All Year I Dream About Gaming Conventions

Episode 200: UK Games Expo with Richard and Tony

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 11:00:00 GMT

Can you believe it's already been 200 episodes? We can't, but we also recognize that a big occasion deserves a big celebration. Neither Quarex nor Ben could think of any guests more exciting to bring on for this occasion than Richard Denning and Tony Hyams, the organizers of the largest hobby games convention in England: UK Games Expo.

We were blessed to have them join us to talk about the early days of the Expo, as well as having a chance to discuss the incredible growth they've experienced over the last 20 years. They also talk about why the 20th anniversary of their convention is not only just special but an expansion of what they've built over the last two decades.

Check out the UKGE website! (link)
Get your ticket for the best 72 hours in gaming! (link)
Check out the events for the 20th anniversary convention! (link)
Win Tony's Thousand Pound Giveaway! (link)
Check out this year's merch for UKGE! (link)

And if you can't make it this year, why don't you start planning to attend next year?!?

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 199: Exhibit Hall Interviews from Our Early 2026 Travels

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 11:00:00 GMT

On this episode, we bring you interviews from our convention travels over the first four months of 2026, including:

Tiger Wizard of Exalted Funeral (link) at a birthday party at Gary Con. Check out the Tavers: The Meow Wolf RPG ... the exquisite corpse that just funded through Kickstarter!
The team from Stillfleet Studio (link) on the exhibit hall floor at PAGE! We are very excited to hear that Stillfleet, Blister Critters, and Danse Macabre should all be back in print soon!
Luke at Limithron, the congenial geniuses behind one of the top three Borgs... Pirate Borg! You really need to check out the core rules, the dynamite starter set, or the first campaign expansion Down Among the Dead.
Jefferson from One Page Rules, who was at Adepticon showing off their first physical release for Grimdark Future: the Broken Truth Box!
Seth from Archon Studios, who released what was probably the hit of Adepticon: the Starcraft Tabletop Miniatures Game!
And last, but certainly not least: Sarah Joshua, who designed the cozy bewitching B&B game that is Enchanted Ivy -- which happens to be this publisher's first solo game! In this long interview, Sarah and Ben get somewhat inside baseball on game design and manufacturing, which is something our dreamers who are aspiring game designers would benefit from listening to!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 198: Oh What an Event The Gamehole Can Be

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 11:00:00 GMT

The event submission process has opened up for Gamehole Con 2026. To help our dreamers get their submissions in before space fills up, we're talking with Gamehole Con's Director of Gaming and Facility, Josh Hoyt!

Gamehole Con Website (link)
GM Policies (link)
Submit an Event! (link)
Bulk submissions, you coward! (link)
Some of Josh's adventure module for Gamehole Publishing! (link)
Campfire Tales, the newest release from Chaosium with Josh's name on the cover! (link)

And don't forget — it's not too late if you didn't book your hotel already, as the Gamehole team is always working to get new housing added to the block!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 197: Our Th-re(e)viewisode of Gary Con, Awesome Con, and Adepticon

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 11:00:18 GMT

On this episode, your hosts review their time at some of the best conventions of the year — each inconveniently held in the month of March! Listen in to hear about:

Gary Con (link)
Awesome Con (link)
Adepticon (link), along with challenger to the Undisputed Midwestern Inter-convention-ental belt... Ben T. Barackus!

And even though we have an exhibit hall interviewisode coming up later this month, Quarex manages to squeeze in some discussion about his favorite kind of pod... the BattleTech Cockpit Simulator Pod!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 196: Light Clerical Work with Wes from Ecclesicon

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 11:00:00 GMT

On this episode, we talk with Wes from DM Tales about the charity convention he hosts in Palmyra, NJ: Ecclesicon!

Ecclesicon is held May 1-2, 2026 — check out the games at Tabletop.Events!
Book Smiles—the charity partner for Ecclesicon!
Check out the DM Tales YouTube channel!
And support Wes's Ko-Fi page that will get you access to the TTRPG Book Club!

You won't want to miss it!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 195: DIE Valiantly with Gareth Ryder-Hanrahan

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 11:00:00 GMT

On this episode, Quarex and Ben are talking with esteemed author Gareth Ryder-Hanrahan about his past works, the Irish RPG scene — and of course, his upcoming project for the DIE RPG, the DIE Metadungeon (link).

Listen in to hear why this should be an auto-back for anyone who loves RPGs and the history of RPGs, because Gar is putting chocolate into that peanut butter!

Visit Gareth's website (link)
Check out one of Ben's favorite novels of the last decade, The Sword Defiant (link)
Check out DIE: The Roleplaying Game products (link)
Publisher: Roward, Rook and Decard (link)

But don't forget to check out Hijinx Con, coming to New Hampshire from August 14-16!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 194: Our Adepticon Preview

Tue, 17 Mar 2026 11:00:00 GMT

Adepticon 2026 is returning to the Baird Center in Milwaukee, WI! From March 25-29, you can attend the preeminent miniatures convention in the United States.

This year is shaping up to be bigger and better than ever. Listen in for our take about some of the things you can do, especially if you've pulled a Quarex and haven't signed up for anything yet.

Links in the Show Notes!

Baird Center Policies (link)
Adepticon Parking (link)
Pop Up Lockers (link)
Fria Ligan (link)
Jolly Lark (link)
Panda Cult Games (link)
Buer Games (link) and the 1490 Doom Narrative Event (link)
Eldritch Foundry (link)
Para Bellum Games (link)
Hero Clix! (link)
Heat: Pedal to the Metal Tourney (link)
Gaslands Refueled Tourney (link)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 193: GET ON IT (Gamehole Con 2026)

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 11:00:00 GMT

The pride of Madison, WI itself—Gamehole Con has grown from being just a regional convention and is now the largest RPG-focused convention in the US!

Starting on Monday, March 16 at noon CT, you can start getting ready for Gamehole Con 2026 by booking your hotel through the block! The important event dates come fast and furious over the next several months (link), culminating in the best four days in fall Midwestern Gaming from October 16-19, 2026.

Set your calendar to get tickets to the Faster Purple Worm Kill Kill live event! (link)
Check out the Gamehole Con GM policies and benefit! (link)
Join the official Gamehole Con Facebook group! (link)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 192: A Positive Previewsode of Gary Con 2026

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 11:00:00 GMT

It's not quite 8 days to Gary Con XVIII in Lake Geneva, WI—here's what you want to know.

The Opening Ceremonies (Flaming Polyhedrals Optional)
The Gary Con Shuttle
Friends of Bill at Gary Con
CAR WARS!
Shadowdark in Space!
Trouble at Mossbeard Mill!
RPEX: the wise man's True Dungeon!
Tickets for Dawn Patrol
A Gygax Society?!?
Puzzled Pint (drinking optional)
The judging and plain ol' walking events for the cosplay schedule
Tour the Gygax family home
Get signatures from Jeremy Crawford, Jon Peterson, Luke Catgax, and maybe even Kelsey Dionne!

Of course, it wouldn't be a Rushmore convention without the chubby on the food scene by Quarex.

And don't forget to check out TAVERS: the Meow Wolf Roleplaying Game — on Kickstarter right now!

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/exaltedfuneral/tavers-the-meow-wolf-roleplaying-game

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 191: New Games at Gary Con and Adepticon

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 12:00:00 GMT

On this episode, we're talking with three creators who are bringing new games to crowdfunding while they attend Gary Con and Adepticon.

Yoav Niv is bringing books 2 and 3 his 5E adventure series The Lichseed Trilogy to BackerKit during Gary Con. Join the launch party so you can know when it goes live!

Not only will Eric and Cody from Buer Games have the physical product from 1490 Doom at Adepticon, but the Gamefound for their cataclysmic dinosaur skirmish game, Carnivore, has already funded! Check out Booth 1490 in the Booth 1406 slot at Adepticon and get in on the project!

Erik Frankhouse and Storyteller's Forge are going to start crowdfunding for The Black Ballad conversion for the official unofficial RPG of the pod, Shadowdark!

You won't want to miss it!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 190: Getting the Hotel Room of your Dreams for Gen Con 2026

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 12:00:00 GMT

On this episode, your hosts Quarex and Ben help you get over your Lottery Day blues and figure out how to get the room of your dreams by the time Gen Con rolls around.

Tools:

The Gen Con Hotel site: https://www.genconhotels.com/ — this will come online in the next few days.
The GitHub script: https://github.com/mrozekma/gencon-hotel-check

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 189: Gen Con Lottery Days Woes

Sun, 22 Feb 2026 22:00:00 GMT

As the Gen Con housing lottery for 2026 has come and gone, you undoubtedly have feelings. We're here for you now—solutions come on Tuesday.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 188: Prep for Gary Con Like a Celebrity

Tue, 17 Feb 2026 12:00:00 GMT

On this episode, we're getting you prepped for Gary Con XVIII from March 19-22, 2026! You'll want to be sure to:

... to say nothing about figuring out how to fly or drive to Lake Geneva!

But if you can't make it to Gary Con, why don't you consider coming to Unpub Festival in Maryland from March 12-15? Play unpublished games, win published prizes, and best of all -- it's free to attend!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 187: Previewing an Event-full Origins 2026

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 12:00:00 GMT

On this episode, we talk with Gregoire Boisbelaud, the Events Director for Origins Game Fair! Listen in as

Get your badge for Origins 2026 (link) — only the Premier badges have sold out!
Submitting events for Origins 2026 (link) — they're still accepting late submissions!
Teasers for the Featured Programs at Origins 2026 (link) — we heard some unofficial spoilers, and they're going to knock your socks off!

But don't forget: you can still submit nominations for the 2026 ENNIEs at this link!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 186: Gen Con Badges and Housing Lottery

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 12:00:00 GMT

Gen Con Badges go on sale on Sunday, February 8, and the Gen Con Housing Lottery kicks off at 12 pm ET on Sunday February 22.

Only one podcast helps you understand and maximize your chances at winning! (That's us. It's this one.)

Listen in or lose out.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 185: Conventioning from Labor Day into the New Year

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 12:59:29 GMT

Listen in to hear all about the conventions we attended in the last third of the year, like EuroQuest, Vintage Computer Festival Midwest, Tabletop Central, Quad Con Dubuque, and even Hanucon!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 184: Our Time at PAGE 3

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 12:00:00 GMT

Quarex and Ben don't often attend the same convention at the same time, so when you can find them at the same convention in the middle of January, you gotta know it's something special.

On this episode, we review our time at the 2026 Philadelphia Area Gaming Expo in Oaks, PA. It's a fast growing convention that's just a delightful time sitting in a spot in the calendar where conventions are needed.

Check out some of the great things we saw and played, like:

ARKYVR, a zine for the Mothership RPG
MAZES City of Skull, an RPG in the style of Elric
Sneaky Burrito, which is neither a food nor a small donkey

And don't forget: you can already buy badges for PAGE 4 in 2027, and you can prepare to attend the new baby brother convention Concoction from May 29-31, 2026 in Vineland, NJ!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 183: Munchkin Gets a Second Edition

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 12:00:00 GMT

Shortly after this episode releases, the fine folks at Steve Jackson Games are releasing the long awaited 2nd Edition of Munchkin! As better explained on BackerKit, this new edition promises faster setup and gameplay, gold pieces to help sell items for levels, and reference cards so you don't need to pass around a Cheeto-stained rulebook any time there's a rules question.

Best of all — all the art is still being done by guest of the pod, John Kovalic!

To get the scoop, we're joined by the game dev behind the curtain to whom dreamers should pay no mind — the almighty and powerful Oz himself, Will Schoonover. Listen in and and get ready to back a game that could use a fresh coat of paint, even if promises to remain largely backward compatible.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 182: Special Guests and Creators at PAGE 3

Tue, 13 Jan 2026 12:00:00 GMT

Starting this Thursday, January 15, you can attend PAGE 3 in the Philly suburbs! To get you ready, we're talking with a special guest and a creator who will be at this year's show.

First up, we have Mike Shea a/k/a The Lazy Dungeon a/k/a Sly Flourish, who is one of the special guest at PAGE 3 this year.

Next, we have Wythe from Stillfleet Studio, vendor of fine games that use their Grit System, like:

Listen to their podcast Why We Roll, where Wythe and Chris have in-depth conversations with professional game designers with a focus on contemporary indie TTRPGs. At PAGE 3, Stillfleet is running games with tickets available that you can find at the following link.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 181: Gen Con Event Submissions in 2026

Thu, 08 Jan 2026 12:00:00 GMT

On this episode, Quarex and Ben tell you everything you wanted to know about running events at Gen Con but were too afraid to ask.

Key links include:

Gen Con Events Page: https://www.gencon.com/events
Gen Con EO/GM Portal: https://www.gencon.com/host/eo-gm
New GM Page: https://www.gencon.com/gen-con-indy/newgm
Gen Con Event Host Policy: https://files.gencon.com/genconeventhostpolicy.pdf

And if you want to interact with your hosts, why not join our Discord server?

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 180: Previewing PAGE 3

Tue, 06 Jan 2026 12:00:00 GMT

On this episode, Quarex and Ben are getting you ready for the third annual Philadelphia Area Gaming Expo, known to all as PAGE 3! Both your hosts will be in attendance, elevating this show to such rarified air as Gen Con and Origins. These are the things getting them excited:

Down the Dark Stairway Shadowdark Mega-Event
PAGE Charity Auction
Draw Steel with one of its creators
Secrets of Glass Shard Beach for the kids on bikes at heart
Wardens of the Eastern Marches events, mostly sold out
Try the new Trinamyk RPG
How to Play Doomtown on Sunday
How Gaming Cons Have Changed Over the Last 60 Years by that Matt Shoemaker
The Good in Games World Premier Documentary
Cosplaying your Character with Brett King
Defining the Star Wars Universe with Bill Slavicsek
History of Palladium Books with Kevin Simebieda and Friends
Yeet Vs. Appendix N

... and many, many more!

But first, a short tribute to the Curmudgeon in the Cellar himself, Tim Kask... somehow taken from us still too soon at 75. But second, listen in to find Quarex in Maryland this week!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 179: A Dessert Course of Interviews (BGG Con)

Tue, 30 Dec 2025 12:00:00 GMT

On this episode, Ben T. Barackus talks with the following vendors at BGG Con using his real life press badge:

Steve Jackson Games, makers of Purrfect Potions, Car Wars, and just about any flavor of Munchkin that a brand is willing to license
BGG Store, the online storefront for Board Game Geek and fine purveyors of the BGG GeekUp Bit Sets
James S. Cole, publisher of Zombie: Survivor Infection

... and many more!

We want to thank our many dreamers, new and old, for a wonderful and record breaking new year, and you can expect more hard hitting convention in 2026.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 178: A Feast of RPG Interviews (PAX Unplugged)

Fri, 26 Dec 2025 12:00:00 GMT

On this special Boxing Day release, our dreamers get five more interviews with creators in the indie RPG design space who came to PAX Unplugged!

Brian Liberge, designer of fine RPGs like Last Kiss, an RPG where you play teens facing the end of the world
Tiger Wizard, the head mage of Exalted Funeral, publisher of punk rock and doom metal RPGs like Mausritter, Land of Eem, and the only Monty Python game you'll want to play
Metal Steve of The Metal Steve, who was playtesting his forthcoming game Band on Tour with the help of a deck of cards!
Ryland Garnett, designer of Food & Evil, the food truck RPG game coming to Backerkit in February through past exhibit hall guest of the pod Goosepoop Games
Stephen from AED Publishing, who was showing off the quickstart guide for The 5th Conspiracy RPG, an urban fantasy where everything people believe in is real because of your attention.

Like Ben's train from BWI before PAX Unplugged.... you won't want to miss it!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 177: An Appetizer of Expo Hall Interviews (PAX Unplugged)

Tue, 23 Dec 2025 12:00:00 GMT

On this episode, our dreamers can unwrap an early Xmas gift — five interviews, hung with care from the All Year I Dream About Gaming Conventions' chimney. In each gift box, you can listen to the following creators in the board game and miniatures space:

Christopher from the always amazing Capstone Games, who just released the weird Wild West wrestling game Rowdy Partners
Mike from Rock Manor Games, publishers of the award winning Set a Watch, who are now bringing Spanish language games to the English market
Anjuli from My Mini Factory, who not only provides a marketplace for creators to design the , but was showing off the prototype for the box set of Fighting Fantasy by Sir Ian Livingstone
Hermes from Boken Games, who was showing off their prototype of Song of the Wildkin miniatures game at the Addax Games booth
James from Druid City Games, who was showing off the Off with their Heads roll and reveal, Tidal Waves 2 board game and RPGs, Wonderlands War, and Madcala

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 176: Nerd Xmas in December (Gen Con)

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 12:00:00 GMT

Just in time to get excited for Gen Con 2026 event and badge season! Listen in as Aimee of the Pod, Aimee interviews Rachel, Bethany, Drake, Jayden & Lily, NotThatDrake, and Vino Veritas from around the Indiana Convention Center!

