Not Just Game Night: Designing Events Adults Actually Show Up For
Summary:
Having trouble getting 20 and 30 somethings to come to your gaming events? Learn the secret of how to market and plan events that will get people interested and showing up.
Description:
Participants will come away with several ideas on successful programs that worked as well as some that didn't. Topics to be covered will include venues, means of advertising and event themes.
Play as Pedagogy: Why Analog RPGs Transform Learning Experiences
Summary:
Explore how analog role-playing games function as powerful learning tools by connecting educational theory to use TTRPGS and larps in classrooms, training, and community learning.
Description:
This session leverages insights from recent edited volume "Education and Analog Role-playing Games" to examine how role-play supports learning beyond engagement or gamification. Drawing on educational theory and real-world case studies, the workshop explores how analog RPGs foster reflection, collaboration, identity exploration, and meaning-making across classrooms, professional training, and community settings. Participants will be guided through a structured process for translating pedagogy theory into educational choices, with opportunities to reflect on their own contexts and practices. The focus is on practical pedagogy and offering participants concrete ways to think more critically and purposefully about learning through role-playing games. It will also discuss the next upcoming volumes in the series and invite participants to consider submitting.
Playtest Like a Rockstar! How to Run a Playtest of Your Game
Summary:
This workshop will teach you how to find your playtesting community, run a smooth playtest, and get the most out of playtester feedback. This practical guide will be followed by a playtest session.
Description:
'Playtest like a Rockstar!' Will teach you how to do just that. We'll begin by going over how to run a fun and constructive playtest in any environment. This guide on finding your playtesting community, how to make sure your playthroughs run smoothly, and how to get the most out of playtester feedback, is informed by over a decade of experience from the CUDO Plays Boardgame Design Competition, Gen Con's First Exposure Playtest Hall and more! You'll have the opportunity to apply what you learned immediately, as this practical guide will be followed by a playtest session for the game you're developing as a part of the Gen Con Game Design Academy or any design you've brought to playtest.
Playtest Like a Rockstar! How to Run a Playtest of Your Game that's Constructive & Fun for All
Summary:
This workshop will teach you how to find your playtesting community, run a smooth playtest, and get the most out of playtester feedback. This practical guide will be followed by a playtest session.
Description:
'Playtest like a Rockstar!' Will teach you how to do just that. We'll begin by going over how to run a fun and constructive playtest in any environment. This guide on finding your playtesting community, how to make sure your playthroughs run smoothly, and how to get the most out of playtester feedback, is informed by over a decade of experience from the CUDO Plays Boardgame Design Competition, Gen Con's First Exposure Playtest Hall and more! You'll have the opportunity to apply what you learned immediately, as this practical guide will be followed by a playtest session for the game you're developing as a part of the Gen Con Game Design Academy or any design you've brought to playtest.
James Ernest digs into the mathematics of probability and its application to game design.
Description:
In this first of two lectures on randomness in game design, James Ernest (Button Men, Lords of Vegas) focuses on the established mathematics of probability theory: How to describe and solve basic problems in game design, from the casino to the tabletop.
Looking for ways to help kids improve their literacy skills? Reading Dragons and Friends is a fun, free way to motivate kids to build positive reading habits. Created for Librarians and Educators.
Description:
Ok, so what are reading dragons and how do they motivate kids to read?
Reading Dragons are collectible playable cards featuring mythical creatures like dragons, unicorns, and griffins. Children track the time they spend reading in 30 minute increments to earn cards. Kids can play games with the cards they collect, they can create their own cards, and participate in fun activities.
Reading Dragons and Friends is made by librarians and educators like you. It is completely free to use by libraries and schools of any kind. Over 400 libraries have access to this program in 42 states and 5 countries. It has grown from the collaborative efforts of creative librarians from all over creating new cards and activities to share with the community.
At this event you will learn how to use Reading Dragons to boost literacy. Everything is free to use and available on www.readingdragons.org
Hands-on workshop redesigning Magic: The Gathering’s iconic card frame. Explore modern design ideas and reimagine improvements for prototypes and final gameplay experiences.
Description:
A hands on workshop redesigning one of the most iconic card frames of all time; Magic the Gathering. In the 30+ years since MtG was released, we've gotten a lot of new ideas about how to best design a card but due to the nature of Magic being a CCG, they're locked in their original design. How would you make it better?
** GAME DESIGN ACADEMY ONLY EVENT / NOT INTENDED FOR GENERAL TRADE DAY AUDIENCE **
Retail Merchandising - Stocking Shelves & Store Layout
Summary:
Discussing the basic strategies involved for setting up the store layout and stocking shelves. Helping customers have a fun shopping experience and create a positive environment.
Join expert retailers as they share best practices for stores, challenges & trends in 2026 and have an open Q&A. If you are a new retailer, looking to open a store soon, come attend the roundtable.
Description:
Join expert retailers from across the country as they share best practices for your store, challenges & trends in 2026 and have an open Q&A about running a game store. If you are a new retailer, looking to open a store soon or are looking for new ideas, come attend the roundtable.