Crafting a Horror Game with the Designers of 13 Omens
Summary:
Learn about crafting a horror roleplaying game with the 13 Omens team.
Description:
What goes into building a game full of suspense, tension and scares? How do you prepare for a night of frightful fun with your players? Join the team building upcoming horror roleplaying game 13 Omens as they share the twisted secrets that lurk in the hearts of designers!
For world builders, new GMs, and those thinking of GMing. Can you craft a campaign in one hour? An experienced GM will quickly work with attendees with the goal of starter campaigns by the end.
Creating Memorable NPCs for Game Masters & Authors
Summary:
Join veteran GM, Dr. Rich Staats, as he describes creating memorable NPCs for Game Masters and Authors. This classic seminar started as a for-credit course at MIT.
Join a panel of diverse voices from across the gaming community as we discuss challenges, experiences, and solutions for making tabletop spaces welcoming to everyone.
Description:
This is a round table discussion and audience discussion is encouraged.
Critical Femininity: Women & Femme Voices in TTRPGs
Summary:
Join a panel of femme-identifying D&D players as they explore the intersections of femininity and the TTRPG's.
Description:
Join a panel of femme-identifying D&D players as they explore the intersections of femininity and the TTRPG space. Through personal stories and discussion, they’ll share how their experiences with femininity have shaped their gameplay, roleplaying choices, and interactions within the community—both positively and negatively. From character creation to navigating tabletop culture, this conversation will delve into the challenges, joys, and nuances of bringing femme perspectives to the table. Guiding the discussion is Gimme Da Loot’s favorite non-binary ooze, Mori—voiced by Tori—who will help foster an open, engaging, and insightful conversation about what it means to embrace femininity in the world of TTRPGs.
Learn the tips, tricks, and strategies behind successful literary crowdfunding campaigns from Kickstarter's Head of Publishing
Description:
Oriana Leckert is the Head of Publishing at Kickstarter, where she helps creators bring a marvelous array of literary projects to life. She’s written and edited for Vice, MTV News, Slate, Atlas Obscura, and more. Her first book, Brooklyn Spaces: 50 Hubs of Culture and Creativity, grew out of a multi-year project chronicling NYC's creative places. Follow her at @orianabklyn.
D&D Talks: 5 Practices for Compelling Storytelling at Your Game Table
Summary:
Join Actual Play veteran Anjali Bhimani and pro game master Ginny Di as they share their storytelling techniques that turn good tabletop games into unforgettable ones.
Description:
Drawing on their combined experience across acting, professional GMing, Actual Play, and years of teaching tabletop skills, Anjali and Ginny will explore simple, actionable practices that both Game Masters and players can use to build richer, more memorable collaborative stories. Whether you're brand new to roleplaying or a longtime veteran, you'll leave with tools you can bring to your very next session.
Join Matt Mercer and Jasmine Bhullar for an honest conversation about life behind the DM screen, from burnout and Forever DM syndrome to what keeps the magic alive after years of play.
Description:
Every table has a storyteller, but who tells their story? Pull up a chair for a candid peek at the art and heart of running the game. Hear hard-won wisdom on keeping your creative spark burning, navigating the pressures of always sitting in the big chair, and finding joy in every session. Whether you've run a hundred campaigns or you're eyeing the screen for the first time, you'll walk away inspired to make your next game your best one yet.
D&D Talks: Character Backstory is Your Key to Boundless Adventures
Summary:
Learn how to set your next character up for success with writer-designer veterans Mayanna Berrin (Dungeon Masters, Dispatch) and Jim Zub (D&D Young Adventurer's Guides, Conan the Barbarian)!
Description:
Your character's backstory is more than flavor text. It's the launchpad for unforgettable adventures! Discover how a well-crafted history can shape your hero's journey, deepen your roleplay, and give your DM story hooks they'll love. From humble beginnings to mysterious pasts, the choices you make before the dice ever roll can open doors to richer campaigns. Whether you're a new player or a seasoned adventurer, you'll leave ready to create heroes worth rooting for.