As an added bonus: We have gone back and rehabilitated some of our interview with Munchkin Champion of the Pod, Diana. No promises at the sound quality, but it's an improvement on Episode 147 and provides some background on how one might win a world championship at Gen Con.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 175: Spreading our Wings to BGG Con 2025

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 12:00:00 GMT

On this episode, Quarex and Ben review a gaming convention we didn't attend: BGG CON in Dallas, TX!

The flagship convention from the Board Game Geek team, this is perhaps the largest and most preeminent of the gameslibrarycons in the US. It also happened on the same weekend as PAX Unplugged, meaning that we weren't able to make the convention.

One of your own was in attendance, and he helped us cover it as a member of the media! We're so grateful that dreamer Ben T. Barrackus could join us so we could add BGG Con to our coverage roster.

Don't forget to send in your Dreamer Dispatches using this Google Form and maybe you can also be our far flung press corps!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 174: Hot Stove Convention Round Up

Tue, 09 Dec 2025 12:00:00 GMT

On our second longest episode to date, Quarex and Ben provide you with all the conventions you'll want to check out during the first third of 2026, including:

Super MAG Fest, Winter WGG Con, Windy City Skirmish, Geekway Mini, Tundracon, Midwinter Gaming Con, SnowCon, AdamCon, PAGE 3, Chattanooga Rail Gaming Challenge, RiverCityCon, Star City Games Con, VerminCon, Winter Offensive, Winterfest Wargaming XXVIII, CaptainCon, Winter War, Aggie Con, Winter Fantasy, Cold Wars, CapriCon, Atlanta Game Fest, TantrumCon, Chuck-A-Thon, Games with Trains, Decepta Con, DunDraCon, Polar Vortex, Genghis Con, Escape Winter Con, Total ConFusion, Dreamation, PrezCon Winter Nationals, GAD-CON, Hoop and Stick Con, Marmalade Dog, Intercon, GAMA EXPO, Granite Game Summit, Blerd Con, Buckeye Game Fest, Dice Tower West, Kenny Con, Unpub Fest, Atlanta Scifi and Fantasy Expo, Awesome Con, Gary Con, Ground Zero Games East Coast Convention XXVIII, Adepticon, PAX East, NerdFest, Friends Across the Board, Circle DC, Chaosium Con, D8 Summit Charity Gaming Convention, TAG Con, OSR Con, Who’s Yer Con, Final 3 Con, Warhammer Spring Retreat, Raven Con, Midwest Gaming Classic, Final Boss Con, Dave Con, and Congress of Gamers Spring Session.

Internationally, you can attend Unboxed Game Fest 2.0 (Ahmedabad, India), Warpcon (Cork, Ireland), Breakout Con (Toronto, Canada), Luxcon (Luxembourg), Calgary Expo (Calgary, Canada), and Mega XP (Mexico City, Mexico).

As promised, you can read the DunDraCon History at this following link: https://www.dundracon.com/DDC_History.php

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 173: Line Dancing at PAX Unplugged 2025

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 12:00:00 GMT

We hope our dreamers have enjoyed their Thanksgiving as much as we did! On this episode, we review Ben's time at PAX Unplugged 2025 in beautiful, marathon-ridden Philadelphia, Pennsylvania!

Pick up a Button Shy Game! (link)
Lead into game night with Super Show: Super Lucha! (link)
ARTOVISION's excellent shadowboxes! (link)
Get notified when Chicken Fried Dice goes live on Kickstarter! (link)
Back Mystic Curling Club on Kickstarter! (link)

And for real, go and listen to some Mountain Goats, y'all hear? You can start out with Tallahassee or The Sunset Tree for some of the classics. You don't have to be a ex-pro wrestler to enjoy Beat the Champ, and you don't have to play D&D to rock out to In League With Dragons. They just put out a new record that you could also check out.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 172: Gen Con 2025 Live Recording

Tue, 25 Nov 2025 12:00:00 GMT

On Saturday of Gen Con, Quarex and Ben recorded a live episode of our podcast in the presence of nearly 30 dreamers! As we recover from PAX Unplugged, we are releasing most of the episode from the Lucas Oil Media Room 10 for those who missed out.

And if you want to know more about Quarex's fudge, you really gotta come to these magical events!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 171: Walk, Don't Run, to PAX Unplugged 2025

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 12:00:00 GMT

On this episode, Quarex and Ben provide all the late and late-breaking news from PAX Unplugged 2025, such as:

And if you're at PAX Unplugged and want to meet up with your other host Ben, why don't you reach out through social media or email?

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 170: Gen Con VIG Program and Origins 2026 Reminders

Mon, 17 Nov 2025 12:00:00 GMT

On this very off-cycle episode, your hosts are reviewing some important deadlines you'll want to pay attention to (and soon), like:

Gen Con VIG Badge Applications are open! Get them in before your chance closes on December 1!
Origins Game Fair has already opened up its event submissions for June 2026, while badges and hotels go up for sale in the coming weeks!

We'll return tomorrow with our regularly scheduled PAX Unplugged previewsode.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 169: Creators and Designers at PAX Unplugged

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 12:00:00 GMT

On this episode, we're joined by three creators doing cool stuff in and around the expo hall at PAX Unplugged 2025!

Not only have they designed Garbage & Glory, Wrastlevania, and Boom Patrol, Nicole Amato is also the games outreach coordinator at Kickstarter. They're attending the convention in their official capacity, and you might even find some time to meet and show the next great game!
Stephen from Roll for Combat comes on to talk about the company's current lines for 5E, Pathfinder, and Shadowdark, as well as all the new things coming in 2026! Go say hello at booth 4057, or sign up to play their Shadowdark adventures with Lurking Fears using their Warhorn page!
He's a professional wrestler! He's a professional wrestling commentator! He's a professional wrestling game designer with SRG Universe! The one and only Triple L... Loudmouth Leo Larynx comes onto to talk about the latest expansion to the #1 card game Supershow the Game... SUPER LUCHA! Check them out at booth 2547, or find their full slate of Supershow the Game tournaments, drafts, and learn to plays.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 168: PAX Unplugged is a Marathon, Not a Race

Thu, 06 Nov 2025 12:00:00 GMT

On this very special episode of All Year I Dream About Gaming Convention, your hosts dig into some of the details you'll need to know about the overlap and overlay of PAX Unplugged and the Philadelphia Marathon, such as:

Saturday's 8k run (link)
Saturday's half marathon (link)
Sunday's children's races (link)
Sunday's whole hog marathon that goes right past the convention center (link)
The road closures owing to the 35,000 runner marathon taking place during PAX Unplugged (link)

Because gosh darn it, someone has to.

(And please email paxquestions@reedexpo.com to get better information from the Reed Pop Unplugged people.)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 167: Get Ready for PAX Unplugged in November

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 12:00:00 GMT

PAX Unplugged, the last of the 2025 Rushmore conventions, is being held in Philadelphia, PA from November 21-23 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. Not only will your other host Ben be in attendance for all three days, we have recorded our

1 Day Badges before they sell out!
Spot Hero for parking in Center City
The hotel block, which is sold out but still open
Pre-registration events, outside the PAX NAV app
The many, many, many convention features
New Mill Industries' Indie Games Night Market
Reserve a mobility scooter through Scoot Around, Mobility on Wheels, and Cloud of Goods

And don't forget to put in for a medical pass by emailing paxquestions@reedexpo.com between Friday, November 7 and the start of the convention.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 166: Interviews from Gamehole Con 2025

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 11:00:00 GMT

On this episode, Quarex and Ben are strangely silent while Aimee of the Pod, Aimee, handles the interviews in the Gamehole dealer hall! Listen in for interviews with:

Matt with Chaosium
Scott from Trinamyk
John and Bri from Bright Bard Games
Jordan from Goosepoop Games
Richard from Monster Tiles

And for our supporters on KoFi, check out our interview with Erica from Broken Brain Games!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 165: Autumnal Evaluation of Gamehole Con

Tue, 28 Oct 2025 11:00:00 GMT

On this episode, your hosts are joined by Aimee of the Pod Aimee to talk about our time spent at Gamehole Con XII.

But also! Quarex and Ben review the newest member of the Street Team, inconveniently named Ben!

You won't want to miss it.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 164: Turn the PAGE in Philly This January

Tue, 21 Oct 2025 11:00:00 GMT

On this very special episode of All Year I Dream About Gaming Conventions, Quarex and Ben delay the dealer hall interviews to bring you an interview with Ron and Phil from PAGE: the Philadelphia Area Gaming Expo. Held this year from January 15-18 in sunny Oaks, PA.

They've got everything you'd want from an RPG con:

Over 1000 events in their growing event catalog
Over 100 special guests who will actually interact with and run games for you
An earnest diversity initiative that is trying to bridge the gap between the convention and gaming communities
A big old exhibit hall featuring publishers of all sizes
A charity auction to benefit the Gamer Assistance Program that helps game designers in need

It's our professional podcasting opinion that if you like RPGs and you're not going to PAGE 3, you're gonna regret it.

Don't forget: when you go to get your PAGE 3 badge, put in the coupon code DREAMERS to save $10 off your four day badge.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 163: Sneaking a Peak at Gamehole Con 2025

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 11:00:00 GMT

This is our previewsode for Gamehole Con 2025... the XII-ening. On this episode, we get you ready for everything you need to know... and the things you don't know you need to know.

Mentioned in the episode:

The first Wardens of the Eastern Marches adventure (link)
The rising phoenix of RPEX (link)
The Dragonbane tourney, The Sinking Tower (link)
Castles and Crusades for Kids (link)
Badge Quest with Ron from PAGE (link)
Portland Oregon Trail (link)
Playing in Someone Else's Sandbox (link)
The Beautiful Mess of 5E (link)
You Should Write a Book about RPGs (link)
Adventuring in Parenting: Raising the Next Generation of Gamers (link)
Munchkin: Design Issues, Expansions and Imagery with That Steve Jackson (link)

And don't forget the auction!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 162: Four Days of Peace and Love with John Kovalic

Mon, 06 Oct 2025 11:00:00 GMT

On this episode, your hosts Ben and Quarex get a chance to speak with Madison area illustrator, game designer, and charity biker John Kovalic! In addition to being the artist of the long-running comic strip Dork Tower, John has illustrated Apples to Apples, Munchkin, Kobolds Ate My Baby, and Chez Geek.

For the last several years, John and... let's face it, this is really his crew of friends who run Dorkstock, which is a celebration of all things that John loves with gaming.

But also: you can attend Game Con Junction at the fabulous Marriott East in sluggery Louisville, KY from October 31 to November 2 this year! This charity con is run by Dukes of Highland and Nerd Louisville, and it has a lot of great events you can still sign up for! Check it out.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 161: For Those Who Want to Exhibit at Gen Con 2026

Fri, 03 Oct 2025 11:00:00 GMT

Everything you wanted to know about applying to exhibit at Gen Con but you were too afraid to ask! (Or read.)

"Let Them Eat Thomas Paine" taken from Dillinger Four's "Versus God" album (link).

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 160: Live Recording from Origins 50

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 11:00:00 GMT

On this episode, your hosts Quarex and Ben held court for a crowd of attentive dreamers on the 2nd floor of the Greater Columbus Convention Center. You've heard our after action episodes (128-131), now here what it was like in the heat of the moment!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 159: POC Industry Dinner with Ethan and Lyla at Gamehole

Mon, 22 Sep 2025 11:00:00 GMT

On this episode, we're talking with Lyla Fujiwara (link) and Ethan Yen (link), who are both amazing game designer in their own rights. However, Ethan and Lyla are the driving forces behind the POC Industry Dinner and related seminar events!

Over the course of a half hour, they help explain the impetus behind the dinner, what they're doing in year 2, and where they envision the POC Dinner expanding in future years. And you're a convention organizers who is looking to foster this kind of offering, they're totally worth reaching out to!

Check out their events at Gamehole Con this year:

Game Design for You https://www.gameholecon.com/events/event/28632
Project Communication 101 https://www.gameholecon.com/events/event/28634
Narrative Storytelling in Nonlinear Systems https://www.gameholecon.com/events/event/25909
Freelancing 201: Progressing your Tabletop Career https://www.gameholecon.com/events/event/28633
Writing Games for Convention Play https://www.gameholecon.com/events/event/28636
Let's Get Physical https://www.gameholecon.com/events/event/28631

And don't forget their games!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 158: Preparing to Delve the Gamehole

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 11:00:00 GMT

All the leaves are brown, and the sky is gray... but we won't be feeling forlorn on some Madison autumn days!

Gamehole Con is being held from October 23-26 at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison, WI, and both your hosts will be present this year. To help you prepare for your own trip to the capital, we are reviewing the best ways to travel, the sliver of a hope at lodging, the parking situation, and the food & drink...

... to say nothing of the gaming and special events. We even hear there's a charity auction, even if Quarex hasn't been able to attend it yet.

You won't want to miss it!!

Referenced in the episode are:

And let's not forget the Gamehole Con Collectors' Auction for Charity on Saturday from 3-6 pm.... or the Shadow Scar adventure "The Auction" earlier that day in the West Lobby Hallway at 10 am.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 157: Badge Deadline for Final 3 Con 2026

Thu, 11 Sep 2025 11:00:00 GMT

At the prompting of a dreamer, your host Ben checked out a convention in Northern Virginia called Final 3 Con, which focuses on social deduction games like Blood on the Clocktower, Werewolf, and Mafia. Ben had a great time, and we've sat on this interview... until now.

On September 14, 2025 at 3 pm ET, tickets for Final 3 Con 2026 go on sale. You'll want to set an alarm, because the full day badges will sell out in hours, not days or week.

And if you want to hear just how fun and unique Final 3 Con 2025 was, you can listen to our interview with convention organizer Emily.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 156: A Summer Filled with Conventions

Tue, 09 Sep 2025 11:00:00 GMT

From May 1 to September 2 of this year, your hosts Quarex and Ben made it to the following conventions:

Congress of Gamers, Spring Session
Des Moines Con ... or was it Des Moines Comic Con?
Living Dead Weekend
Origins Games Fair
EGG Con
Gen Con
Otakon
Once Upon a Con... buckle up for the drama
NOVA Open

Games and groups highlighted include:

Love, Career, Magic by Wonmin Lee
1490 Doom by Buer Games
Goblins and Growlers in Richmond, VA

And let's not forget the dreamer dispatch from Kristine, who attended Kublai Con in San Francisco Bay Area! Submit yours using our Google Form!!!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 155: Autumn Convention Round Up!

Tue, 02 Sep 2025 11:00:00 GMT

On this episode, your hosts Quarex and Ben go through all the conventions you'll want to attend* from September 2 to December 31, 2025, including:

Dice Tower Retreat, Council Con 2025, Metagame 2025, Mini-KennyCon, CuseCon, Meeples & Peoples, MegaMooseCon, RockyCon, World Series of Board Gaming, MañanaCon, Barrage 2025, FriendCon, The Ettin, Tabletop Scotland, Game mORe Con, Con on the Cob, ICON, Gem City Gathering, Tsubasacon, Arnecon, ConQuest Avalon, Be Excellent Festival, Congress of Gamers Fall Session, Gamehole Con, Warhammer Fall Retreat, Capital City Gaming Con, Multiverse Con, Battle Zone Ursa, CRIT Con, Carnage Con, FLAG Con, Chaosium Con Europe, Effing Con, Dire Consequences, Tabletop Oahu, EuroQuest. Metatopia, U-Con Gaming Convention, Meeple-a-thon, KublaCon Fall, BGG.CON, PAX Unplugged, Encuentro Nacional de Juegos de Mesa, Dragonsteel Nexus 2025, Everwinter, Yamacon, Sac Gamers Expo, Manchester Board Game Festival, BGM Shanghai....

AND EVEN MORE THAT DON'T FIT INTO OUR FORMAT!?

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 154: Live from the Exhibit Hall at Gen Con 2025

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 11:00:00 GMT

In this selection of interviews from the exhibit hall floor at Gen Con 2025!

Luke of Limithron, publishers of Pirate Borg!
Corey from Amigo Games, fine makers of Where Is Mausi?
Sarah from Astra Fauna, the accelerant for your other host Ben's nightmare fuel since Gen Con 2024
Bri from Rollacrit, who are the publishers of Heroes of Barcadia, makers of the renewed Bags of Holding, and official merch partner of Gen Con!

Listen in to hear some cool stories in each interview, and check their products out online and at future conventions.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 153: Constructing Your Convention Calendar

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 11:00:00 GMT

On this dreamer-requested episode, Quarex and Ben discuss their best practices for constructing and following a convention calendar to keep track of all the key dates and deadlines for the conventions you want to attend.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 152: The Second Annual GOTCs

Thu, 21 Aug 2025 11:00:00 GMT

Rarely imitated, never duplicated — Ben and Quarex are back with our second annual Games of the Convention!!! This is the only annual award given out by a podcast about gaming conventions.

