed the same, and what your characters can do!
Mystery scenario masters Kenneth Hite & Robin D. Laws train their magnifying glasses on clue-gathering adventures to reveal the unlikely suspects behind your tabletop woes.