Tools To Resolve Real Live Conflicts At The Game Table
Summary:
A discussion on how RL conflicts (political, racial, sexism, and others) may infiltrate your gaming group and how you can work through them. Updated for 2025.
Description:
Presented by Beth Pintal (Librarian, Indianapolis Public Library) and updated for 2025. You will be provided tools to help you resolve any real life problems that may infiltrate your gaming group. Today, we deal with a lot of division. These tools will help you work through problems that arise due to conflicts in your group, including political, racial, sexism/misogynic, and other conflicts. We will also touch on legal issues.
Traditional & Abstract Game Design (Adding Is Easy, Subtracting Is Hard)
Summary:
Explanations about the process for creating new games in the traditional style, using Tak and other examples from his catalog. Learn how game designers get maximum value from the simplest rules.
Description:
Game inventor James Ernest (12 Days, Button Men, Tak: A Beautiful Game) hosts.
** GAME DESIGN ACADEMY ONLY EVENT / NOT INTENDED FOR GENERAL TRADE DAY AUDIENCE **
Trouble in Dodge City: How Do You Design Meaningful Choices?
Summary:
Get your hands dirty by fixing a "broken" game. Through changing rules, iterating, & playtesting, learn what makes game choices fun while we practice core design skills useful for any game project.
Description:
** GAME DESIGN ACADEMY ONLY EVENT / NOT INTENDED FOR GENERAL TRADE DAY AUDIENCE **
Calling all educators and librarians! Immerse yourselves in the transformative world of play where we'll explore the profound connection between tabletop games and psychological resilience.
Description:
Calling all educators and librarians! Immerse yourselves in the transformative world of play where we'll explore the profound connection between tabletop games and psychological resilience in children. Discover a diverse range of engaging and developmentally appropriate games that not only entertain but also cultivate crucial life skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, emotional regulation, and social interaction all vital components of resilience. Learn practical methods for seamlessly integrating these powerful tools into your classrooms and libraries, empowering young learners to navigate challenges and thrive. Join us to unlock the potential of play and build a stronger, more resilient generation.
Retailers come by for an exclusive preview of our latest releases, get some free samples, and speak with the team!
Description:
Whether you're a retailer, distributor, player, or anything in between we have something you'll love! We are an innovative Australian & US based company producing and distributing a unique and complete range of RPGs, boardgames, and tabletop and RPG products including our signature Wolf Bristle Brush sets Kolinsky Sable Brush sets, Techlon Tiger Drybrush Sets. That's not all - we also offer a wide range of games, dice, miniatures, and more.
Using D&D in Corporate Team Training: A Myers-Briggs Case Study
Summary:
This seminar shows how D&D can be used in conjunction with Myers-Briggs personality theory to improve team performance in the workplace.
Description:
In our methodology, we took small teams of 4-5 individuals and determine their Myers-Briggs personality type. We then ran two different D&D sessions with the team. The sessions are specifically designed to challenge and test team dynamics. In one case, the teams are assigned a character that is in alignment with their MBTI personality. In the other session, they are assigned one diametrically opposed to their personality type. The scenarios chosen for the D&D sessions are tailored to the specific short comings of each team.
The sessions were scored very much like D&D tournament play. The teams also filled out a survey that quantified team performance in 10 key areas (communication, goal achievement, conflict resolution, etc.).
Using Escape Boxes To Gamify Learning & Review In The Classroom
Summary:
Escape boxes are an engaging and exciting way to review & introduce concepts & content while working on cooperation, problem solving, & communication skills. Try out the experience or yourself.
Description:
Bring the engagement and excitement of escape rooms to your students. Escape Boxes are a great way to review or introduce concepts & content while working on cooperation, problem solving, and communication skills. This hands-on presentation demonstrates several academic-based escape boxes based on Language Arts, Math, Science, and History lessons. Attendees will work together to solve the escape boxes experience how they work. Escape boxes require specific supplies and thoughtful setup. Examples of a variety of materials that can be used to implement escape boxes will be used. Virtual escape box options can also be demoed during this session. Resources for finding pre-made escape box activities for a variety of science concepts as well as other academic areas will be included. Add the cooperative and competitive aspects of escape boxes to your lessons.
By incorporating strategy, teamwork, and critical thinking, board games provide an interactive and fun way to enhance learning outcomes and foster collaboration in the classroom.
Description:
Explore how board games can be used as engaging tools for teaching various subjects.
** GAME DESIGN ACADEMY ONLY EVENT / NOT INTENDED FOR GENERAL TRADE DAY AUDIENCE **
Using Modern Board Games To Teach In A Special Education
Summary:
Many board games have a correlation to everyday tasks such as money, alphabetical order, social skills, and problem solving. Using board games has shown improved participation and engagement.
Description:
I will give examples of how different board games work in an academic and life skill, and vocational settings. Also will discuss ways to modifying rules to make a game align with standards. Time will be allowed for brainstorming and discussion on how to apply games to your classroom.
Using Simulations In the Classroom, National Security Decision Making (NSDM) Panel
Summary:
Simulations feed an experiential learning process, helping students absorb material. Foundational simulation concepts, how to run in a classroom. Panel by NSDM staff moderated by Dr. Craig Greathouse
Description:
Helping students understand world complexities is a difficult classroom task. Recent research indicates they can absorb material effectively through hands-on learning. Simulations provide an experiential learning process which, by their nature, simplifies the complex. Having more advanced students design & build a simulation prompts them to gather, build & prioritize information, helping them understand the area of investigation. This presentation discusses foundational concepts & ideas of simulations and provides a basis for how to run simulations is a classroom setting from high school to collegiate level. Presented by National Security Decision Making staff experts in building & designing simulations with over 100 years combined experience, moderated by Dr. Craig Greathouse, Professor of Political Science.