Who will win the GOTC for the best kids game, best RPG, or best board game? Who will take home what is undoubtedly the electrum for the game of the year? Will either host ever acknowledge the acronym itself?

You'll have to listen in to find out!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 151: Total Drama Island, Gen Con Style

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 11:00:00 GMT

On this episode, Quarex and Ben discuss what passed for drama at Gen Con 2025... which, much like the weather, was mild and manageable.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 150: Everything But the Games at Gen Con

Thu, 14 Aug 2025 11:00:00 GMT

On this very proud conventioncast, your hosts Quarex and Ben talk about everything Gen Con 2025 that didn't involve a game -- from the travel to the parking lots to the TSA agents to (yes) the live auction.

You gotta listen to learn all our opinions, but this picture posted to Reddit sums up our feelings about a transitional Gen Con.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 149: The Games of Gen Con 2025

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 11:00:00 GMT

On the first episode of our patented two 2-part reviewsodes from Gen Con 2025, your hosts Quarex and Ben review the games we experienced that are worth checking out, including but not limited to:

Rocket Age: Blood Red Mars Savaged (link)
Hues and Clues (link)
Cat and the Tower (link)
Blind Jack (link)
Caution Signs (link)
The Super Show (link)
Tricky Kids (link)
Cookie Run Braverse (link)
Triangle Agency (link)

And listen in on Thursday for the next reviewsode!!!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 148: Gen Con 2026?!?

Tue, 05 Aug 2025 11:00:00 GMT

The only way to recover from Gen Con while still recording an episode is to talk about Gen Con 2026. 358 days, dreamers!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 147: Saying Goodbye to Gen Con 2025

Sun, 03 Aug 2025 22:49:03 GMT

As we say goodbye to Gen Con 2025, Quarex and Ben have made a secondary pilgrimage to the year-round home of Indianapolis gaming: the Elf N Moon! While we will bring the heat with our patented four part review episodes later this month, we couldn't let the opportunity pass to provide our thoughts about this year's show for everyone's drive home.

We're also joined by Diana, the 2025 National Munchkin Champion!

You won't want to miss it.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 146: First Impressions of Two Days of Gen Con

Fri, 01 Aug 2025 23:44:39 GMT

We didn't record at the VIG Mixer! Instead, here's some live content from the ground from the Omni Severin!

Come catch the live recording tomorrow at 9 pm in the Lucas Oil Stadium! You won't want to miss it!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 145: Feeling Presidential on Gen Con Eve

Thu, 31 Jul 2025 01:57:41 GMT

President Quarex and Vice President Ben cast pod from the balcony of the presidential suite of the Omni Severin while the sun sets on Indy. We talk about the vibes, the experience and the excitement of the next best four days of gaming.

Now with special guests Michael, Sean, and Abacus!!!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 144: Previewing the Spectacle of Gen Con

Tue, 29 Jul 2025 11:00:00 GMT

It's the night before Gen Con Eve, and all through the house, a not Quarex was stirring... because he's already in Indianapolis for day negative four of the best four days in gaming.

On this episode, Quarex and Ben bring you:

A traffic report straight from the heart of Gen Con
A weather report that seems less dire than last week
A cashless ICC -- except for the exhibit hall -- and where to find ATMs in the convention space
A trip to the Indy farmer's market might be in order!
A brief review of the Gen Con 2025 program!
A short comparison of the Official Block Party and the less official Stink!
A long form review of all the official beverages and foods for Gen Con this year!
6 songs that will help manifest our Gen Con experience!

And you can bet that we do a deep dive into some more food recommendations, including the finally official food trucks!

Don't forget to come to our live podcast recording in the ~~WOTC~~ Lucas Oil Stadium on Saturday night at 9 pm.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 143: Previewing the Games, Events, and Exhibitors for Gen Con 2025

Mon, 28 Jul 2025 11:00:00 GMT

You can find the interactive list of exhibitors for Gen Con 2025 here. Check out:

AMIGO Games at booth 1907
1985 Games at booth 1459
Hammerdog Games at booth 2309
Q-Workshop at booths 149 and 1749
Rowan, Rook and Decard at booth 455
Pelgrane Press at booth 623
Two Little Mice at booth 1929 and 2029

Family Time Fun is at booth 459, where you can find the promo card for Calliope Bush.

Lisa Falkenstern is at table 65 of the Art Show
SchmandrewArt is at table 61 of the Art Show
Goater Mac's Funhouse is at the Entertainer's Spotlight
One Page Rules is at booth 7104 in Maker's Market

For new and demoable games, check out:

Up or Down from Capstone Games, booth 3027
Boom Patrol from Smirk and Dagger Games, booth 429
VNTYPL8S from 25th Century Games, booth 1457
Umami from HeidelBaer Games, booth 1003 for demos
Twinkle Twinkle from AllPlay, booth 1849
Lucha Lucha 3-4-5 from Whales Entertainment, booth 2860
Necromancer from Kobold Press, demo at booth 1649
Tamagotchi Collection from Kess, booth 521

And for some last minute ticketed events:

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 142: Content Creators at Gen Con 2025

Thu, 24 Jul 2025 11:00:00 GMT

On this episode, Quarex and Ben introduce you to three content creators that we're big fans of -- and not just because they'll be at Gen Con 2025.

First up, we interview Correy from the YouTube channel Travel the Board. Correy who vlogs about his travels across the US on conventions and cruises with real life not-internet human partner and his regular probably cohost, Scott the Bard! (We're trying to make fetch happen on this one.) Adding a layer of slight jealous: Correy is also an official Gen Con content creator for 2025.

Next up, we speak with Ross from Roleplaying Public Radio, one of the O.G.-est of the gaming podcasts out there. Check out their main podcast as well their spin off RPPR Actual Play (which predated most actual plays by years, Matthew Christopher Mercer). Ross and Co. have five seminars and one live episode recording on Saturday at the JW, which is the only event that you're allowed to attend instead of our live podcast recording. Check out all the events here.

Last but not least, we talk with JP Coovert, record label owner and former designer of Target kids t-shirts... who is currently one of the best YouTube channels out there for system neutral RPG content! JP is probably the living embodiment of a happy little tree, and he creates maps and adventures, plus zines and quirky content that are just the greatest. You can hop onto his pre-order for Flik Silverpen's Guide to Dragontown and the Darkness Below on BackerKit, and listen for his calming voice around the convention while he hands out zines like a Vloggy Applezine.

You won't want to miss it.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 141: Maurice Broaddus and the Gen Con Writer's Symposium

Wed, 23 Jul 2025 11:00:00 GMT

On this episode, we're joined by the esteemed author Maurice Broaddus. An Indianapolis local, Maurice has attended Gen Con since 2008. This year, he's taken an active leadership role in the Writer's Symposium -- the convention within the convention where authors and aspiring authors hone their craft, learning how to tell better stories, and maybe even how you get those stories published in a way that you're proud of.

Unlike Trade Day, you don't need a special badge to attend Writer's Symposium events, and you can dip your toe into attending a single event or even a Coffee Klatch with one of your favorite authors who attend the Best Four Days in Gaming.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 140: Storing Your Valuables at Gen Con

Tue, 22 Jul 2025 11:00:00 GMT

On the third of our Gen Con topicsodes, Quarex and Ben step away from the interviewing racket to talk about the lockers in the ICC that have returned after almost 20 years.

It shouldn't go without saying that your hosts spend time talking about what led to this change — the proliferation of makeshift shopping carts in the exhibit hall.

If you're outside the downtown block, you're going to want to make sure you listen in.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 139: Gen Con Trinket Trade

Thu, 17 Jul 2025 11:00:00 GMT

While once the domain of Renn faires and Eras Tours, trinket trading has exploded at Gen Con over the past few years. To better understand this new phenomenon, we talk to Bri Pettegrow-Lajoie, the head of the official Gen Con Trinket Traders Facebook group! On this episode, we discuss what trinket trading is, what qualifies as a trinket, the etiquette for trading, and exactly how fun it is to drive from Maine to Indy and back again!

Join the Facebook Group!
Attend a Trinket Trade Meetup at Gen Con 2025!
Maybe play a game that Bri is GMing for Kobold Press?

Shoutout to artificer of the pod Shawn for suggesting this topic -- and reach out to us if you want to hear more about any topics!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 138: The Man Who Wrote the Book on Gen Con

Tue, 15 Jul 2025 11:00:00 GMT

When he was last on the show, Matt Shoemaker was the man who was writing a book on Gen Con. Dreamers, he's done it — he actually wrote the book on Gen Con, and A Gathering of Gamers is releasing later this year. You can sign up to find out more at the Play Story Press website.

At Gen Con this year, you can come to Matt's seminar with Jon Peterson entitled "Exploring the Process and Sources for Writing Gaming History" (link). If you have a trade day badge, you can go to his seminar on "Teaching With Games That Challenge Gaming Norms" (link). And of course he's going to be at everyone's favorite Saturday night event at the ~~WOTC~~ Lucas Oil Stadium: our live podcast recording, where tickets are going fast.

Matt has been busy with more than just the book and the Gen Con events, as he documented the oral history of Origins 50 (link). You can also find him at PAX Unplugged, the Philadelphia Area Gaming Expo (PAGE), Gary Con and Adepticon.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 137: The Importance of Being Well Rested (with Kevin Kulp)

Fri, 11 Jul 2025 11:00:00 GMT

Did you know that, when he isn't writing elfgames and Gumshoe tales, renowned RPG author Kevin Kulp is a consultant on fatigue, alertness, and shift work? We are absolutely blessed that he joined us this episode to talk about the most important thing to prepare for Gen Con (or any con)-- making sure you get safe amounts of sleep!

While Kevin can't make it to Gen Con 2025, you may still pick up his work from our friends Pelgrane Press at Booth # 623!

You can also check out Kevin's other work at the following links:

Swords of the Serpentine, the Ennie winning GUMSHOE game of swords and sorcery (link)
Time Watch, where you play as secret agents defend the timestream from radioactive cockroaches, psychic velociraptors, and human meddlers (link)
13th Age Bestiary, which is everything you want in a lore-laden and beautifully illustrated monster manual (link)
Hoot Owl Trail, a fantasy steampunk Wild West shoot 'em up that's "D&D with spurs" (link)

And yes, if this sounds a lot like episode 57, it is. Sleep is so very important to our Gen Con dreams, and we couldn't improve on a perfect episode — we could only make sure it reaches your ears again.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 136: Getting Around Gen Con Spaces

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 11:00:00 GMT

On the fourth of our five Gen Con prepisodes, we're looking at all the ways you can move around the greater Gen Con convention center. From skywalks to escalators, from alarms to calendar events, you'll want to listen in for all the best tips and tricks when it comes to moving around the convention spaces.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 135: There's Only One Way to Eat at Gen Con

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 11:00:00 GMT

In the third of our prepisodes, we talk about each and every only way to eat at Gen Con 2025... from the restaurants to the concessions to the food trucks to the food delivery apps to bringing/buying your own food from a grocery store like Major... I mean Meijer.

Ben and Quarex also discuss other food based concerns, like diabetic-friendly diets, managing allergies, and the meager gluten free dining in Indianapolis.

You won't want to miss it.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 134: Jetsetting to Gen Con

Tue, 08 Jul 2025 11:00:00 GMT

On this Gen Con prepisode, Quarex and Ben get your pistons firing on how you can travel to Indianapolis for Gen Con 2025, as well as other key considerations when traveling outside the convention spaces during the best four days in gaming.

Planes?
Trains?
Automobiles?
Microscooters?
PARKING?!?

You won't want to miss it.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 133: Time to Pack Your Bags for Gen Con

Mon, 07 Jul 2025 11:00:00 GMT

On this Gen Con prepisode, Quarex and Ben get your gray matter working for all the things you'll want to consider when packing for the best four days in gaming.

Bags?
Food??
Toilets in trees?!?

You won't want to miss it.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 132: Spending Our Second Anniversary with Alex Kammer

Thu, 03 Jul 2025 11:26:00 GMT

On this episode, we're joined by a very special guest — Alex Kammer, the principal owner of the only convention bold enough to call their exhibit hall a dealer hall... GAMEHOLE CON! We had the best time talking everything gaming with Alex, including Gamehole Con 1, Gamehole Con 12, the other conventions he attends, and what the Gamehole Con's bar mitzvah might look like.

Important links:

Get your Gamehole Con badges before they sell out! (Log in is required.)
Gamehole Publishing's new living RPG campaign, The Wardens of the Eastern Marches, including their new adventure paths by Alex, Joshua Hoyt and someone named Ed Greenwood
The End of Everything, Alex's epic 5E D&D adventure that properly brings the Cthulhu mythos into 5E
The rest of Alex's RPG publishing pedigree on RPG Geek

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 131: Origins is about the Meeples

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 11:13:00 GMT

Our recap of Origins 2025, the 50th anniversary of this esteemed convention — a celebration you might have missed if you blinked — all delivered to you hot and ready in thirty minutes or less.

Get your Origins Merch here: https://www.originsgamefair.com/origins-merch-store

And see how Quarex helped JP Coovert become a better GM! https://youtu.be/68Kcdi4WHU0?si=mTMrscwUV58xUbW-

You won't want to miss it.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 130: Origins Exhibit Hall Interviews, Part 3

Thu, 26 Jun 2025 11:33:00 GMT

Both Ben and Quarex were at Origins Game Fair for all five days of this historic 50th anniversary, and we spoke with so many great exhibitors. On this episode, we highlight some of the exhibitors who have new releases or awesome events at Gen Con, too. Thanks to:

Matt from Motley Kids, where kids can be kids at Origins, Gen Con (check out the event schedule), and other midwestern conventions
Aly, Richard, and Michael with Kess Co, who was demoing Tamagotchi Collection ahead of its Gen Con release
Chris at Capstone Games, who was showing off new Gen Con releases like Tea Garden, Meltwater, and Up and Down

You won't want to miss it.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 129: Origins Exhibit Hall Interviews, Part 2

Wed, 25 Jun 2025 11:20:00 GMT

Both Ben and Quarex were at Origins Game Fair for all five days of this historic 50th anniversary, and we spoke with so many great exhibitors. On this episode, we highlight some of the exhibitors with cool and future releases on display at Origins. Thanks to:

Bobby and Ted with Cavernwire Games, who were selling pre-sale copies of their new game Vine, coming to Kickstarter in July
Jim from The Museum of D&D, who was showing off what this nonprofit is looking to do in Orlando
David from Recycled Realms, who was selling bespoke wargaming terrain — contact him to commission your next boss scene
Theresa and John from Geekify. who sell books, maps, and other ephemera at great prices
Cheyenne from Action Fiction, who was demoing Goblin Cave, which is coming to crowdfunding later this year

You won't want to miss it.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 128: Origins Exhibit Hall Interviews, Part 1

Tue, 24 Jun 2025 11:30:00 GMT

Both Ben and Quarex were at Origins Game Fair for all five days of this historic 50th anniversary, and we spoke with so many great exhibitors. On this episode, we highlight some of the publishers with new and newish releases at Origins. Thanks to:

Sabrina at Ludoliminal Games, who was releasing an early GOTC candidate "Uh Oh Dino"
Heather at 9th Level Games, who just released the second edition of the Nazi-punching space opera Rebel Scum
Breeze at Zephyr Workshop, whose Second Ignition of AEGIS: Transforming Robots beat the tariffs across the sea
Josh from Arc Knight, whose Mimic Dice delight Quarexii and Actual Human Children alike
Eric from Escape Mail, who braved the U.S. border to show off The Shackleton Series Box Set for your next game night

You won't want to miss it.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 127: Call of Ctholumbhus

Tue, 17 Jun 2025 11:22:00 GMT

Are you ready for the 50th anniversary of Origins Game Fair? It's here on Wednesday morning!

EVENTS!

Origins Events: https://tabletop.events/conventions/origins-game-fair-2025
Games on Demand: https://tabletop.events/conventions/origins-game-fair-2025/schedule/1695
Blood on the Clocktower: https://tabletop.events/conventions/origins-game-fair-2025/schedule/7160
Builders of Baldur's Gate: https://tabletop.events/conventions/origins-game-fair-2025/schedule/6909
They Keep Killing Thomas: https://tabletop.events/conventions/origins-game-fair-2025/schedule/5354
Poker Peril: https://tabletop.events/conventions/origins-game-fair-2025/schedule/8587
Grimdark Future: https://tabletop.events/conventions/origins-game-fair-2025/schedule/8991

GAMES!

