Funk Family Game Night

GenCon is just around the corner, and I. CAN’T. WAIT. Last year was the first year I attended, and was lucky enough to go with some friends who had gone before. It was OVERWHELMING. There was so much to see and do! I’ll admit that I spent the majority of my time in the Exhibit Hall and only wondered outside of that a few times to check the various games being demoed and played. Between that and only spending ONE DAY there, I feel like I missed out on WAY too much.

This year, though, I bought a 4-day pass! I probably won’t make it all four days, but I have the option. In addition, I’m planning on doing more than just browse the various wares for sale. That’s not to say I won’t be buying a lot, but I want to do MORE this year. I want to play games, meet people that I’ve interacted with on Twitter, and just participate in general. That’s why I’ve decided to create my ‘ToDo’ list. I’ll try to update it whenever I come across something new in the next couple of weeks.

So, here it is, organized by the type of things I want to do…

Buy List

Of course, my buy list is probably unrealistic.. Some games will sell out. Some games won’t be as right for us when I actually get to see them played.. And I may just plain run out of money! On the other hand, I’m sure I’ll stumble across other games to buy as I try them out, too.. But here is my list as it stands now… (In no particular order)

1. King of New York from Iello- Like everyone else, I’d really love to get my hands on a copy. Unfortunately, I doubt it’ll happen. Even if I wasn’t signed up for an event first thing Thursday, I don’t think I have the desire to stampede my way into what I can imagine will be a giant line.. Oh, well…
2. GenCon Roll For It! by Calliope Games – I love the look of this specially themed edition that’s only available at GenCon. They’ve obviously put a lot of care and thought into it!
3. Discount Salmon – Sure, I could buy this online right now, but I loved watching Tabletop Deathmatch and really want to support this game IN PERSON. Looks like a blast to play!
4. Heroes Wanted by Action Phase Games – This is actually a pick-up, not a purchase, but I’m REALLY excited to get it, nonetheless.. Awesome looking board game by local designers – what’s not to love?
5. Brave Rats by Blue Orange Games – Spot It! is a huge hit in my family. This is obviously different, but sounds awesome. Plus, the Japanese version is FREE if you spend more than $50 at their booth… Hrm…
6. The Battle at Kemble’s Cascade by Z-Man Games – Converting one of my favorite arcade genres into a board game?? I’m in! I’ll have to check out the rules and gameplay in person, though. Might not be a good fit for my family. REALLY want it, though.
7. Smash Up: The Big Geeky Box by AEG – Might pick this up, even though I know it’ll be available for retail.

People to Find/Meet

As I’ve become more active on Twitter and within the gaming community over the past year, I’ve virtually met and followed many people that I’d like to have the opportunity to meet in person. If nothing else, many of these are people that I respect as leaders and creators, and I would just like to shake their hands. Again, in no particular order:

• Randy Hoyt – Randy is the creator of Brynna’s favorite game, Relic Expedition. He’s also a really nice guy and is extremely generous with his ideas, knowledge, and time.  PLUS, his company, Foxtrot Games, is releasing a new game, Lanterns, that I want to demo!
• Chevee Dodd – Been following him on Twitter for quite a while and Kickstarted Pull! PLUS, he’ll be giving out a free game (Me Booty) if I find him soon enough! 😀
• Patrick Nickell – I love Crash Games’ games, and Patrick seems like a great guy. Want to demo Yardmaster (and Express) and shake his hand.
• Jamey Stegmaier – I’ve been extremely impressed with what Jamey has done, both as a Kickstarter creator and a Kickstarter mentor. He’ll be running demos of his games and I’ll be there!
• Jason Tagmire – Jason’s another active Twitter user and an extremely clever game designer. In addition, he’s passing out ‘ConCrud’ cards this year (hope to get mine in the mail, soon!) that look to be really fun to pass out!
• Adam McIver – Adam just seems like the kind of guy you want to have a beer with. In addition, I love Council of Verona and am stoked to get CoinAge. Oh, and he seems to be giving out a free game, #Vector, too!
• Wil and Anne Wheaton – Uh, sure. We’re like best buds! Why wouldn’t I meet up with them…….. If I can get Wil and Anne to sign black and white CAH cards, it might make my con. 😛

Games to Play/Events

I’m currently only signed up officially (with tickets) for 2 events:

1. Formula Speed – This is an official TableTop event! Boyan will be running it, and I’m SUPER excited. I’ve heard the rules for this version are really fun! Plus, I get to play on the official TableTop table?! I’m attending this one first thing Thursday morning!
2. Tabletop Panel of Awesome – Why not? Sounds like fun 🙂 Anyone gone before? Worth it? This is first thing Friday morning, so it appears I’m missing the opening rush 2 days in a row…

In addition, there are several games I want to try and booths I want to hit for demos.. These may eventually be added to my buy list. Sure hope I’ve saved enough money!!

• Haba Games – They make excellent family games which is exactly what I look for in our game nights. Really curious if they have some standouts that might be perfect for us.
• Camel Up by Z-Man Games – Will this be available for demo? Would love to try it out or see it in action. Looks fun, and I seem to recall it winning some award, recently? 😛
• Friday the 13th by Iello – The images and reviews I’ve seen intrigue me. Plus, can’t go wrong with cute cats in my household…
• Lanterns by Foxtrot Games – See my info about Randy Hoyt above. I’ve played the prototype and I’d really love to try the latest version with updated art!
• Lift Off! by Eduardo Baraf – This is currently on Kickstarter and I’d love to try a demo.
• IDW Games – Machi Korro is probably our family hit of the year. I know it’s not out, yet, but I’d love to stop by and see if they have any promos or news about upcoming expansions…
• V3G – IncrediBrawl is incredi-fun! And they’re giving out a micro game when you stop by their booth. I’ve met the guys before at a local release party, and am looking forward to stopping by.

Misc…

All of the above is just the tip of the iceberg!  There’s so much to do at GenCon that I can’t possibly plan for it all.  My goal, aside from those explicitly stated above, is just to try to break out of my normal self, be open to events and gaming possibilities, and have the most fun possible.

If anyone has gotten this far and has any other recommendations, please let me know! Either post in the comments here, or hit me up on Twitter!