James Ernest explains the basics of traditional and abstract game design, using his game Tak as a case study.
Description:
James Ernest (Tak: A Beautiful Game) describes the process of inventing a classic-style abstract game, one that could have been around for centuries, using Tak as a case study. Classic games present unique design challenges, but these skills are useful for many other types of game.
Stranger things have been true: horror and romance can learn from one another. Setting aside genre blending, panelists will discuss how these two genres use similar techniques in their writing.
Description:
Featuring: CJ Leede, Jonathan Janz, Lee Mandelo, Olivia Sailor
Like any complex system, your brain & body are full of exploits. This fun, nerdy talk examines “bugs” in human cognition & physiology and the “hacks” that help you work with the system.
Description:
A broad and often humorous overview of our favorite studies and geeky tidbits, relating these to a ridiculously broad array of topics, including cognitive biases, hedonic reversals and adaptation, the vagus nerve and activating your parasympathetic nervous system, amplification hypothesis, flow, gratitude, and the study of happiness, and more.
This class is research-grounded, with prolific slides, citations, and examples. Let's review some of the “rules” of the game we’re all playing with our own minds and bodies. For science!
Your presenter is a healthcare professional, aerial performer, & lifelong geek dedicated to accessible education.
This panel explores how fans turn their passion into impact through charity livestreams, fundraising bundles, and supporting nonprofits that use fandom to build community and do good.
Description:
Fandom communities are powerful—and when fans come together, they can create real change. This panel explores the many ways people are channeling their love of fandom into positive impact, from charity livestreams and fan-created bundles that raise funds for important causes to volunteering with and supporting nonprofits rooted in fandom culture. Panelists will share examples, lessons learned, and practical ideas for anyone who wants to turn their passion for fandom into meaningful action in their community and beyond.
Find out how Gen Con designs and produces our badge art! The artist and her work will be there as well as the Customer Service Manager to take you through the process and see the completed designs.
Description:
Ever wonder how Gen Con creates your badges? Artist Tinnel Lovitt and Customer Service Manager Mike Boozer will take you on a journey through Gen Cons 2026 badge concepts, designs and production. This is an immersive experience with a Q&A session. Autograph session by the artist and limited edition badge art cards provided.
Vikings have never been more popular! Andrew Valkauskas, author of the Illuminated Edda, will bring the authentic myths to life.
Description:
Dispelling some of the made-up elements by Marvel and others, you’ll get to hear the real tales as they inspired Lord of the Rings and much of our geek culture. Q&A will follow.
As Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay nears its 40th anniversary, the team behind the beloved RPG is celebrating the milestone with a look back at the past and plans for the future.
Join editors and their equivalents from publishing, game development, film, and unscripted television as they discuss the role of shaping stories across mediums once the draft/cut is done.
Description:
Featuring: A.M. Lomuscio, Diana M. Pho, James Lowder, Scott H. Andrews
Welcome to the Writer's Room: Creating & Publishing TTRPGs
Summary:
A candid conversation about designing, writing, and publishing a TTRPG. Each guest is a professional in the TTRPG creation space, including writers, designers, and publishers.
Description:
Tavern Keeper Vixie Belle sits down with writers, designers, and publishers from across the tabletop roleplaying game industry to talk shop and share stories from behind the screen. This panel explores the creative, practical, and often surprising realities of making TTRPGs, from inspiration and design challenges to publishing decisions and marketing in a crowded space. Guests discuss what worked, what didn’t, and what they wish they’d known when they started, offering insight for aspiring creators. Whether you’re interested in worldbuilding, mechanics, crowdfunding, or getting your game into players’ hands, this conversation pulls back the curtain what it takes to bring TTRPGs to life.
So you're interested in writing for TV or film? Join our panelists as they talk about what to expect, how to get into the industry, and what they're doing now.
Description:
Featuring: Chesya Burke, Justina Ireland, Saladin Ahmed, Tananarive Due