Origins New Games List: https://www.originsgamefair.com/featuredproductstry
Raising Chicago: https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/330579/raising-chicago
Please Don't Burn My Village: https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/438119/please-dont-burn-my-village
Slambo: https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/435357/slambo
Wine Cellar: https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/411033/wine-cellar
Uh Oh Dino: https://ludoliminal.com/products/uh-oh-dino-board-game
S'mores Galore: https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/419206/smores-galore

INKUBUS: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19mVPb8Rhp/

PIN BAZAAR: https://www.originsgamefair.com/pin-bazaar

NORTH MARKET: https://northmarket.org/

GRAETER'S: https://www.graeters.com/neighborhood-locations

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 126: Live Auction and Consignment Shops at Gen Con and Origins

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 11:24:00 GMT

On this episode, Ben and Quarex interview Josh Berling, who is the other TOVA auctioneer for the Gen Con Live Auction (link), as well as the magician behind the Valhalla charity auction on Saturday night in the Indiana Convention Center. Josh weaves tales about his first auction experience in Milwaukee, his favorite auction memories throughout the years, and why you'll want to be in the audience for the auction this year.

But first, we also talk about the return of the Origins Consignment Shop (link), although for reasons that confound us, Big Mallet Auctions didn't look at our recording schedule to determine when to stop accepting items. Still: worth checking out at Origins 50.

You won't want to miss it.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 125: Getting Ready for Origins 50

Wed, 04 Jun 2025 11:30:00 GMT

With Origins coming up this month, Quarex and Ben help you prepare for all the fun you can have at the 50th anniversary show. Highlights include:

Tournament of Pieces (link)
Paint and Take (link)
Origins Special Guests (link)
Attend trade day (link)
Game Based Education Therapy Conference (link)

And don't forget:

Watch Quarex play “Heart of Darkness” with Origins special guest Andrew E.C. Gaska (link)
Get tickets to our live recording on Thursday at 8 pm (link)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 124: Bringing Your Kids to Conventions

Tue, 27 May 2025 11:30:00 GMT

Ahead of a summer of massive Rushmore conventions, Ben and Quarex sit down to discuss whether and how to best bring kids to gaming conventions. Replete with real world advice from the preeminent podcasters on the topic, we're not joking when we say you won't want to miss this.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 123: It's Never Too Early to Get Ready for Gen Con

Thu, 22 May 2025 12:01:00 GMT

While your hosts Quarex and Ben are gearing up for the 50th Anniversary of Origins next month, there are still plenty of things our dreamers want to know about Gen Con.

We're talking shoes, shots, bags, and lockers. We're talking about our wish lists and dreams for the exhibit hall. We're talking thieves of yore and the shuttering of the forums.

Most importantly -- we're talking the likelihood of another sell out—because the easiest way to miss out on the best four days in gaming is to wait too long to buy that badge.

Important links:

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 122: Giving Blood at Gaming Conventions

Tue, 20 May 2025 11:24:00 GMT

On this episode, Quarex and Ben talk with Joe Smiddie-Brush, the blood drive chair of the Heinlein Society, who has partnered with Gen Con to arrange for the blood drive, which is entering its 19th year at the convention! Wow!!!

Important links:

The Heinlein Society
Gen Con Blood Drive
The Blood Drive's partner, Dscryb, who coordinates much of the swag for donors
Donate blood with last year's Gen Con blood drive partner, Versiti!
The Notebooks of Lazarus Long, by the titular Heinlein himself

And if you're looking to arrange for a blood drive at your favorite local convention (PHIL), you can reach out to Joe at blooddrivechair@heinleinsociety.org.

... and if you're going to Origins like Quarex, Ben, and all the other cool kids -- don't forget you can donate blood there too! GAMA even gave us an extra day of gaming, so why not give a little of your blood? (You won't miss it.. that much.)

https://www.originsgamefair.com/blood-drive

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 121: Gen Con on the Cheap

Thu, 15 May 2025 11:31:00 GMT

On this episode, Ben and Quarex share their tips and tricks on how to do Gen Con without spending too much money. Topics include travel options to Indy, lodging in and around the situation, food/drink/alcohol, free badges, low cost/now cost events and seminars, and things to do around the city.

Even if you're not the most frugal attendee, you might be able to glean some insights from the combined experience of the hosts.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 120: Two Guarantees in Life—Convention Attendance and Taxes

Tue, 13 May 2025 11:30:00 GMT

On this episode, Ben and Quarex review the conventions we attended thus far in 2025... other than Gary Con, Adepticon, and Awesome Con.

Did you attend any conventions during this time that we didn't cover? You can send us a Dreamer Dispatch at the following link!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 119: Matt from Lurking Fears

Thu, 08 May 2025 11:27:00 GMT

On this episode, Quarex and Ben talk with Matt from the Lurking Fears GM Group! Matt regales us with his tales of starting and maintaining one of the best GM in all Conventionry.

Lurking Fear website (link)
Publishers they work with (link)
Sign up to be a GM! (link)

You can also catch a game with them at Origins Game Fair (link to Tabletop Events) and even Gen Con!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 118: The Biggest Gen Con Event Catalog Ever

Tue, 06 May 2025 11:35:00 GMT

On a day where the fourth might have been with us, the Gen Con event catalog definitely joined in all its Midichlorian glory. When you can find all the events on the official page (link) or the Gen Con 2025 Event DB page (link), your hosts Quarex and Ben picked out some events you'll want to check out:

The Necromancer's Curse for Fabula Ultima (link)
Deathwise5E, the Thousand Dollar experience (link)
Coffee Klatch with Michael A. Stackpole (link)
Punch Nazis on Mars (link)
Bees, Beer, and the Hip: a Canadian LARP for Call of Cthulhu (link)
T2D2 Toys POG Tournament (link)

Your hosts also walk you through the wishlisting process, and event registration process on Sunday, May 18th at 12 noon Eastern.

And don't forget, we have our live podcast recording at 9 pm on Saturday in Lucas Oil Stadium: https://www.gencon.com/events/278485

You won't want to miss it.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 117: All About Cruise Cons

Tue, 29 Apr 2025 11:25:00 GMT

On this episode, your hosts Quarex and Ben discuss the latest phenomenon in gaming conventions -- con cruises! We discuss the why, the whether, and the cruises you can book, including:

... and more!

And don't forget that after over a decade of promising, Real ID is taking effect in May! You won't want to miss it, especially if you are flying anywhere between now and Gen Con.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 116: May We Interest You in Some Conventions through Labor Day?

Thu, 24 Apr 2025 11:22:00 GMT

On this episode, we talk about the conventions you want to know about between May 1 and September 2, including:

Buckeye Game Fest, Midwest Games Fest, Farmageddon, Congress of Gamers Spring Session, Shirecon, Dungeon Con, PAX East, Geekway to the West, OrakCon, Game Market (Chiba City, Japan), Thy Geekdom Con, Fargo CoreCon Halfoween, Balticon, StrategiCon Gamex, Rooks Con, LinCon, ChupacabraCon Gaming Convention, KublaCon, Dream Con, CanGames, UK Games Expo, Magstock, SaltCON Summer, CNY RPG Con, Pyrkon, Game Con, Southern Fried Gaming Expo, Origins Game Fair, SoonerCon, MisCon, MAGE Con, ROSECon, KantCon, Djiversão Offline, BorderCon, 18XXBelgium, Game Con Canada, Dexlite, CONvergence, Shadow Market Shanghai Board Game Exhibition, Dice Tower East, Roswell Galacticon, Crit Hit!, PlayCon, AdventureCon Ironweld, ConnectiCon, Historicon, Gem State Gaming Convention, EGG Con, San Diego Comic Con, Board Game Days, Ropecon, Northwest Tabletop Expo, World Boardgaming Championships, GEN CON GEN CON GEN CON GEN CON GEN CON GEN CON, StarCon, MagWest, Epic Nerd Camp, Once Upon a Con, Phoenix Con, DragonFlight,FallCon, Make a Scene, Reaper Con, SaltCON End of Summer, GrandCon, The Nova Open, WGGCon, Gamers of Summer, Immerse Con, Matsuricon, PAX West, DragonCon.

But also:

Tabletop Scotland, which technically starts the week after Labor Day but you should attend!
Quad Cons galore!
And our new Gritty Game Day feature!

You won't want to miss it!!!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 115: Convention Recruiting

Tue, 22 Apr 2025 11:20:00 GMT

In the furious vortex of March and April conventions, Quarex and Ben carved out some time in the recording schedule to discuss how you can convince your friends to join you at gaming conventions.

Whether your reasons are selfish, altruistic, or somewhere in between — listen in to learn how to convince your friends and family into entering the lifestyle of gaming conventions.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 114: Adepticon and Awesome Con?

Tue, 15 Apr 2025 11:22:00 GMT

On this episode, your hosts Quarex and Ben talk about their time at Adepticon (Milwaukee, WI) and Awesome Con (Washington DC) as members of the gaming media.

We also introduce the Dreamer Dispatch, where if you tell us about your time at a convention, we may read your dreams on a future episode of the show. Drop your Dreamer Dispatches at the following link.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 113: Origins is Coming

Tue, 08 Apr 2025 11:48:00 GMT

The 50th anniversary of Origins Game Fair starts June 18, 2025... which is so much sooner than you think! Your hosts Quarex and Ben walk you through everything you need to know now to make the convention the great time it can be, including:

And don't forget our just early enough recommendations for events you should sign up for:

Motley Kids
Matinee Adventures
Kingdoms of Keshanar
Build a Shadowdark Adventure Live with Kelsey Dionne
ADGNEPSEF555
and the event you just can't miss because you'll have to wait until September when we release it—our live podcast recording!!!1!

DON'T FORGET! You can contribute to the oral history of Origins by emailing Matt Shoemaker at contact@origins50.org. (It's so much nicer than hitting him with a shoe.)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 112: The Impeccable Vibes of Gary Con

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 11:30:00 GMT

On this episode, Quarex regales your other host Ben with all the things he missed by not attending Gary Con XXVI.

But first: have you ever wondered what the Gygax Convention Industrial Complex is? Your hosts grapple to define a term of their own making without being hoisted by their own petard. Referenced conventions include:

North Texas RPG Con (link)
Philadelphia Area Gaming Expo (link)
CNY RPG Con (link)

... in addition to obvious Gygax conventions like Gary Con and EGG Con (link).

And remember: if you want to contribute anything to the "History of Gen Con at University of Wisconsin - Parkside", reach out the director at gencon@uwp.edu!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 111: Tag Teaming Old School Interviews

Tue, 25 Mar 2025 11:41:00 GMT

On this episode, Quarex and Ben release the interviews you want to hear from Gary Con and Gameface Con.

Michael of Night Noon Games (link), whose successfully funded a zine on Shadowdark monster conversions that you can still make a late pledge for
Dave from Smuggler's Coffee (link), a coffee shop in Dyer, IN that's best known for nerdy grounds (and their Malort barrel aged coffee)
Laura from Extra Life (link), a fundraising arm of the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals
Bill Slavicsek (link), current lead writer for Elder Scrolls Online... but who also designed much of Star Wars d6, wrote TORG, midwifed modern D&D, and wrote two editions to the Guide the Star Wars Universe

Also, Ben challenges Quarex to a game of Shadowdark to determine the official RPG of the podcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 110: Celebrating a Life Well Played by the Sixth Great Lake

Tue, 18 Mar 2025 11:30:00 GMT

On March 20-23, the Gygax Convention Industrial Complex is returning to its roots for the 17th Gary Con! Much like Waldo, Quarex is able to be found at the convention, and of course your hosts are talking everything Gary Con in a digestible 20 minute dose.

If you're going, don't forget to check out:

The charity auction (link)
Tales of the Valiant with Chris Hays (link)
Katacombs and Kidventurers (link)
Legends: Dawn Patrol (link)
Legends of Roleplaying: Recall the Beginning (link)
Legends & Lore: Editions Change, Greyhawk Endures (link)
Reading D&D Aloud (link)
Monty Python's Flying Gygax (link)...

... and more!!!1!!!1!!!!!

And of course we shout out Unpub Festival 2025, where you can try the games of tomorrow today! https://www.unpub.org/upcoming-events/unpub-25

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 109: Digging the Perfect Gamehole

Tue, 11 Mar 2025 11:38:00 GMT

The Gamehole Con housing portal opens up on March 15. If you want to attend, this is the first step to the Gamehole Con of your dreams! More information on the Gamehole Con website (link), and we review the broader administrative schedule you need to know.

You won't want to miss it.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 108: The Podcast that Became a Convention

Tue, 04 Mar 2025 12:45:00 GMT

On this episode, your hosts Quarex and Ben sit down with James Winfield, the organizer of 1d4 Con, which you can attend from March 28-30 in Charles Town, WV slash Harper's Ferry, MD. In this episode, we discuss:

The now defunct 1d4 Cast, which is still available through Podchaser and other platforms (link)
1d4 Con, past and present (link)
The upcoming events at 1d4 Con 2025 (link to Tabletop Events)

You can interact with the 1d4 Con team on their Discord server (link), through Bluesky (link), or on Facebook (link).

The convention is closer than you think, both geographically and temporally. What's certain is that you won't want to miss it!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 107: Man Plans, WOTC Laughs

Thu, 27 Feb 2025 12:43:00 GMT

Last week, Wizards of the Coast released their plans for Gen Con 2025—this time, actually on time: https://www.dndbeyond.com/posts/1914-d-d-at-gen-con-2025-update

While Baldman Games claims (link) that the move doesn't mean they are running games on the field of Lucas Oil Stadium, Quarex and Ben can't envision how this can't mean anything but a WOTC Oil Stadium for 2025.

Accordingly, your hosts boldly speculate for how this spoils the Gen Con event ecosystem this year. You won't want to miss it.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 106: Gen Con Housing Slaughter-y

Tue, 25 Feb 2025 12:52:00 GMT

The episode title says it all. For many dreamers, hopes of a downtown room came crashing down on Sunday afternoon. Standing amidst the wreckage of these shattered dreams, your hosts Quarex and Ben speculate about better days ahead — as well as possible ways that Gen Con might improve the lottery situation.

In the meantime, listen in for tips on how to:

Watch the housing portal with the help of Gen Con Hotels (link)
Run an automated script for Gen Con Hotels (link)
Updates on new hotel construction in Downtown Indianapolis (link)

And for mental health treatment, connect with SAMHSA's National Helpline by calling 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 105: The Gen Con Housing Lottery, As It Happened

Sun, 23 Feb 2025 20:05:36 GMT

Well hopefully you got a good hotel, but if you did not then we just want you to remember DO NOT GIVE UP HOPE! There are always more hotels added! More opportunities to get a space to stay! More ways to attend THE BEST CONVENTION IN THE WORLD

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 104: Convening for Shadowdark in All the Dark Places—An Interview with Kelsey Dionne (Part 3 of 3)

Thu, 20 Feb 2025 12:41:00 GMT

Quarex and Ben were so lucky to have had the opportunity to interview the the illustrious Kelsey Dionne, who wrote a little RPG you might have heard of called Shadowdark. On this, the final episode in our three part interview, your hosts learn from Kelsey all the conventions she's going to be attending this year, including:

Gary Con
Origins Game Fair
Gen Con

.... and many more! And if you listen in, you'll even get the scoop on a possible Shadowdark Con?!?

You won't want to miss it.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 103: Are You Still Afraid of the Shadowdark? An Interview with Kelsey Dionne (Part 2 of 3)

Wed, 19 Feb 2025 12:41:00 GMT

Quarex and Ben were so lucky to have had the opportunity to interview the the illustrious Kelsey Dionne, who wrote a little RPG you might have heard of called Shadowdark. On this, the middle episode of our three part interview, your hosts dig into the Shadowdark RPG — along with the 3rd party support that Kelsey encourages.

The Arcane Library: https://www.thearcanelibrary.com/
Shadowdark: https://www.thearcanelibrary.com/products/shadowdark-rpg
Shadowdark Quickstart Set (link)
Cursed Scrolls 1 (link), 2 (link), and 3 (link)
Shadowdark 5 Mini Adventures: https://www.thearcanelibrary.com/collections/shadowdark-rpg/products/five-mini-adventures
Shadowdark projects on Kickstarter (link)

And you'll have to listen in to hear about the 3rd party Shadowdark projects that Kelsey is most stoked about!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 102: Are You Afraid of the Shadowdark? An Interview with Kelsey Dionne (Part 1 of 3)

Tue, 18 Feb 2025 12:41:00 GMT

Quarex and Ben were so lucky to have had the opportunity to interview the the illustrious Kelsey Dionne, who wrote a little RPG you might have heard of called Shadowdark. On this, the first episode in our three part interview, your hosts get to know Kelsey, who was kind enough to pull the curtain back on the game experiences and the GMs that shaped her game.

Kelsey Dionne on RPG Geek: https://rpggeek.com/rpgdesigner/105627/kelsey-dionne
The Arcane Library: https://www.thearcanelibrary.com/
Dread, the Horror RPG that uses Jenga: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/83854/dread
Index Card RPG: https://www.runehammer.online/index-card-rpg
Dungeon Crawl Classics: https://goodman-games.com/dungeon-crawl-classics-rpg/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 101: Gen Con Housing Lottery Reminder!

