With a few important exceptions, we are coming close to the end of the big ‘convention season’ around the world, but it’s good to know we don’t lose out here in the UK. I have been amazed at how many small cons happen around the country and think these are really great ways to get more info about your favourite pastime.
– The open gaming hall at UK Games Expo
Cons seem to fall into two basic categories – Boardgaming Cons and Trade Expo’s. If you are getting into gaming, I suggest you make the effort to go to some of these, as it’s a wealth of new experiences and opportunities.
I have really enjoyed the ones I’ve been to. Except for the odd occasions, I have gone on my own, and, obviously, with that comes the fear of not finding people to game with. Like evening gaming groups, cons are pretty friendly places and boardgamers tend to be pretty friendly people. The opportunities that come from this really outweigh any worries you might have. For many of you, you may have friends that will go with you, which is a bonus!
– More gaming going on in the cafe
Boardgame Cons give you a full weekend of uninterrupted game play. You can get some of those longer games in or play a few from your wishlist, as there are always people up for teaching their favourite games (these events will often have a substantial library of games for you to choose from if you haven’t taken your own). You might also find that opportunity to get the bigger group games on the go – stuff like Werewolf, Saboteur and The Resistance need a few people and you may not have access to these numbers in your game group. The social aspect is something to think about as well. If the Con you are going to is nearby, you will meet quite a few gamers from your area. You may also find that some people go to ‘all’ the Cons, and that as you try different ones out you will see many familiar faces. In my experience, these weekends are just not long enough – late into the night you will be desperate to try and cram one more game in…
– Short film I made of my visit to the UK Games Expo
Then there are bigger Expo’s and Conventions – events that are closer to trade shows. I had the good fortune, in May, to visit the UK Games Expo in Birmingham (probably, the biggest expo in the UK). It enabled real opportunities to try out some of the newest releases, to participate in demos and to try out all aspects of gaming. The demo’s were great – specifically set up to teach you the game, so I never felt silly for being new to it. And it’s not just new games being demoed; I saw Catan and Alhambra, among many others. I found out about so many cool games by smaller, UK based games companies; little gems that I would have otherwise missed.
It also gives you a chance to jump in to organized events and sessions you may otherwise have found too difficult to sort out yourself. On the first night at the UKGamesExpo, I decided to jump in on a D&D game. I haven’t roleplayed for over 20 years, but a scheduled session allowed me to try it out. I sat in on an adventure with 4 others and was given a Lvl 5 pregenerated Halfling Rogue. I literally had no idea what I was doing and was continuously asking questions about what I should do next – especially in combat. To their credit, the group was really friendly and guided me through the adventure with them. It was a lot of fun and has ended with me getting into a long campaign within the Pathfinder system.
These are the experiences that Expos and Con’s are really great for in my opinion, if you are pretty new to boardgaming and tabletop games. Save up a little cash, give yourself a budget and take a weekend out to play, try and buy some new games.
3CubedReview 