Human Habits & Emerging Technology: The CARE Framework Game
Summary:
We've developed the CARE Framework and turned it into a game to help guide when and if to use AI and other technologies for users of tech & for educators. Join us in playing this game & give feedback!
Description:
The CARE Framework was developed by librarians to support the careful consideration of using AI or other tech in classrooms, research, or creative settings. This framework centers the human in this process by focusing on habits of mind Contextualize: the process of intellectual life; Approach tasks with resilience and persistence; Read content through a critical eye; Experience the realities of research. We've developed a game that brings playfulness, interaction, and discussion to this process. Join us in playing it, give us your feedback, and take it home with you!
Immersion is the Best Medicine: Designing Games from Lived Experiences
Summary:
Discover how thematic games can be designed based on life experiences, interests, and research. Learn about the stages of creativity and how it applies to the design process.
Description:
Are you a theme-forward designer, or a fan of thematic games? Join Dave Beck, owner of Paverson Games and designer of Distilled and Luthier, to learn how your creative output relies heavily on immersing oneself in a topic. Referring to his process behind the creation of various games as examples, you will learn about how to identify unique subjects, what patience in the creative process looks like, and how theme extends beyond just gameplay mechanics.
Improving Communication & Social Skills Through Gaming
Summary:
How teachers can connect gaming with Social-Emotional Learning to help students build empathy, conflict resolution, teamwork, and leadership.
Description:
This lecture will explore how teachers can connect gaming with Social-Emotional Learning, a topic of importance in today’s secondary education landscape. I’ll focus on classroom-appropriate board games and table top rpgs that build empathy, conflict resolution, teamwork, and leadership.
Integrating TTRPG Systems, Design Goals, and Player Narratives
Summary:
Systems in TTRPGs matter. Stories in TTRPGs matter. We’ll discuss how to consider, weight, and interweave your design and player experience goals in this workshop.
Description:
** GAME DESIGN ACADEMY ONLY EVENT / NOT INTENDED FOR GENERAL TRADE DAY AUDIENCE **
A practical guide to intellectual property in tabletop gaming. Learn the basics of trademarks, copyrights, patents, trade secrets, and contracts to protect your work and empower your design process.
Description:
Navigating intellectual property law can feel overwhelming, but protecting your creative work is essential. This session breaks down the complex legal landscape into practical, actionable steps specifically tailored for tabletop game designers. We will dive deep into the four main categories of IP - trademarks, copyrights, patents, and trade secrets - explaining how each applies to creative choices, artwork, and branding. Furthermore, we will explore the fundamentals of contracts and other essential legal concepts, equipping you with the knowledge to negotiate fair deals, safeguard your designs, and confidently bring your creations to the marketplace.
** GAME DESIGN ACADEMY ONLY EVENT / NOT INTENDED FOR GENERAL TRADE DAY AUDIENCE **
101 for shipping and fulfilment into Asia, open Q&A with attendee
Description:
Join VFI CEO Jeremy Foust to discuss the nuances of board game fulfillment in Asia. Topics like packaging size, VAT, cost estimates, delivery expectations, and marketing are often pitfalls for new publishers, especially within the Asian region. These sessions are designed to prepare you for current or future campaigns by leveraging VFI’s 10+ years of specialized experience.
A critical, often overlooked opportunity is the demand for English-language games. VFI currently works with over 50 retailers across Asia distributing English titles. Publishers should prioritize reaching out to these retailers to expand their reach. Selling English games directly into the Asian market allows for higher volume and a stronger brand presence in a rapidly growing sector. We are happy to share the lessons we have learned to help you navigate your fulfillment journey with confidence.
It's been seven days since the last werewolf attack in this classroom.
Summary:
How a game of Werewolf Legacy used in a classroom allowed students to see government and civic responsibility in play. Let's play some werewolf and let's discuss how it was used and integrated.
Description:
What started as a fun exit ticket activity, grew into a regular activity for a class studying the US and UN. We moved from simplistic social deduction gameplay to homework assignments and responses to what happened in class and why. We will play some and then talk about how it created an immersive hands-on experience.
Join Tim Blank to practice iterative design. Rapidly prototype games, run playtests, set design goals, and track changes through a structured, hands-on workshop.
Description:
Join Tim Blank for a workshop on the principles of iterative design. In this workshop, you'll learn how to rapidly prototype games, including best practices for playtesting, setting design goals, and creating a changelog. While the principles will be relevant to all games, you will not be working on your own game in this workshop.
** GAME DESIGN ACADEMY ONLY EVENT / NOT INTENDED FOR GENERAL TRADE DAY AUDIENCE **
Join Tim Blank to practice iterative design. Rapidly prototype games, run playtests, set design goals, and track changes through a structured, hands-on workshop.
Description:
Join Tim Blank for a workshop on the principles of iterative design. In this workshop, you'll learn how to rapidly prototype games, including best practices for playtesting, setting design goals, and creating a changelog. While the principles will be relevant to all games, you will not be working on your own game in this workshop.
Meet Carolyn Noe, the founder and visionary behind Super Heroines Etc. (SHE), one of Gen Con’s official charity partners for the 2026 convention.
Description:
Read on to learn how she is using her powers for the good of the tabletop community and leading the charge to inspire advocacy and inclusion through gaming.