Tue, 11 Feb 2025 12:46:00 GMT

On Sunday, February 9, Gen Con opened up their system to purchase badges for Gen Con 2025. With that, the collective Gen Con-osphere is preparing for our annual day of mourning on Sunday, February 23.

Your hosts Quarex and Ben go through the whole process, including ways to maximize your likelihood of winning the lottery—and especially not failing to act on a good time.

Gen Con Indy FAQ for Housing and Travel: https://www.gencon.com/gen-con-indy/housing_travel

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 100: Our Most Special Guest, Peter Adkison

Tue, 04 Feb 2025 12:46:00 GMT

In our 100th and longest episode, your host Quarex and Ben secured a special interview the man who needs no introduction—Peter Adkison.

Listen in to learn:

What Peter does at Gen Con
What he's planning to do with his retirement
How Gen Con can possibly live without his ever-present guiding hand
Just how a move Gen Con to Chicago or Las Vegas actually appears
How long it will take Gen Con to return to Benelux and other alternate locations
How to attend his favorite conventions that he doesn't happen to own
The naval miniatures wargames he's been playing
How excited he is to learn the rules to Twilight Imperium

... and everything else that doesn't fit in the summary!

You won't want to miss this or any of our upcoming #GenCon|Tent!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 99: Preview for the Crown Jewel of the Gygax Convention Industrial Complex

Tue, 28 Jan 2025 12:41:00 GMT

On this first of our episodes of #GaryCon|Tent, Quarex and Ben preview everything Gary Con ahead of its XVII show, like:

Hotels: https://garycon.com/hotels/
Badge Registration: https://garycon.com/hotels/
Event Registration: https://garycon.com/event-registration/
Guests: https://garycon.com/featured-guests/

Quarex and Ben also wishlist events, including:

Art of TSR: https://tabletop.events/conventions/gary-con-xvii/schedule/1845
Chaosium After Party (hotel lobby optional): https://tabletop.events/conventions/gary-con-xvii/schedule/1407
The Quest to Milk A Whatnow?: https://tabletop.events/conventions/gary-con-xvii/schedule/395
Legends of Roleplaying -- The Birth of D&D: https://tabletop.events/conventions/gary-con-xvii/schedule/1755
Skeleton Crew—4E: https://tabletop.events/conventions/gary-con-xvii/schedule/1740
Scooby Doo, Who Are You? https://tabletop.events/conventions/gary-con-xvii/schedule/217

Lastly, we get a scoop about limited edition exclusive Gary Con pogs and slammers, courtesy The Arcane Library! Get updates for the campaign launch at the following link.

(We're covering this Kickstarter because we love scoops! And kitty litter, if you sponsor us.)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 98: Simon Says It's Time to Buy a Badge

Tue, 21 Jan 2025 13:41:00 GMT

On this episode, your hosts Quarex and Ben talk about the badge process for Gen Con 2025, including:

4 Days Badges
Single Day Badges
VIG Badges
GM Badges
Media Badges
Exhibitor Badges

As our "best before days of gaming" promise to you, we discuss the impact of your chosen badge on the Housing Lottery process, which is an integral part of staying in Indy during the convention. We also discuss the pros and cons of will call and badge shipping.

Remember, there's only one bad choice -- and it's not attending!!!

Links in the show notes:

Gen Con Badges: https://www.gencon.com/gen-con-indy/your_badge
Gen Con Kids Badges: https://gencon.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/360055283091-How-do-I-add-a-child-wristband-for-my-child-10-and-under

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 97: The Siren Song at Conventions

Tue, 14 Jan 2025 13:41:25 GMT

First, we want to recognize the passing of Jim Wade, one of the RPGA Paragons. His impact on RPG play experiences at conventions can't be understated, and we open this episode celebrate this unsung hero.

To help get ready for Super MAG Fest (23-26 January 2025), Quarex and Ben spend some time discussion music at gaming conventions.

Music at Super MAG Fest (link)
FAQs for ChipSpace (link) and JamPod (link) at Super MAG Fest
Performer application for Dragon Con (link)
Entertainment Events at Gen Con (link)

Here are some of the artists we discussed in the episode:

Melt Wizard: The Thermal Pod (link)
Skatune Network's YouTube Page (link)
Marshall Arts at Super MAG Fest (link)
TIARA Tastemaker and His Precious Gemstones at Super MAG Fest (link)
Blue Shift Big Band at Super MAG Fest (link)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 96: Event Submissions for Gen Con 2025

Tue, 07 Jan 2025 13:41:27 GMT

As of Sunday, January 5, everyone can begin submitting events for Gen Con 2025. The rules and process behind this is encapsulated by the Event Host Policy (link). Your hosts Ben and Quarex walk you through almost everything you need to know from that policy so you can submit your own events for Gen Con — because the only thing cooler than the Gen Con Live Auction is running your own events.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 95: A Second Helping of PAX Unplugged Interviews

Tue, 31 Dec 2024 13:41:16 GMT

On this episode, Your Other Host Ben has collected five interviews from the board game space:

Emily from Pink Hawk Games (link), whose first published game Knitting Circle is finishing its Kickstarter and whose next game, Pirates of the High Teas, will be crowdfunding in March—click the link to commit early and get exclusive rewards!
John from Gamey (link), who was demoing Galaxy Fighters, a game coming to crowdfunding in 2025 (link)
Danielle from Wise Wizard Games (link), who demoed Push Push Penguin (link) and talked with us about Pack the Essentials (link)—both of which are available for pre-order
Mark from Next Big Project, who was demoing the next big party game called Terrible Influence coming to Kickstarter in 2025 (link)
Christopher from Capstone Games (link), who was demoing Butterfly Gardens (link) and Pagan: Fate of Roanoke (link)

You won't want to miss it.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 94: A First Course of PAX Unplugged 2024 Interviews

Tue, 24 Dec 2024 13:41:49 GMT

On this episode, Your Other Host Ben has collected four interviews from the RPG space:

Jon from Beadle and Grimm (link), who are making big waves beyond just D&D and Magic the Gathering -- and remember that they're taking late pledges for their Star Trek Party Games on Kickstarter here
Joe from Inkwell Ideas (link), who are producing very useful and eminently practical products for GMs
Clint Black from Carolina Game Tables (link), who is not a country singer but in fact a game designer and third generation furniture manufacturer who has merged his two passions
Richard from R. Rook Studios (link), who along with Plus One Exp (link) and its Zine Club (link), are highlighting different voices and stories that we're now telling in the indie RPG scene

You won't want to miss it.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 93: The Slow March to New Gaming Conventions

Tue, 17 Dec 2024 13:41:16 GMT

In this episode, Ben and Quarex march you through many of the gaming conventions you need to know about in January, February, March and April, including (but not limited to because of character constraints):

Midwinter Gaming Convention in Pewaukee, Wisconsin, from January 9-12 (link)
Philadelphia Area Gaming Expo in Oaks, PA from January 16-19 (link)
Ohayocon in Dayton OH from January 31-February 2 (link)
CascadeCon in Bellingham, WA from Jan 30 - February 2 (link)
Niagara Boardgaming Weekend in Grimsby, ON, from January 23-26 (link)
CanCon in Canberra, AUS, from January 25-27 (link)
Rocket City Gamefest in Huntsville, AL from Feb 2-4 (link)
Winter Fantasy in Fort Wayne, IN from February 5-9 (link)
Williamsburg Muster in Williamsburg, VA from February 16-18 (link)
Gamers of Winter in Harrisburg PA from February 15-17 (link)
Dreamation in Morristown PA from February 20-23 (link)
Evercon in Wausau, WI from February 28-March 2 (link)
Games with Trains is at the B&O Railroad Museum in Baltimore MD on March 1 (link)
Gameface Con in Baltimore, MD from March 8-9 (link)
Cleveland ConCoction in Cleveland, OH from March 8-10 (link)
Gary Con in Lake Geneva WI, from March 20-23 (link)
Adepticon in Milwaukee WI from March 26-31 (link)
Alamo City Game Convention in San Antonio, TX from Mar 28-30 (link)
Break Out Con in Toronto, ON from March 14-16 (link)
LepreCon in Dublin, IE, from March 22-24 (link)
RathaCon in Athens, OH on April 13 (link)
Raven Con in Richmond, VA from April 25-27 (link)
Final Three Con, in NOVA from April 25-27 (link)

You won't want to miss them!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 92: Plugging into PAX Unplugged 2024

Thu, 12 Dec 2024 13:41:14 GMT

On this episode, Ben recaps his experience at Sunday of PAX Unplugged 2024.

On this episode, we're talking about (some of) the games Ben played:

Ziggurat, a board game from Mindware (link)
Butterfly Garden, an elevated reprint from Capstone Games (link)
Galaxy Fighters by Gamey (link), coming to Kickstarter in March
The Black Mold of Claus Manor, written by Mike Martens and distributed by Plus One Exp (link)

We're also talking about the events Ben didn't attend, as well as the controversy pre- and post-show. Ben even grades what he did right and wrong, and why he's gotta go all three days next year.

You might even hear the rarest of all things: an apology? (Ben might suggest you get in line, or maybe find another game to play.)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 91: One Line to Rule Them All

Tue, 03 Dec 2024 13:41:24 GMT

It's smack dab at the beginning of the holiday season in December, and only one convention is bold enough to hold itself out for attendance: PAX Unplugged 2024 (link) from December 6-8 in famously sunny Philadelphia, PA. On this episode, your hosts Quarex and Ben discuss:

What press badges mean
The Venn diagram between line cons and gaming conventions
Badges and hotels
Parking through SpotHero (link), which is not an affiliate link
Places to eat
Using the PAX Nav app (link to Google Play and the App Store)
Signing up for events, especially with groups like Indie Games on Demand (link) and Lurking Fear (link)
Exhibitors to check out
Games to demo
The 3 Ps: Paint & Take, the Puzzle Room, and PAX Uprising
The concert that everyone's excited about
And the 4th P: Pinny Arcade! (link)

And as promised, here's the link to the Sprites and Dice Guide to PAX Unplugged 2024 (link) and the very late breaking PAX Unplugged Quickstart Guide (link).

If you're even thinking about attending PAX Unplugged this year, you won't want to miss this.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 90: Giving Thanks for Conventions

Tue, 26 Nov 2024 13:41:12 GMT

On this episode, Ben and Quarex meet up in a spooky Midwest town like Eerie, IN or Normal, IL and give thanks for the bounty of podcasting, conventions, family, and of course dreamers.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 89: Laboring Our Way Through Fall Convention Season

Tue, 19 Nov 2024 13:41:55 GMT

On this episode, Ben and Quarex talk about the conventions they attended this fall that don't rhyme with Namevole John. This includes:

Vintage Computer Festival Midwest in Schaumburg, WI (link)
Flat Con in Bloomington-Normal, IL (link)
Save Against Fear (link), organized by the Bodhana Group (link)

Let us know on social media what convention you've attended since Gamehole Con!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 88: Our Very Important Guest, Mike Boozer

Tue, 12 Nov 2024 13:41:38 GMT

On this episode, we are elated to talk with Mike Boozer about the Gen Con VIG Program.

The Gen Con Very Important Gamer Program (link) is a way to supercharge your Gen Con experience. While the badge is pricey, we talk with Mike about all the ways that the VIG Badge and VIG Companion badges provide bang for your buck.

Tickets are limited each year, and you'll want to email VIG@gencon.com between November 15 and December 15 to throw your name in the ring.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 87: Madison WI's Interviewhole

Tue, 05 Nov 2024 13:41:18 GMT

While at Gamehole Con 2024, our Alternate Social Media Aimee recorded about 10 interviews. These five recordings are curated from the following exhibitors:

Michelle from Crafted, a girl-powered, coffee-fueled decor designer…with a laser and questionable power tools (link)
Susan from Delvingwood, who durable, affordable, gaming gear for roleplayers, wargamers, and board gamers (link)
Jason from Drink the Paint, a creative dynamo with a dark sense of humor (link)
Jim from Dyna Maps, who merges old-school style and simplicity with modern materials and design to create a Dynamic Mapping System (link)
Joshua from Lone Colossus Games, a a tabletop games company focused on creating TTRPG supplements and systems (link)

Check them out, even away from the convention!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 86 - The Whole Gamehole Experience

Tue, 29 Oct 2024 12:41:24 GMT

With the help of alternate social media intern, Aimee, your hosts recap their experience at Gamehole Con 2024 in autumnal Madison, WI. This episode is jammed pack with commentary about the games, the vendors, and you guessed it — the dreamers that made Gamehole such a blast to attend.

Unless you were stuck in Maryland, and also have to fill out the episode summary. And you're not known to be exceedingly bitter about missing things like this.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 85: Live Recording from Gen Con 2024

Tue, 22 Oct 2024 12:48:43 GMT

On Saturday, August 3, Ben and Quarex recorded a live episode from Meeting Room 12 of Lucas Oil Stadium, where we were joined by many dreamers who bought tickets (or handed us generics). This is the first half of that episode, where we discuss Gen Con 2024 in the moment — the second half of the episode lives exclusively in the hearts and minds of those in attendance.

Enjoy this episode while Quarex and our growing team of social media interns recover from Gamehole Con.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 84: The Isthmus of Gamehole Con

Tue, 15 Oct 2024 12:01:25 GMT

Did you know that All Year I Dream About Gaming Conventions has a Discord? Join up here to meet your heroes while you still can: https://discord.gg/q6hkw5YSCb

In our precapisode of the very imminent Gamehole Con, your hosts Ben and Quarex get you ready for the next four days of gaming in Madison, WI. In a brisk 15 minutes, we're talking:

Parking
Buses
The weather inside
The weather outside
Food of the submarinal variety
Food of the pizzanal variety
Food that's the very bratbest and bratwurst
Nepalese food
Indian food
Mexican food
The beer that we've eaten
The auction
The games Quarex is playing
The games Ben wishes he was

There's also a counter for the number of times we mention Alternate Social Media Intern, Aimee!

Best of all, you can meet Quarex (maybe) if you're both at Isthmus-hole Con?

Much like the convention, you won't want to miss this episode.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 83: Gen Con 2024 Exhibit Hall Interviews, Part 2

Thu, 10 Oct 2024 12:41:49 GMT

When he wasn't donating blood or running far too many games, your other host Ben interviewed a number of vendors on the exhibit hall floor. Given the long form nature of some of these chats, we picked three interviews for this episode:

WizKids (link)
Deck of Player Safety (link)
Plus One Exp (link)/ RPG Zine Club (link)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 82: Gen Con 2024 Exhibit Hall Interviews, Part 1

Tue, 08 Oct 2024 12:41:19 GMT

When he wasn't posting pictures of the convention or helping coordinate our live podcast recording, Substitute Social Media Intern Brian interviewed a number of vendors from the exhibit hall floor. We picked five interviews for this episode:

Baird Crafted (link)
The Bracer's Initiative (link)
Gen Con Games Library (link)
Lost Boy Games (link)
Tabletop Tycoon (link)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 81: Early Bird Specials with Origins and Super MAG Fest

Tue, 01 Oct 2024 12:41:13 GMT

Dreamers, important news has rustled your hosts from our brief hibernation after Gen Con. Origins Game Fair (link), held in Columbus in June, as well as Super MAG Fest (link), held in the Washington DC area in January, both announced their schedules for badges, hotels, and event submissions. As one or more of your hosts should be at these conventions, we want to make sure you're well informed so you can attend.

Additionally, we also run down our Dreamer recaps of Dragon Con, held back in August and September.

Other things mentioned in this episode include:

RPG Familiar on YouTube (link)
Super MAG Fest Music Guests (link)
Cowabunga Pizza Time (link)
Bit Brigade (link)
Super MAG Fest Streaming (link)
Origins GM How To (link)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 80 - The Earliest Line for PAX Unplugged

Tue, 24 Sep 2024 12:40:26 GMT

On this episode, Quarex and Ben start to get you ready for PAX Unplugged, the Penny Arcade Experience convention in Philadelphia, PA from December 6-8! Because the convention doesn't have its events in gear quite yet, your other host is focusing on what you can get ready for -- whether it's the travel to and around the City of Brotherly Love, parking your Titularmobile downtown, buying a full-price badge for you and your children (except on Sunday), and anything else that you need to know now.

