LARPs and Murder Mysteries for Your Store or Library
Summary:
Immersive role playing games and murder mysteries are hot right now! Build community in your store or library by hosting immersive events.
Description:
Ryvre and Haven of Chicago's Goblin Market will discuss the basics of running LARPs and murder mysteries in your store or library. We'll cover where to find games, how to attract players, and best practices for player safety.
Basic logical processes, and higher level reasoning, are integral to board games. Come play Shipwreck Arcana and discuss how it and other games could be used in the classroom.
Description:
Educator & Librarian Track: Participants will engage in hands-on gameplay to experience how players must synthesize hidden information, evaluate mathematical probabilities, and use higher-level reasoning to solve complex puzzles. The session will include a collaborative discussion on how to effectively integrate these mechanics into an educational setting. We will examine how the game’s deductive loops map to educational standards, foster peer-to-peer communication, and build critical thinking resilience. Participants will leave with practical strategies for using analog games in teaching students.
Les Gobelins Attaquent! TTRPGs in the World Language Classroom: A Magical Fit New Insights
Summary:
A 20 yr veteran teacher will show you how using games like D&D and RPG tools for story creation provide compelling input for gains in student engagement, interaction, fun, and ultimately, learning.
Description:
Come learn everything you need to know to implement & succeed in fun and motivational adventure storytelling in your World language classroom. You’ll see how to foster better reading, writing, speaking, & listening using ready made adventure role-playing games in your level 2, 3, and 4 class. You’ll be shown how RPG mechanisms like dice roll tables & better Story Hooks create richer, more interesting stories at the beginner levels. Student interest, engagement, and compelling storytelling are key! All you need is an adventurous mindset! You’ll be shown the basics of using available cooperative story games into your 2nd language classrooms. While running these games, the context can become so comprehensible to your students, that they forget that they are interacting in L2! Come see how using these storytelling games have transformed engagement, interaction, and output in my students.
Let's Fix a Contract: Publishing Agreements & Creative Contracts
Summary:
In this hands-on workshop, we will collaboratively "fix" a flawed mock tabletop publishing agreement. Learn to identify common pitfalls, vague clauses, and missing protections before you sign.
Description:
Contracts are legally binding agreements between two parties, and putting them in writing is the best way to resolve disputes before they even happen. However, a poorly written contract can be just as dangerous as having no contract at all. This session goes beyond a standard lecture by putting you directly in the driver's seat of a contract negotiation. During this workshop, we will dissect a deeply flawed mock publishing agreement. We will go section-by-section to identify what is missing, what is concerning, and what is simply too vague to be enforceable.
Using the polymorph system, Chris will lead the group to design a completely playable RPG in under and hour. The session focuses on the core ideas required for creating a unique rpg.
Description:
9th Level Games offers a system resource and training document "BUILDING WITH POLYMORPH" free on its site. Chris O'Neill, the creator of the polymorph system(tm), will lead a group to create a brand new RPG using the tools available in the Building with Polymorph game construction kit. The end result will be a fully playable micro-rpg. No experience is necessary - audience participation is required.
Tools and tips to level up each step of your game creation.
Description:
Discover practical tools and insider tips to elevate every stage of your tabletop game creation journey. From creating compelling content and building prototypes quickly to playtesting, refining mechanics, and pitching effectively, this panel offers actionable strategies to help you design better, faster, and more creatively.
Level Up! Unlocking the Power of Board Games for Child Development 2.0
Summary:
Explore how board games boost cognition, problem-solving, and cause-and-effect thinking while supporting social skills, emotional expression, and well-being in educational, and therapeutic settings.
Description:
In my session, we'll explore the intricate interplay between board games and cognitive functions. From strategic thinking to problem-solving skills, these games serve as catalysts for intellectual development, fostering a nuanced understanding of cause and effect. Beyond cognitive prowess, board games emerge as social laboratories, where children navigate the complexities of interaction, communication, and cooperation. This session will help you understand how board games serve as safe spaces for emotional expression and regulation. Gain an understanding of how the good use of games can promote emotional well-being and constructive outlets for self-discovery in children. Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of how board games can be purposefully integrated into educational settings, family game nights, and therapeutic settings.
Leveling Up Learning: Innovating Games for Education & Workforce Training
Summary:
Building on the success of last year's "Leveling Up" event, this interactive session focuses on innovations in TTRPGs, escape rooms, and more for use in higher education & professional development.
Description:
Dr Jesse Olsen (Assoc Prof of Management) and Dr Michael "Maxx" Schmitz (Lecturer and Curriculum Designer in the Faculty of Arts) conduct research at the University of Melbourne (Australia) on the use of tabletop roleplaying games (TTRPGs), escape rooms, and wargames in higher education and workforce training. Research shows that these games provide learners with opportunities to practice and develop human-centric skills essential to the workplace of today and tomorrow. Building on last year's event, this interactive session will feature our latest work, providing previews of our own innovations and inviting participants to network and share their challenges, questions, and practical strategies. No prior experience or knowledge is required—just bring your curiosity and ideas for an engaging discussion. (Australia-themed stickers to be provided to participants free of charge!)
A brief overview of what a licensor is looking for when it comes to tabletop games.
Description:
Course includes what licensing is in the gaming industry, how it applies to tabletop gaming, & what to consider when trying to obtain a license or design for one.
** GAME DESIGN ACADEMY ONLY EVENT / NOT INTENDED FOR GENERAL TRADE DAY AUDIENCE **
Thinking about hosting a live play event at your library? Find out how to bring the enjoyment of TTRPGs to some of the best audience members out there - your patrons!
Description:
Bring the fun and excitement of a TTRPG live/actual play to your library! Learn tips and tricks on how to include live dice rolling, audience participation, set decorations, and more. This session will equip you with everything you need to know - from what worked well to what could have gone better - and leave you ready to create a memorable experience for everyone involved!