I hadn't expected to go to GenCon this year. In fact, I'd more or less decided against it. I'm still digging myself out of the hole that last year's lay-off at Mythic dug for me (which isn't to say I had no support, but breaking a lease--especially in the Commonwealth of Virginia--is an expensive thing to do). Between the cost of airfare, hotel accommodations, food, and anything else I might want to purchase, the trip was looking to be an irresponsible option for an otherwise responsible me.
However, it turned out that my employer, 38 Studios, was going to be attending GenCon in some capacity. I wasn't aware of this until I actually asked about it, and when I expressed an interest in lending a hand with convention support, I was given the opportunity to do so.
I've worked the majority of the GenCons I've attended. I don't think I've been to the convention as a "civilian" more than once or twice. I actually enjoy working the show, even though it usually means long days of standing in an exhibitor's hall that is either too hot or too cold and very rarely "just right." It's neat to watch the world pass by, to talk to gamers and fans, and meet the folks who make it all possible.
So I'll be in Indianapolis this week, from Thursday to Saturday. I've got a number of things on my schedule, but I should have some free time here and there to spend with the folks I only ever see at GenCon. There are a lot of you, and the number only seems to get larger as the years pass me by. I wouldn't trade any of you guys for all the tea in China.
My schedule looks a little like this:
Thursday, August 5th, 2010
I'm going to be participating in a Saga Edition Star Wars RPG Retrospective seminar, brought to you by GMSarli Games. Though it's an unofficial seminar, many of the good folks who brought you Saga Edition Star Wars RPG material (including me) will be on-hand to discuss the game and their contributions to the line.
Game ID: SEM1013330
Gaming Group/Company: GMSarli Games
Title: Star Wars Saga Edition Retrospective
Description: Game professionals who worked on the Star Wars Roleplaying Game: Saga Edition take a look back at the product line, sharing their experiences and what they learned from their work.
Start Date & Time: 08/05/2010 02:00:00 PM
Duration: 2 hours
Location: Marriott : Indiana Blrm B
Friday, August 6th, 2010
This is my busiest work day. Starting at 1:30pm, I'll be at Booth 838 in the Exhibitor Hall, where we're going to be giving out free, limited-edition Reckoning t-shirts to fans. In addition, R.A. Salvatore and Curt Schilling will be present until 3:30pm to meet fans and sign autographs. So come on by, pick up an awesome t-shirt, and meet two of Reckoning's visionaries.
Saturday, August 7th, 2010
I'll be sitting in on R.A. Salvatore's seminar, "A Discussion with R.A. Salvatore," from 2:00pm to 4:00pm in the Marriott's Indiana Ballroom G. The seminar is described as, "Join celebrated fantasy author R.A. Salvatore to discuss his past work, his upcoming projects, and what else is new in the world of the Forgotten Realms campaign and the life of Drizzt Do’Urden." It should be fun. R.A. is a wonderful guy with a lot of knowledge, so don't miss this one.
After R.A.'s seminar, I'll likely be packing everything up and heading home. I'll try to be as flexible as possible, but I'm still not 100% sure of what I'll be doing in my off-hours. For those of you with my cell number, give me a call or send me a text message and let me know where you'll be and when you're going to be there.
That said, I'm going to sit back and relax for the moment. I ran my Cyberpunk game tonight at work, and I'm way behind on updating the New Untouchables blog. Soon, I promise!