Badges (link)
Hotel Block (link)
Downtown Hotels (link)
Parking (link)
Featured Events (link)

Don't worry — both your host and your other host will be back with a PAX Unplugged precapisode once more is known!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 79 – The Madison Sized Hole Where Games Go

Tue, 17 Sep 2024 12:40:51 GMT

On this episode, Ben and Quarex preview GAMEHOLE CON in Madison, WI from October 17-20. Quarex will be in attendance with Alternate Social Media Intern Aimee

Madison Airport (link)
Alliant Energy Center (link)
Hotels by the Convention Center (link)
Parking at the Gamehole (link)
Badge Registration (link)
Events! (link)
Dealer Hall List (link)

If you're also attending Gamehole, let us know through social media! We'll be back with a precapisode in October ahead of the convention!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 78: Ketchup on Recent Gaming Conventions

Tue, 10 Sep 2024 12:40:46 GMT

On this episode, Ben and Quarex regale our dreamers about conventions we've attended since May 2024 that isn't called Gen Con or Origins. These include:

Fargo Core Con (link)
CONvergence (link)
Kitsunekon (link)
Risu Con (link)
Phoenix Con (link)
Coulee Con (link)

Also mentioned in this episode:

Shuffle Dungeons from Zero Strategy Games (link)
The Silver Throat Himself, Keith David (link)
Keeper's Den Tables (link to Facebook)
Player Card Holders for your Actual Human Child and Others in your Life (link)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 77: Quad Con Man

Tue, 03 Sep 2024 12:41:41 GMT

On this episode, we interview John Wells, who is the beating heart behind Quarex's favorite roaming convention — QUAD CON. In addition to regaling us with stories about this convention, we learn just how many shows John goes to all around the world.

If you're interested in running games, or showing up as a vendor, you can reach out to John via the Quad Con website (https://quadcitycon.com/).

You can also attend at the following locations (updated regularly as Quad Con books new shows):

September 8 Dubuque Five Flags Event Center
September 21-22 Champaign IL Market Place Shopping Center
September 28-29 Omaha Oak View Mall
October 5-6 St Cloud MN Crossroads Center
October 12-13 Brookfield WI Brookfield Square Mall
October 20 St Charles MO Steel Shop Event Center
October 26-27 Des Moines Merle Hay Mall
November 2-3 Peoria Northwoods Mall
November 16 LaCrosse WI Valley View Mall
November 23-24 Madison WI East Towne Mall
December 7-8 Davenport Northpark Mall
December 14-15 Des Moines Merle Hay Mall

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 76: Fall into Gaming Conventions!

Tue, 27 Aug 2024 12:51:11 GMT

With Origins, Gen Con and Dragon Con done and dusted by September 2, what's a poor gamer to do? Why, find some autumn gaming conventions to attend!

On this episode, we talk about:

WGG Con, Westchester NY - August 31-September 1 (link)
Tabletop Scotland, Edinburgh UK - September 6-8 (link)
Cuse Con, Syracuse NY - September 19-22 (link)
Granite State Comic Con, Manchester NH - September 20-21 (link)
Edmonton Expo, Edmonton CA - September 19-22 (link)
Barrage 2024, Havre de Grace, MD - September 27-28 (link)
Essen Spiel, Essn, DE - October 3-6 (link)
Con on the Cob, Richfield/Akron, OH, October 3-6 (link)
Star City Comic Con ("SGC Con"), Not Really Washington DC, October 4-6 (link)
Brasil Game Show, Sao Paolo, BR, October 9-13 (link)
Traveller Con, Lancaster, PA, October 11-13 (link)
Flat Con, Bloomington, IL, October 11-13 (link)
Gamehole Con, Madison, WI, October 17-20 (link)
New York Comic Con, New York, NY, October 17-20 (link)
Rock Con, Rockford, IL, November 1-3 (link)
Effing Con, Effingham, IL, November 1-2 (link)
FLAG Con, Ithaca, NY November 8-10 (link)
Save vs. Fear, York, PA, November 7-10 (link)
Euro Quest, Annapolis, MD, November 7-10 (link)
MEPACON, Bethlehem, PA, November 7-10 (link)
BGG Con, Dallas, TX, November 13-17 (link)
Shorehammer, Ocean City, MD, December 6-8 (link)
Tsunami Con, Wichita, KS, December 6-8 (link)
PAX Unplugged, Philadelphia, PA, December 6-8 (link)

You won't want to miss it!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 75: The First Annual GOTCs

Fri, 23 Aug 2024 12:50:25 GMT

On this episode, we give out the ~~eight~~ six inaugural GOTCs for our games of the convention. These are in part voted on by our dreamers at large, who we saw playing all through Gen Con and maybe Origins? We also give our Judge's Spotlight for those near and dear to our hearts.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 74: Gen Con Drama, 2024 Edition

Thu, 22 Aug 2024 12:51:09 GMT

In this episode, your hosts break down the drama, scandals, and even pain points from our time at Gen Con 2024. Such topics include:

The Gate 10 Eviction
Housing Block Cancellations
Counterfeit Blackmoor?
Infamous judging at the Secret Lair Tournament
True Dungeon Pricing
Gen Con Beer

You won't want to miss it.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 73: One Step Beyond the Convention

Wed, 21 Aug 2024 12:51:11 GMT

Hey you, don't listen to that, listen to this. This is the heavy, heavy monster pod -- the nuttiest pod around. So if you've come in off Maryland Street and you're beginning to feel the heat: well, listen buster. You better start to move your feet to the rockinest, rock-steady beat of Indianapolis.

In part 2 of our first two-parter on Gen Con 2024, we talk about everything about Gen Con 2024 that isn't the games. Listen up as you're making plans for next years!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 72: The Great Midwestern Spectacle of Gaming

Tue, 20 Aug 2024 14:36:18 GMT

Quarex and Ben have finally pulled together their thoughts about the Great Midwestern Spectacle of Gaming, Gen Con 2024. In this first of two two-parters, your hosts discuss the games, events, and exhibitors that made attending worth it.

Can of Worms (link)
Butter Princess (link)
D&D Player's Handbook 2024 (link)
Grimdark Future (link)
Goonies Never Say Strategy Game (link)
Tales of the Valiant (link)
Larian Studios (link)
Rathskellers (link)
DeVir Games (link)
Games Plus (link)
Cubicle 7 (link)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 71: We Wish You a Merry Dragon Con

Thu, 15 Aug 2024 12:49:10 GMT

Good tidings we bring to you and your kin, especially if you're attending the pride of the convention scene in Southeastern U.S.—DRAGON CON!1!!!1!!! (https://www.dragoncon.org/).

Dragon Con is held this year from August 29 to September 2 over a long Labor Day weekend. Combining the five day experience of Origins, the August dates of Gen Con, and the nerdy joy of Mardi Gras, you can attend if you can only get to Atlanta... which Ben and Quarex can't, sadly.

NOT MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: a subscription to Dragon Con TV is a mere $10 and can be obtained here: https://dragoncon.tv/. Why not watch the cosplay parade on your laptop while you play Azul? It'll be just like you're there.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 70: Gen Con 2025

Tue, 13 Aug 2024 12:51:23 GMT

While Ben recovers from con crud, your hosts go over the key dates for Gen Con 2025 — whether you're an exhibitor, a VIG-in-training, or just someone who dreams about Gen Con year round, you won't want to miss it.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 69: Elf Connin' Ain't Cheatin'

Sun, 04 Aug 2024 22:57:02 GMT

For the second year in a row, Quarex and Ben record their quick hits from right after Gen Con! This year, they took the Quarexmobile to the Elf n'Moon, which has to be the most wonderful thing in all of Indiana. Go and check it out, because much like this episode, it's nice.

Elf n Moon: https://elfnmoon.com/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 68: Consciousness Streaming from the Oceanaire

Fri, 02 Aug 2024 05:19:52 GMT

Quarex and Ben both had busy days on day 1 of Gen Con. Having forgotten they wrote a script for this episode, you get some real raw thoughts about our day 1 experience.

You won't want to miss it.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 67: Lights Out, Guerrilla Podcasting

Wed, 31 Jul 2024 22:43:55 GMT

Quarex and Ben are both in Indianapolis, and we sure didn't record anywhere that we talked about over the weekend.

Nevertheless, listen in for the hot goss and spilt tea about the traffic, the weather, and why the auction registration didn't start on time.

Listen in tomorrow, when Quarex gives us the skinny on what happened with Gate Ten. (You won't want to miss it.)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 66: Exclusively Yours (Precapisode 3)

Tue, 30 Jul 2024 12:55:53 GMT

In the last of our precapisodes for Gen Con 2024, we devote time to the Gen Con exclusives that you just can't live without... or can you?

Gen Con PHBs: https://www.dndbeyond.com/posts/1778-how-to-get-the-2024-players-handbook-six-weeks
Star Trek Adventures 2E: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/gp6UDmTHDLkNoK9N/?mibextid=xfxF2i
Exclusive Kelly's Heroes card for Con-Quest: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/EgTWrEq1xAkCdD5P/?mibextid=xfxF2i
WizKids Exclusive Minis: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/vFrtaLDtvjrJCkeG/?mibextid=xfxF2i
The Art of Elaine Ho: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/vmRj3225rhBxMcXj/?mibextid=xfxF2i
Cryptozoic Games Egregious Ephemera: https://cryptozoic.com/blogs/articles/gen-con-2024-pr
BCW's Genevieve Card Sleeves and Boxes: https://www.bcwsupplies.com/blog/2024/06/20/2024-gen-con-bcw-products/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 65: You Will Like Food From a Truck, or a Restaurant With Any Luck (Precapisode 2)

Tue, 30 Jul 2024 12:41:00 GMT

In the second of our precapisodes, we highlight the food trucks, restaurants, and other Indy activities you'll want to check out while at Gen Con Indy.

You won't want to miss it.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 64: The Spectacle of Gaming (Precapisode 1)

Tue, 30 Jul 2024 12:31:25 GMT

In the first of our three Gen Con precapisodes, we looking at the games, the vendors, and the events our dreamers must check out at Gen Con.

FIRST, the games!

Mutton Bustin' (booth 1233): https://www.25thcenturygames.com/store/mutton-bustin-1
Skyfall RPG (booth 2965): https://capycat.games/
A.E.G.I.S. Combining Robot (booth 2939): https://zephyrworkshop.com/aegis/
Turnip (booth 255): https://www.rosegauntlet.com/pages/turnip
Minecraft Explorers (booth 2001): https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/413403/minecraft-explorers
Lords of Baseball (booth 2236): https://www.mrbgames.com/products/pre-order-lords-of-baseball-board-game

Next, the exhibitors!

Larian Studios (booth 2811): https://larian.com/
The Arcane Library (booth 2856): https://www.thearcanelibrary.com/
Harebrained Designs (booth 2559): https://www.harebraineddesign.com/
MIT Press (booth 256): https://mitpress.mit.edu/campaign-game-studies/
Dryad Tea (booth 1742): https://dryadtea.com/
Goodman Games (booth 109): https://goodman-games.com/

Finally, those events!

OUR LIVE PODCAST RECORDING: https://www.gencon.com/events/251393
Design an RPG Module LIVE: Plots, Themes, NPC’s and Setting: https://www.gencon.com/events/250231
Traitor Tots: https://gencon.eventdb.us/keyword.php?searchBy=traitor+tots
D&D for Kids (Motley Kids): https://www.gencon.com/events/261598
MOAR Storytime Events from Japanese History: https://www.gencon.com/events/247624
Dungeon Crawl Classics—Enter the Dagon: https://gencon.eventdb.us/keyword.php?searchBy=enter+the+dagon

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 63: Pinning Our Hopes on Looking Cool

Tue, 23 Jul 2024 12:51:27 GMT

This episode is special because Quarex lost a bet so he had to talk all about Pin Bazaar. What is Pin Bazaar? You'll have to listen in to better understand this collectible, FOMO driven program at Gen Con.

The Pin Bazaar page for Gen Con 2024 (link)
Our guide to finding all the Pin Bazaar offerings -- just start at Aisle 100 and keep moving to the right (link)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 62: Pickup Gaming at Gen Con Indy!

Tue, 23 Jul 2024 12:41:17 GMT

With Gen Con a mere 9 days away and many badges completely sold out, Ben and Quarex talk about different ways that you can get your game on at Gen Con with maximum flexibility! In this episode, we discuss:

How to coordinate with your Convention Friends (TM pending)!
Semi-ticketed events like Indie Games on Demand (link) and the First Exposure Hall (link)!
Demoing games in the exhibit hall!
Marshaling the troops using social media!
Enlisting Rando Calrissians in the ballrooms of the JW Marriott and the Sheraton!
Gaming at the airport!

Best of all, Quarex loses a bet, so you get a bonus episode #63!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 61 - And the Award for Best Award Show Goes To...

Tue, 23 Jul 2024 12:31:39 GMT

Gen Con isn't just about games -- it's also about celebrating games and handing out awards, too. In this episode, we highlight four awards shows: the Diana Jones Award (Wednesday, July 31), the Gen Con Film Festival (Thursday, August 1), the ENNIES (Friday, August 3), and the super secret Gen Con Art Show Awards (Sunday, probably?).

Links to groups and voting below:

Diana Jones Award (link)
Vote for the ENNIES! (link)
Gen Con Film Festival Awards Ceremony (link)
Ennies Cocktail Reception and Silent Auction (link)
20204 ENNIES Awards (link)

Quarex, let's get off the stage before Peter queues up the orchestra.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 60: Gen Con Events with Marian McBrine

Tue, 16 Jul 2024 12:51:27 GMT

On this very special episode, one of the Gen Con Event Managers comes and talks with us about events at Gen Con.

Marian provides some inside baseball knowledge about how the event sausage is made, and even directs Ben to his soon-to-be new favorite event: POGS AFTER DARK (https://www.gencon.com/events/266763). We also discuss how to create new event listings while Gen Con's still going on, cat videos in the GM room, and how the new hotel construction will impact the growth of events over the next few year. Marian also gives a satisfactory answer for why exhibit hall creep may not be as likely as your hosts think.

Most importantly, while your hosts are reading between the lines, we get yet more evidence that Gen Con is cruising to another sellout of one or more days.

BUY THOSE BADGES NOW, DREAMERS.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 59: Session Zero Hero David Havelka

Tue, 16 Jul 2024 12:41:42 GMT

This year, Gen Con is trying out something new to help newer attendees acclimate to the convention. This involves a seminar, a passport that probably doesn't let you travel to Canada by authority of Peter Adkison, and some exclusive sounding pins.

But what exactly is a "Session Zero"? Your hosts got ahold of the Session Zero Hero himself, David Havelka, to get to the bottom of that question.

Wednesday Session Zero: https://www.gencon.com/events/264195
Thursday Session Zero: https://www.gencon.com/events/264196
Friday Session Zero: https://www.gencon.com/events/264197
Saturday Session Zero: https://www.gencon.com/events/264198
Sunday Session Zero: https://www.gencon.com/events/264199

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 58: Generic Tickets, Specific Fun!

Tue, 09 Jul 2024 12:55:06 GMT

In this episode, we talk about the unsung hero of an amazing Gen Con experience.

No, it's not speed painting or the jigsaw puzzle tournaments. It's the lowly generic ticket (link), which is the gateway to great fun.

Listening in to hear our tips on how to best use generic tickets, and some of our favorite stories about generics! We even include some stories from our dreamers about their generic ticket experiences.

Don't forget, we're recording live from Lucas Oil Stadium on Saturday night at 9 pm! You won't want to miss it, and you can even catch the recording with a single generic ticket!

https://www.gencon.com/events/251393

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 57: Spilling Sleepytime Tea with Kevin Kulp

Tue, 02 Jul 2024 12:41:03 GMT

Did you know that, when he isn't writing elfgames and Gumshoe tales, renowned RPG author Kevin Kulp is a consultant on fatigue, alertness, and shift work? We are absolutely blessed that he joined us this episode to talk about the most important thing to prepare for ahead of Gen Con 2024 -- making sure you get safe amounts of sleep!

If you're coming to Gen Con 2024, you may be able to meet Kevin during a game of Swords of the Serpentine or even at Pelgrane Press Booth # 529!

You can also check out Kevin's other work at the following links:

Swords of the Serpentine, the Ennie winning GUMSHOE game of swords and sorcery (link)
Time Watch, where you play as secret agents defend the timestream from radioactive cockroaches, psychic velociraptors, and human meddlers (link)
13th Age Bestiary, which is everything you want in a lore-laden and beautifully illustrated monster manual (link)
Hoot Owl Trail, a fantasy steampunk Wild West shoot 'em up that's "D&D with spurs" (link)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 56: Spadework for the Convention Center

Tue, 02 Jul 2024 12:31:37 GMT

In the fourth of our five Gen Con prepisodes, we talk about the best practices on how our dreamers can prepare to get around the Indiana Convention Center. From visiting your event spaces on Wednesday to cushioning your schedule to the benefit of wearing a good old fashioned watch, Ben and Quarex have your back.

And if you want to hear the story that hit the cutting room floor, that's available to the dreamers who are at the Gag Reel membership level on our Ko-Fi page.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 55: How to Nosh at Gen Con 2024

Tue, 02 Jul 2024 12:21:50 GMT

On this episode, we help our dreamers prepare to eat to their heart's content (while gaming to their hearts content). We discuss such interesting topics as:

Bringing food to Gen Con Indy
Buying food from stores around the convention center
Purchasing food from the convention center food court
Restaurants and food trucks
Bars, taverns and speakeasies

You won't want to miss it as you prepare for Gen Con 2024!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 54: Circumnavigating the World of Gen Con by Vehicle

Tue, 02 Jul 2024 12:11:26 GMT

In this episode, we discuss everything with wheels that isn't a work of Robert Jordan and how it affects your Gen Con.

