SaltCon 2019 is about a week away. Held at the end of February, this tabletop gaming convention is a great place to be for everyone who enjoys all of the non-electronic games we play with our families and friends. Thursday, February 28, through Sunday, March 3, with all types of games and events. The die-hard players can even push through and play non-stop (like we used to do when we were much younger).This is the 11th year for SaltCon and my 8thyear attending either by just being a player attending, volunteer running roleplaying games (RPGs), or being on panels. Although the role of my attendance has changed, the experience has been good every year and has kept me coming back for more.
One aspect that sets SaltCon apart from other conventions where gaming is available is SaltCon is about gaming, for gamers, hosted by gamers. Gaming is not a sideline attraction, it's the main event. This isn't the only convention that does this. But the group putting together SaltCon does it well.
What you can expect
The first year I went I didn't know what to expect. It was in a hotel where I had been training for my day job. I knew the size of the place and figured it would be a couple dozen people playing some games they'd brought with them. I grossly underestimated.
The game rooms were packed with players. There were enough players for the convention to move the following year to a larger location. That growth continued to where it is held at the Davis County Convention Center. Last year I know they had over 1200 people in attendance (I know it was more but at least that many). This year they expect the same numbers of gamers. This is a good match for the size of the location. There are a lot of people, but not so many to make people crammed.
 |
| From a previous year |
You can bring your own games. People bring their own games because they might be looking for a place they can meet up and play or find new players. However, there are a number of different ways to be playing games you don't have. You can play the games others have brought. SaltCon also has an extensive game library. The library has great older games and new games just coming out. There is no extra charge to play the games and they have a system for using the convention badge for quick and easy check in and out to allow more time at the table. A part of the games SaltCon provides are included in their 'play to win' section. Play any of the games there and you are entered into a drawing to win it.
Not only players attend. Every year SaltCon hosts the Ion Awards for game design. For the designers, there is Prototype Alley where you can play or demo games being worked on. I have enjoyed playing these games including some that are now available on the market. These are not just local developers. I've had the opportunity of meeting people from across the United States and Canada. You can get a jump on what is hot by sitting in on these games, then you can let friends know what to watch for. Those games that are farther along can also be found by a number of vendors sharing their games.
If you have ever wanted to be the first to have a game, then you need to check out the companies there. There are always independent game companies presenting new games. The booths are another great place to play some fun new games. Along with the games, there are artists and other groups. There is always something for everyone and it is easy for me to find more than I can afford.
If you are looking for something older, there is the 'games trade and swap meet'. Last year the trading corner was quite the hive of activity. I saw games from my childhood (and that is going back awhile). There were also newer games people found just didn't match their style of play. If you have games you aren't playing, it is a great place to turn them into a little cash, or new games.
SaltCon has RPGs. I know last year they were running a couple dozen tables. This year they are doing at least that many. D&D and Pathfinder are represented along with a number of other systems. I have played games that were in development along with some big name games like D&D, Star Wars, Paranoia, and Seven Seas. The last couple of years, the D&D group has run a multi-table player event that was amazing.
Along with playing the RPGs, there is a mini painting competition. This isn't the only tournament taking place. There are many throughout the convention for fun, prizes, and national qualifiers.
Panels are also available about games, gaming, and developing games. You can find out more about how to be part of the industry. There are people involved in different levels willing to share their experiences and knowledge.Podcasting has been a part of the past and I expect to see podcasters there again. You can see what they are doing and how they do it. You might even end up on one if you look around and watch what is going on.
SaltCon is a fun place to be. I'm looking forward to being there. There is no way I can cover everything that will be taking place in one short article, so check out their website (SaltCon home page). Find something of interest. And meet us there. Tell people hi and why you're there. You'll find you've just become part of a larger family with a lot of new friends.
If you have a comment, suggestion, or critique please leave a comment here or send an email to guildmastergaming@gmail.com.
沒有留言:
張貼留言