Going to a tabletop game convention is an experience you should not miss, no matter who you are! At a gaming convention, anywhere from dozens to tens of thousands of people get together to play, buy, sell, and learn about games! There’s often an exhibit hall where game publishers sell their product (often with reduced prices) and plenty of room to play games! Conventions are a wonderful, welcoming place and bring together people from near and far over a shared passion: games. If you need more convincing, then here are a few of the best reasons to attend!
Discover new games and try before you buy
At a convention you can find games that are so new they’re not even available yet, and you can often hear directly from designers about why their game is special or unique. It can be difficult to evaluate if a game is right for you only from their Kickstarter ad, but at a convention you can often demo the game with a prototype and have all your questions answered in person. You can also try the many games available for sale at the con during organized demos or often just by walking up to a booth!
Convention Exclusive Deals and Events
Many vendors at conventions will have special
bundles, sales, or giveaways when you stop by their booths! You’ll find special t-shirts, pins, collectibles, and promo cards all around the halls, and many times you can grab some things at no cost at all. On top of that, many conventions have events where you can learn from experts in gaming fields from design to marketing, there will be an event for you! Seminars, panels, and interactive discussions can help give you the tools you need to succeed.
Make new friends and enjoy the social scene
Conventions are a great place to make new friends and even build your network. As an aspiring game designer, there’s no better place to workshop your game ideas or find mentorship in navigating the world of gaming, not to mention the inspiration of seeing all the new games being launched each year. Our game, Worn Wanderers, was inspired by conventions to get more people gaming and without the wonderful connections and guidance we received at conventions, it wouldn’t have found the success that it has. On the flip side, if you’re just looking to find some cool people to play games with, you’ll be able to find that too. No matter why you come, you’ll be sure to find your community here.
Support Small Publishers and Businesses
Conventions are a great place to find and learn more about indie games that might be a great fit for you! Purchasing directly from a small publisher will ensure that your purchase helps the small companies that help keep the gaming industry diverse and cool. I also especially love finding some nice gaming accessories at conventions like gaming-themed shirts, playmats, dice trays, and even candles to create a perfect atmosphere for your game!
Play Games
If nothing else, conventions will give you the chance to spend more time playing games and you can even compete for awesome prizes. You’ll find tournaments of all kinds and where you can play games with other passionate players. Win or lose, playing in a tournament can be a wonderful experience. Personally, it’s an awesome opportunity to try out some of the games I find a lot harder to get to the table at a shorter, casual game night!
The main reason to attend a games convention is to have fun! It’s up to you to decide how you want to spend your time: playing games you already love with fellow fans, trying new ones during demos, or roaming the halls deciding what new games to add to your collection. You should do whatever is most fun to you! No matter why you attend a convention, my number one tip would be to prioritize your interests. If you love competition, sign up for tournaments, if you’re a collector, bring a suitcase and load up on the games that catch your eye. Just make sure to sleep, shower, and eat at least a couple full meals each day! The time flies by faster than you’d expect when you’re having a blast.