Where do you park your car?
How do you get from the airport?
How do you get around the city during peak convention hours?

You want to be prepared for the one-way, two-way, and none-way streets of Indianapolis, IN.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 53: Matryoshka Packing for Gen Con

Tue, 02 Jul 2024 12:01:41 GMT

In the first of our prepisodes for Gen Con 2024, we talk about all the packing considerations for our favorite convention. Whether you fly, drive, or jog to Indianapolis, you won't want to miss our considerations, recommendations, and perturbations about the whole process.

While you're at it -- you don't have to be friend of the pod Ed to pick up a branded t-shirt from our Tee Public store at https://www.teepublic.com/user/ayidagc. (Both you and Ed would be a lot cooler if you did.)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 52: It's Our Anniversary!

Fri, 28 Jun 2024 21:53:36 GMT

At the cusp of our first anniversary (and fifty-second episode), Ben and Quarex reflect on the first year of casting pod.

Buy us a coffee on Ko-Fi! https://ko-fi.com/dreamaboutgamingconventions
Wear your dreams at our Tee Public store! https://www.teepublic.com/user/ayidagc
Tell all your friends you've got our pod in your head! https://www.facebook.com/DreamAboutGamingConventions

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 51: Origins 2024 Recap

Fri, 28 Jun 2024 12:45:45 GMT

In this episode, Ben and Quarex recap their time spent in Columbus OH at Origins Games Fair 2024. You won't want to miss it!

But first -- a dreamer highlight from Scotland!

Tabletop Scotland (link)

UK Games Expo (link)

And don't forget to fill out your survey from Origins!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 50: Origins Interviews, Round 2!

Tue, 25 Jun 2024 12:50:28 GMT

Matsuricon (link) is a Columbus, OH anime convention over Labor Day Weekend (August 31 - September 2). Because they have a growing board game and RPG element, they got a booth at Origins this year. John was so kind to take an interview with limited prep, and y'all should check out this diverse and inclusive convention in Ohio's capitol.

Both your hosts have frequented Tangled Earth Arts (link) at various conventions over the years, whether it's buying gifts for our Actual Human Partners or jewelry from our Actual Human Children. Check out Addy's convention schedule to see where you can pick up her jewelry.

Your hosts have long contended that the problem with scented candles is that you don't want to finish them. Alex at Epic Meltdown (link) have fixed this problem by adding a dopamine rush to finishing the candle -- they've added dice, charms, and other tchotchkes inside! (Oh, the joy of a blind pull tugging on the the heartstrings of these dice goblins.)

Blackspoon Press (link) publish fantasy cookbooks. If Hero's Handbook and Flavors of the Multiverse seem like typical cuisine lazily superimposed onto to fantasy stereotypes, why not check out Blackspoon's take on the topic?

Horrible Adorables (link) started out making soft sculptures and designer toys of fantasy creatures. They just released their first board game, Familiars and Foes, where you play familiars trying to save your spellcasting companions from a kidnapping. The art is adorable and the game is a blast -- check it out at your FLGS!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 49: Origins Interviews, Round 1!

Tue, 25 Jun 2024 12:40:22 GMT

Ben and Quarex recorded 10 interviews with exhibitors while attending Origins Game Fair 2024. These are five of the interviews, which focus on game creators.

Zero Strategy Games (link) is a publisher of indie games in Central PA. They are currently playtesting their new game Shuffle Dungeons at area conventions and on their Discord server ahead of its imminent Kickstarter campaign. (You can even check out the game on our YouTube channel, where we added pictures to the talking in this newfangled video medium.)

SFR, Inc. (link) publishes is the publisher of fine dice games. This episode is probably the only place where you can hear the story about how a small group of enthusiasts saved Dungeon Dice from the trash heap after TSR was purchased.

Hectic Electron Games (link) is a local Columbus game company that makes silly games that also say something about the world. We were blessed that Chrys took time out while flying solo at their busy booth to talk about Raccoon Sky Pirates, their story RPG with board game spice. Ben picked up a copy at Origins (on his own dime) and is excited to get to play it with his friends who straddle both sides of the tabletop gaming world.

Foxhen Creatives (link) came to Origins to demo their family friendly card game where you collect food, make snackrifices, unleash chaos, and lead your cult of trash animals to victory. They recently concluded the Kickstarter for the game, but you can still preorder the game, game mats and artwork on PledgeBox.

Jack Berkenstock is the executive director of The Bodhana Group (link), a non-profit that utilizes tabletop games for therapy, skill building and educational goals. They run a gaming convention called Save Against Fear (link) that at least one of your hosts really hopes to attend in November.

Until July 11, you can back their new RPG, Branch Riders, on Kickstarter! With help from Onyx Path Press, Branch Riders was designed for fun but built for therapists, educators, and parents who, if they wished, could use the system to help players work on important goals. Telling good stories is at the heart of Branch Riders. Using it for therapy is just one more benefit it provides.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 48: Live from Origins Game Fair

Fri, 21 Jun 2024 04:00:49 GMT

It's Thursday night, and both Ben and Quarex are in Columbus for Origins Game Fair! Of course we had to record a live episode about what is proving to be a great convention.

(Shortly thereafter, a 7YO smoked everyone at a competitive game of Azul.)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 47: The Origins Precap

Tue, 18 Jun 2024 12:58:25 GMT

Quarex and Ben are both going to be in Columbus for Origins Game Fair! In this episode, we talk about plans for getting to and getting around the convention. Most importantly, the lads talk GAMES!

Spot Hero Columbus: https://spothero.com/city/columbus-parking
Board Game Geek page for new games at Origins: https://boardgamegeek.com/geekpreview/66/origins-game-fair-2024-preview
Adulthood! https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/416780/adulthood
Cascadero: https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/401216/cascadero
Cascadito: https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/401217/cascadito
DEFRAG: https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/376284/defrag
Panda Panda: https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/408542/panda-panda
Panda Royale: https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/398996/panda-royale
Chicago 68: https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/416028/chicago-68
Bacon: https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/365742/bacon
Winans Coffee and Chocolate: https://winanschocolate.com/
MELT BAR AND GRILLED: https://meltbarandgrilled.com/locations/columbus/
Block's Bagels: http://www.blocksbagelsdeli.com/
The voice recorder app that Quarex is downloading: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.media.bestrecorder.audiorecorder&hl=en_US&pli=1

AND DON'T FORGET TO CHECK OUT OUR MERCH AT OUR TEEPUBLIC STORE! Show the world you dream about gaming conventions at: https://www.teepublic.com/user/ayidagc

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 46 HOT TAKE Wizards Returns to Gen Con

Tue, 11 Jun 2024 12:58:49 GMT

Yesterday, Wizards of the Coast set the Gen Conosphere aflame with its sponsored announcement trumpeted their return to Gen Con:

Join us to experience the release of Bloomburrow, the latest Magic: The Gathering set, or to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Dungeons & Dragons.

You can expect panels, events like Game Knights Live and D&D Live, play events, and more from both brands throughout the weekend! Visit us at booth C114 in the event hall alongside Hasbro Pulse!

But what do these two paragraphs actually mean? In this hot take, Ben and Quarex shamelessly speculate about what it all means for our dreamers in 2024 and beyond.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 45: Isaac Vega of the Rose Gauntlet Foundation

Tue, 11 Jun 2024 12:52:00 GMT

This episode, Quarex provides a convention review of Sioux City Geek Con, a free convention in Sioux City, IA!

More importantly, we're joined by Isaac Vega of Rose Gauntlet Games about the Rose Gauntlet Foundation, a 501 (c)(3) charity that's the official charity partner of Gen Con 2024!

The Rose Gauntlet Foundation and their Core Values

https://www.rosegauntlet.com/pages/rose-gauntlet-foundation-about

Rose Gauntlet Games

https://www.rosegauntlet.com/products/keystone-north-america-standard-edition
https://www.rosegauntlet.com/products/wild-gardens-preorder
...and others posted soon!

Select games Isaac has designed, pre-Rose Gauntlet

https://www.plaidhatgames.com/board-games/ashes-rise-phoenixborn/
https://www.plaidhatgames.com/board-games/forgotten-waters/
https://www.fantasyflightgames.com/en/products/dead-of-winter/

Designers that Isaac recommends:

Anything by Incredible Dream: https://www.incredibledream.com/
Moon Bunny by Hot Banana Games (coming to Kickstarter in the fall of 2024)
Anything by Magpie Games: https://magpiegames.com/
Banana Chan of Game & a Curry: https://www.gameandacurry.com/bananachan/

And go to the Artist's Alley at Gen Con!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 44 - What is a Dragon Con?

Tue, 04 Jun 2024 12:58:48 GMT

We take a break from our Origins and Gen Con coverage to discuss the fourth or fifth head on the Rushmore of US Gaming Conventions -- Dragon Con.

It's not until August 29, but it's never too early to start planning!

This is a Dragon Con: https://www.dragoncon.org/
The Definitive Guide to Guests: https://www.dragoncon.org/people-to-see-2/guests/
Hotels: https://www.dragoncon.org/travel/hotels/
Transportation: https://www.dragoncon.org/travel/transportation/
Volunteer! https://www.dragoncon.org/participate/volunteer/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 43 - Gen Con Live Auction

Tue, 28 May 2024 12:59:07 GMT

This episode, Ben is joined by Dr. Drew to talk about the Gen Con Live Auction! Quarex shows up late and regales our dreamers with stories of almost 20 years of his attendance at the auction.

Register your stuff for the Gen Con Live Auction and Consignment Sale! https://livegameauctions.com/
Watch someone gift Frank Mentzer $3,000 in dice! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I3voQGTnP9A
Get tickets for our live podcast recording on Saturday night of Gen Con! https://www.gencon.com/events/251393

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 42: First Thoughts on the Exhibit Hall

Tue, 21 May 2024 13:02:47 GMT

It's early May and we already have the map for the Gen Con Exhibit Hall? Next thing you'll tell us is that Pastimes submitted all the Magic the Gathering events in time for the event catalog. (Oh wait...)

Ben and Quarex take you through our first impressions for the Exhibit Hall this year. You won't want to miss it.

No idea why the first uploaded version had bonus silence and Quarex Googling in it.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 41: Wishing for a Better Wish List

Tue, 21 May 2024 13:01:15 GMT

Last Sunday, May 19, GEN CON processed our dreamers' wish lists. Your hosts Ben and Quarex talk about their experience on Wish List day and give broader voices to those dreamers who are coping with a nightmare.

We still have tickets to our Live Podcast Recording! https://www.gencon.com/events/251393
Play in Ben's epic adventure, Operation Tango at Twistwarden Abbey! https://www.gencon.com/events/250865

And if you're suffering from depression, please reach out to a resource like SAMHSA's National Helpline (https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline) or the Suicide Crisis Hotline (https://988lifeline.org/).

Believe us when we say that we really want to play games with you. Reach out at Gen Con!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 40 - Alec and the Fans of Gen Con Facebook Group

Tue, 21 May 2024 13:00:20 GMT

This week, Alec Usticke joins us to talk about his year round Gen Con experience, helping to run the Fans of Gen Con Group (https://www.facebook.com/groups/2246486901). He also clues us into WGG Con, held from August 29 to September 2 (http://www.westchestergaming.org/wggcon/).

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 39: Dreamers, We're Going to Origins

Tue, 14 May 2024 12:59:41 GMT

Dreamers, Ben and Quarex are both going to Origins this year! With this in mind, and knowing that this is Ben's first time thinking about going to Origins since the halcyon days of 2004, your hosts talk about the hotels, the driving, the food, the food, the gaming, and the food at Origins Games Fair.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 38 - The Importance of Your Gen Con Wish List

Tue, 07 May 2024 13:02:22 GMT

Perhaps one of the least understood and easiest to screw up parts of attending Gen Con is the Wish List process. List to this super short episode, where we'll highlight everything you need to know about the wish listing process and processing.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 37: First Impressions of the Gen Con Catalog

Tue, 07 May 2024 13:01:30 GMT

The Gen Con event catalog can be accessed here: https://www.gencon.com/events?c=indy2024. This is the EventDB website that collects everything: https://gencon.eventdb.us/

These are the event listing we discuss in this episode:

You can find everything Return to Dark Tower, whether board game or RPG, here: https://www.gencon.com/event_finder?search=return+to+dark+tower
Dungeons and Damsels and Chiptunes, Oh My!, the hydra headed nerd vaudeville event: http://www.gencon.com/events/259202
Cold War 1960, a megagame in the nuclear holocaust that almost was: https://www.gencon.com/events/255216
The Elfsong Tavern: A Baldur’s Gate Theme Party: a Baldur’s Gate theme party featuring a D.J., drag, burlesque, and possibly aerialists! http://www.gencon.com/events/254117
DREAMS FROM GARY’S BASEMENT, a documentary about the early days of D&D: https://www.gencon.com/events/255221#
Don't Give Up the Ship, the game played at every Gen Con ever! https://www.gencon.com/events/255592
The British Are Coming: Using TTRPGs to Teach History, an industry day seminar: http://www.gencon.com/events/246923
MARC GUNN: SCI FI IRISH DRINKING SONGS IN A KILT: https://www.gencon.com/events/246349
Age of the Dragon: a 50th Anniversary D&D epic adventure for characters of any level and any campaign, complete with special NPC guests: https://www.gencon.com/events/267112
Orc Stomp 5K Fun Run: https://www.gencon.com/events/246692
The Kessel Run : https://www.gencon.com/events/255201

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 36: Your Hosts at Gen Con 2024

Tue, 07 May 2024 13:00:56 GMT

At Gen Con 2024, we will be recording a live podcast, including live games and a killer fourth meal! and other live games! Get your ticket at the following link!

https://www.gencon.com/events/251393

You can also find your hosts at the following events:

Ben's RPG Events

Thursday, 10 am. Haunting of the Ironwood Thorp, a Gen Con exclusive adventure for Tales of the Valiant (https://www.gencon.com/events/248861)
Thursday, 2 pm Swallowed Whole, a VIP game for Tales of the Valiant. One room, one table, one swag bag makes for an unforgettable experience (https://www.gencon.com/events/251866)
Thursday, 7 pm. Operation Tango at Twistwarden Abbey, an interactive adventure for Tales of the Valiant (https://www.gencon.com/events/250865)
Friday, 10 am. Shards of the Spellforge, an intro adventure for Tales of the Valiant (https://www.gencon.com/events/249406)
Friday, 2 pm. Lost Tomb of Nargoth, a higher level Tales of the Valiant adventure (https://www.gencon.com/events/249400)
Sunday, 10 am. Haunting of the Ironwood Thorp, a Gen Con exclusive adventure for Tales of the Valiant (https://www.gencon.com/events/248861)

Quarex's Schedule

Friday Auction: Sci-Fi RPGs (https://www.gencon.com/events/250774)
Friday Auction: TSR Roleplaying Games (https://www.gencon.com/events/250822)
Friday Auction: Collector Section (https://www.gencon.com/events/250823)
Saturday Auction: TOVA (https://www.gencon.com/events/250857)
Saturday Auction: Charity (https://www.gencon.com/events/250858)

Also, we will have an assistant at Gen Con! Go find Aimee and get a ribbon for your badge!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 35: Spring into Convention Attendance!

Tue, 30 Apr 2024 13:00:41 GMT

It's our regular roundup of the convention you ought to check out, dreamers!

ALSO, Ben is a stretch goal for Campaign Builder: Dungeons and Ruins! Check out the project here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/deepmagic/campaign-builder-dungeons-and-ruins

May Conventions

CoreCon: https://www.fargocorecon.org/

DemiCon: https://demicon.org/35/

Kobold Con: https://koboldpress.com/first-ever-kobold-con-online-convention/

Kubla Con:https://kublacon.com/

Paizo Con: https://paizo.com/paizocon

Die Con: https://www.diecon.com/Main/

June Conventions

Quad Con: https://quadcitycon.com/

Origins Game Fair: https://www.originsgamefair.com/

Planet Funk Con: https://www.planetfunkcon.com/

July Conventions

Dex Lite: https://dexposure.com/home.html

Convergence Con: https://www.convergence-con.org/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 34: Five Conventions, One Month

Tue, 23 Apr 2024 15:20:52 GMT

On this very special episode of All Your Gaming Conventions Are Belong To Us or whatever, Ben asks the hard-hitting questions about Quarex's extensive recent conventioning, covering the latter's trips to EverCon, DuPage Mighty Con, Founders & Legends Convention, Gary Con, and Collectorabilia! Are all of those conventions really gaming-related? ONLY ONE WAY TO FIND OUT!

Plus, after 33 Quarexes in a row, I think we can all tell a special guest voice is narrating the show opening. Who is it?! ALSO ONLY ONE WAY TO FIND OUT!!!

