Wow.  I just spent 4 very busy days at Origins Game Fair in downtown Columbus, OH.  It’s still happening tomorrow, but we’ve got an 8+ hour drive home, so we’re leaving before noon.

It’s been almost 25 years since I attended a gaming convention, and this trip did not disappoint.  Of course, Origins is the Game Manufacturer’s (GAMA) show, so lots of new games, demos, and pricing deals for citizens like myself.

New Stuff

I haven’t been under a rock for the last quarter century.  I know stuff’s been happening.  But the sheer number of people walking around not just with cameras, but producing video and audio material for the Internet, was simply astounding.  I saw individuals pointing cell phones at themselves (on tripods – no handheld shenanigans) and people sitting in front of multi-camera professional setups.  Everywhere I turned there were podcasts being produced.  I am not exaggerating.  At big round tables under lights, at small poofy cushions under the stairs, and two people standing in a corner passing a portable recorder back and forth.  Ev. Ree. Where.

New Business Models

The Internet has changed everything.  I was supposed to attend a talk today on “Self Publishing Your Game.”  The guy never showed, but I spoke with the other attendees for an hour, and it’s amazing what we found out from each other.  I knew DRP was far from unique, but I’m only making PDF supplements for RPGs.  There’s an entire industry that will help you design and make a single copy of your board game now.  I’ve been paying attention to other things besides games!

Old Addictions

I can now roll dozens of dice electronically, all at the same time.  But it’s just not the same.  I still have a dice addiction – it doesn’t go away, no matter how many years it’s been since you bought a set.  This is my con purchase.  Well, part of it.  I got a complete set of tiny little plastic dice, including extra d4, d6 and d8 dice.  Hard to see, but these are stone; dark blue with tiny sparkles.

More Games

I spent a lot of time at the Mayfair Games booths this year.  Like, way too much time.  I got two 50% off coupons.  I bought two brand new games with the coupons, plus they had several older games on closeout.  Bought a couple of those as well.  Plus I bought a print copy of a small press RPG that’s been out for a couple years.  The art isn’t the best, but the system looked interesting.  My wife and I also played D&D 5e, Call Of Cthulhu and Shadow of the Demon Lord RPGs.  It was very cool to be among RPGers again.

My Sincere Thanks

To everyone involved – from the gamers buying our PDFs, to the other small designers, to employees of the big game companies – a hearty “Thank You!”  I’m not doing this to make a million dollars, I’m just happy to be swimming in the same pond as you all.  Thank you for being so kind and friendly, and letting me get wet, too.  I appreciate it.