EverCon: https://www.evercon.org/

DuPage Mighty Con: https://mightyconshows.com/show/dupage

Founders & Legends Convention: https://foundersandlegends.com/

Gary Con: https://garycon.com/

Collectorabilia: https://collectorabiliacon.com/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 33: Geekway to the West with Mattie

Tue, 09 Apr 2024 13:00:29 GMT

This week, we're joined by Mattie Schraeder (@frozenpeach on all the socials), designer of games like Heckin' Hounds and Oops All Bangers, as she's telling us all about the upcoming Geekway to the West convention in St. Louis MO from May 16-19.

Play games! Playtest games! Win games! Cosplaytest as a pirate! Quarex, go trademark cosplaytest!

Geekway to the West: https://geekwaytothewest.com/

Mattie's website: https://afrozenpeach.net/

Buy Heckin' Hounds here: https://sapphirecitygames.com/merch/heckin-hounds

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 32: The Undeath of the Scootershare Industry

Tue, 02 Apr 2024 13:00:00 GMT

This week, Ben has a head cold so he's trying not to talk that much. Luckily, Quarex is here to discuss the death and dying scootershare companies and the impact that has on the U.S. cities hosting gaming conventions.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 31: The Scoop on Kobold Con (May 10-12)

Tue, 19 Mar 2024 13:00:11 GMT

This week, we interview Kendo (@kendomakesfilms), the media production manager for Kobold Press. We chat about Kobold Chats, attending gaming conventions, KP's new game Tales of the Valiant, and the upcoming online convention Kobold Con!

Kobold Press website (link)
Info about Kobold Con (link)
Kobold Chats (link)
Kobold Press Discord (link)

Check out Start Playing dot Games to sign up to even or even run games at Kobold Con!!!

Please note: neither Ben nor Quarex received remuneration of any kind from Kobold Press for this episode.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 30: Live from Gameface Con

Tue, 12 Mar 2024 13:00:39 GMT

Five interviews from Gameface Con 2024!

Gameface Con

Site: http://www.gamefacecon.com/
Coming back for 2025!

Severed Books, Games and Toys

Website: http://www.severedbooks.com/
Prelaunch for the Mork Borg Action Figure: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/justinsirois/mork-borg-action-figure-w-zine-by-stockholm-kartell/

Plus One Experience

Website: https://plusoneexp.com/
RPG Zine Club: https://plusoneexp.com/pages/rpg-zine-club

Feral Indie Studio

Website: https://www.feralindiestudio.com/
Into the Cess and Citadel: https://www.thiscityeatspeople.com/

High Level Games

Website: https://www.highlevelgames.ca/
Army Men RPG: https://preview.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/452622/army-men

Terrible Games

Website: https://www.tokenterrors.com/
Black Mold (Horror Board Game): https://www.tokenterrors.com/black-mold
Token Terrors (40K): https://www.tokenterrors.com/token-terrors-battlegrounds-new

Also, shout out to Epic Level Rap Gods (https://epiclevelsrapgods.com/), who covered the Severed table while Ben interviewed Justin.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 29: Gen Con Game Submissions

Thu, 07 Mar 2024 13:00:19 GMT

In this episode, Ben educates Quarex as well as our dreamers about what they can do to submit their Gen Con events through the EO/GM Dashboard, available at the following link: https://www.gencon.com/event_submissions?c=indy2024

Also, Quarex regales us of his recent trip to Lake Geneva, WI... famously the home of lake houses, the first Playboy resort, and a simple cobbler and insurance underwriter named Gary Gygax.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 28: The Wake for the Gen Con Lottery

Tue, 27 Feb 2024 13:00:58 GMT

Quarex and Ben do a post-mortem on just quickly the Gen Con block sold out this year. There's some opining, some speculation, and as always — the best gaming convention podcast advice in the industry.

Gen Con Hotels: https://genconhotels.com/
Donate to the Gen Con Hotels Guy: https://www.paypal.com/donate?token=I4_q-Im9rZuUiZDQFr9jK_OP9qfpJxmucZ_ngiuG_4UxcTCWnUMz4YMrsGS0JUxVMTD3EXWb8F0vB5hX
Partners for Pets: https://www.partnersforpets.org/adopt

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 27: Gen Con Hotel Lottery Massacre

Sun, 25 Feb 2024 20:47:32 GMT

Are you stuck on the outside looking in, with not a room in sight that will let you stay near the Best Four Days in Gaming? Dreamers, your hosts Ben and Quarex are here with the best of the worst options you have left. Listen in so you know how to get a room!

Gen Con Hotels: https://genconhotels.com/
Gen Con Hotels Script: https://github.com/mrozekma/gencon-hotel-check

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 26: The Man Writing the Book on Gen Con

Wed, 21 Feb 2024 13:01:45 GMT

This week, we interview game designer, archivist, author and (most importantly) OG dreamer, Matt Shoemaker about his years of attending Gen Con and the book he's writing about the history of Gen Con.

You wanna know what year Matt thinks is the most pivot for Gen Con and the gaming industry as a whole? You gotta listen.
You wanna know whether Matt thinks Indy is better than Milwaukee? You gotta listen.
You wanna know how to horde cards for the game Spellfire in 1994? You gotta listen.
You wanna know where Matt really was when the French armies invaded Algeria in 1857? You really need to listen.
You wanna know who else was on the grassy knoll in Dallas? We don't talk about that one.

You can find Matt's games for sale at his gaming company's website: https://hitemwithashoe.com/

You can find his Gen Con game history project work at https://www.best50yearsingaming.com/

You can read his academic bio on the Temple website: https://sites.temple.edu/tudsc/about/current-staff/matt-shoemaker/

You can find the Loretta C. Duckworth (OBM) Scholar's Studio blog where Matt sometimes posts updates on the Temple University website: https://sites.temple.edu/tudsc/

And don't forget to buy your badges for Gen Con by Friday at midnight!!!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 25: Cold Weather Con Season Heating Up

Thu, 15 Feb 2024 13:00:48 GMT

Quarex regales Ben with his tales of Winter Fantasy that somehow do not involve Anna or Elsa. Your hosts review the upcoming convention schedule, including two awesome opportunities to game: Dreamation in Morristown, NJ (https://dexposure.com/d2024.html), and Gameface Con in Baltimore, MD (http://www.gamefacecon.com/).

If you're attending the latter, why don't you play You And Your Friends (Have Been Turned Into Bears And The Only Way To Turn Back Is To Do All These Odd Jobs About Town) with Ben as gamemaster?

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 24: The Housing Lottery

Wed, 07 Feb 2024 14:00:44 GMT

Have we talked about Gen Con lately? If we haven't, we really need to do this now because you can buy your badges this Sunday February 11th.

Buying a badge gets you a ticket into the Gen Con housing lottery, which (like Ron Burgundy) is kind of a big deal.

But your pals Quarex and Ben are here to help you navigate this process!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 23: Upcoming Convention Round Up

Thu, 11 Jan 2024 14:00:43 GMT

Ben is actively missing a convention to record this podcast, and Quarex hasn't been to a convention since December -- not even a QuadCon?!?

Dreamers, we're starting the year off right by looking at a bunch of fun conventions in January, February and March:

Midwinter Gaming Convention, January 11-14, in Pewaukee (https://tabletop.events/conventions/midwinter-gaming-convention-2024)
Super Magfest. January 18-21 in the DC Metro Area (https://super.magfest.org/)
Winter Fantasy. February 7-11 in Fort Wayne, IN (ttps://tabletop.events/conventions/winter-fantasy-48)
Genghis Con. February 15-18 in Aurora, CO (https://tabletop.events/conventions/genghiscon-2024)
Gamers of Winter. February 17-19 in Harrisburg, PA (http://www.gamersofwinter.net/)
Con Nooga. February 23-25 in Chatanooga, TN (http://www.connooga.com/)
GalaxyCon 2024. March 15-17 in Richmond, VA. (https://galaxycon.com/pages/galaxycon-richmond)
Founders and Legends Convention. March 16-18 in Lake Geneva, WI (https://tabletop.events/conventions/founders-legends-convention /)
Gary Con 2024. March 21-24 in Lake Geneva, WI (https://garycon.com/)

Ben’s pals at Kobold Press also recently announced the online-only Kobold Con in March, with details to be released soon! Watch them at their website (https://www.koboldpress.com).

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 22: PAX Unplugged Recap and International Conventioning

Wed, 20 Dec 2023 14:00:51 GMT

In this episode, Ben gives his review of PAX Unplugged 2023 -- aka LINECON. We've also pulled together advice from you international dreamers on how to best navigate the mini-boss of your convention adventures... the US Border.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 21: Lorcana Litigation

Tue, 12 Dec 2023 14:00:00 GMT

In this week's episode, we talk about the latest drop of Gen Con Roll-A-Crit merch, just in time for whatever holiday you celebrate in December. https://www.rollacrit.com/collections/gen-con-winter-collection

We also talk about the filings and status of Upper Deck's lawsuit against Ravensburger, publisher of Disney the Gatheri... we mean Lorcana.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

D 20th Episode, Naturally: Gen Con 2024 Very Slowly Approaches!

Tue, 21 Nov 2023 18:00:54 GMT

I think Ben uploaded the last few, so I apologize if you are the kind of person who actually reads this section as I cannot imagine Ben fills those in. He is not the kind of person to waste time on something that likely nobody will ever read. Whereas I am the kind of person who almost exclusively wastes time on things nobody will ever read.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 19: Back in the Saddle Again

Tue, 14 Nov 2023 23:36:00 GMT

After a fall away from the show with that pesky "real life", Quarex and Ben are back with an update about conventions Quarex has attended -- and conventions that Ben dreams about attending.

If you're interested in what's kept Ben away from conventions, check out Kobold Press' Trouble at Mossbeard Mill. This is the second of the adventures for the new Tales of the Valiant gaming system. Ben would tell you it's a great investigative adventure module, if that's your cup of horchata, set in a small town at the edge of civilization. It seems as a great jumping off point into greater adventures!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 18 — Dragon Con with Baka

Tue, 29 Aug 2023 13:01:30 GMT

Our maybe too late episode on Dragon Con 2023. But seriously, who schedules a huge convention less than 30 days from Gen Con? (Also, our friend Baka walks us through the whole experience.)

We swear this doesn't have a "finished the paper the night before" feel.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 17: Gen Con 2023 Recap, Part 2

Tue, 22 Aug 2023 13:01:03 GMT

Ben and Quarex reflect upon their goals in attending Gen Con 2023—budgeting, sleeping, eating, time management, packing and repacking.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 16: Gen Con 2023 Recap, Part 1

Tue, 15 Aug 2023 13:00:42 GMT

Ben and Quarex review their experience at Gen Con 2023 — the good, the bad, the true neutral. Topics include the ENNIES, the auction, LORCANA, and Malort pickles. (We shan't speak of them again.)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 15: Sunday Evening Coming Down

Mon, 07 Aug 2023 01:01:14 GMT

On a Sunday evening JW Marriott couch, we're wishing (Lord) that we were still gaming... 'cuz there's something in the last day of the convention that leaves our bodies all alone. And there's nothing short of dying that's half as lonesome as the sound of the departure from the convention, and Sunday evening coming down.

Twelve hours later than expected (QUAREX), we are recording our last live show from Indy before we head back to our lives and resume dreaming about gaming conventions.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 14: Lorcana Debacle

Fri, 04 Aug 2023 04:51:51 GMT

What we did, what we're doing, and why Quarex is running the nerds TOMORROW instead.

Also, the peanut gallery joins in to express opinions about 25 year old ska records and some mooches ask for pizza.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 13: The Eye of the Storm

Wed, 02 Aug 2023 22:26:48 GMT

It's the Wednesday before Gen Con, and Ben and Quarex are in the same room for once — the Rathskeller, Indy's finest bier garden. In the corner of a crowded room, we discuss traffic, temperature and our convention friends.

12 hours until Gen Con!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 12: Late Breaking Gen Con Indy Updates Part 2!

Tue, 01 Aug 2023 13:00:00 GMT

Make sure to check out Dungeons, Dudes, & Ginny Di: https://www.gencon.com/events/230909; A Letterkenny Tabletop Homebrew: https://www.gencon.com/events/224431; and DA GOF ROCKERZ: https://gencon.eventdb.us/event.php?GameCode=ENT23ND222128! Beyond that, just please go to Gen Con Indy and say hello to us! Quarex in particular is easy to find!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 11: Late Breaking Gen Con Indy Updates Part 1!

Mon, 31 Jul 2023 14:10:46 GMT

Gen Con Indy Program Guide: https://issuu.com/marketing-gencon/docs/gc23_digitalprogrambook; Gen Con Indy Block Party and Food Truck List: https://gencon.blog/2023/07/21/gen-con-block-party-2023/; Gen Con Indy Pin Bazaar: https://www.pinbazaar.com/gen-con-2023; Gen Con Indy Gen Con Indy: https://www.gencon.com. Also features a surprise review of a different gaming convention entirely!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 10: Proper Sleep for Gaming Conventiongoers!

Tue, 25 Jul 2023 17:12:21 GMT

Discussing getting enough sleep for gaming and driving purposes, including advanced napping strategies and encouraging you to please stay alive so you can go to more gaming conventions! This episode sponsored by Big Slumber. Also featuring reminders to get your Gary Con and Dave Con badges!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 9: Measure Twice, Pack Once

Wed, 19 Jul 2023 19:24:02 GMT

We cover everything from making a list, to checking it twice, to assuming everyone is nice just to get to the good stuff. Conserving space, contemplating what you truly need, ensuring you bring what you do truly need, Tetrising your life, and generally preparing to be prepared. Be Pre Paaaaaaared

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 8: Gen Con Indy Anticipation, Expected Highlights, and Overall Enthusiasm! Part One?!

Fri, 07 Jul 2023 17:41:34 GMT

Quarex reviews Origins Game Fair 2023, then the hosts take turns discussing Gen Con Indy 2023 events and games that intrigue them. Honestly I could talk as long on any given subject as we usually do about all our subjects in one episode. But nobody wants to hear Quarex pontificate about the nuanced differences between using the skywalk or taking the streets depending on the day's relative humidity. Honestly if it is below 80 you might as well walk outside, given how stuffy it can get in the un-air-conditioned parts of the "hamster tubes" as we lovingly call them. Especially that one part between the Embassy Suites and the mall, you know the one. Right after the Artsgarten. Hey, do you want to grab a sandwich? Also Fallout 76 taught me how to pronounce "Appalachia" but I do not think Ben has played that.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 7: Attending Gen Con Indy: Logistical Advice!

Fri, 07 Jul 2023 17:37:11 GMT

It is amazing that I survived my first time attending in 1997 considering I basically knew none of the things we cover, from rest to hydration to hygiene to the most important, not getting into a fistfight with your roommates about the shower in the morning. No wonder I had to be basically dragged through the entire event. Actually being both prepared and ready for anything was basically anathema to my childhood self.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 6: Food and Drink at Gaming Conventions!

Fri, 07 Jul 2023 17:15:48 GMT

We cover everything from bringing your own food to not bringing your own food, including food trucks, delivery, restaurants, bars, and a polite reminder to tip, keeping up our reputation as The Best Convention For People Forced To Work During A Convention. And yes I know it is pronounced Shau but I could not stand to correct Ben

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 5: The Actual Convention! Gen Con Indy, Here You Come!

Fri, 07 Jul 2023 17:12:05 GMT

\ _|_ /

- / \ -

- \___/ -

/ | \

@ /__\

_______|____________|__|___________

AW MAN C'MON WHY IS THIS NOT FIXED WIDTH, YOU RUINED MY SUMMER LANDSCAPE

Anyway, this is an overview of the biggest aspects of the convention, actually ensuring you have your badge and how to tackle the Exhibit/Dealer Hall.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 4: Settling in at Gen Con Indy!

Fri, 07 Jul 2023 17:08:15 GMT

Is the summary visible enough that anyone is going to see this? I will probably draw a picture in Episode 5's summary. But this episode is basically about making sure your home base for the convention serves your needs to allow you to enjoy whatever gaming convention you are attending (Gen Con Indy specifically!)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 3: Getting Around Gen Con Indy!

Fri, 07 Jul 2023 17:04:44 GMT

For the first time ever, learn the difference between microscooters and macroscooters! Plus lots of other advice about getting around regardless of where you are staying, and join us in hoping the construction is all completed by August!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 2: Preparing for a Gaming Convention!

Fri, 07 Jul 2023 17:02:37 GMT

What to bring, what to wear, what to eat, what to what, to what to what to, bag, bag, bags, bags, bsgsa bgsb abgs abgsba gbsgs

how to talk about Gen Con

Google how to talk about Gen Con

why is Google not working

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 1: What This Is About and Tips for Gen Con Indy!

Fri, 07 Jul 2023 00:28:46 GMT

We discuss the conventions we attend and supremely briefly discuss our first times attending Gen Con, then dive into some tips for attending Gen Con Indy, for first-timers, casual attendees, and the hardcore alike.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.