Gaming at Hal-Con
Hal-Con boasts the largest gaming convention east of Montreal, historically featuring 15,000 square feet of gaming on a dedicated floor with 100+ tables in action. Hal-Con offers fans a diverse range of games to play, watch and learn. From fantasy or sci fi RPGs to miniatures war games, board games, collectible card games and more, Hal-Con has something for gamers of all ages and experience levels!
We’ve hosted sanctioned gaming tournaments by partnering with some of the largest game companies in the World, including Repos Production, Days of Wonder, Z-Man Games, and Steve Jackson Games.
The Canadian National Carcassonne Championship
Hal-Con’s Gaming Team is proud to announce a new event series for 2025, The Canadian National Carcassonne Championship Qualifier Series that will culminate with the Canadian National Championship at Hal-Con 2025.
This tournament series will see Carcassonne tournaments be run across the Maritimes and beyond as well as online with the winner of each tournament being entered into a draw for Sunday pass(es) to Hal-Con and also earning a spot in the Canadian Carcassonne National Championship at Hal-Con 2025.
The preliminary tournaments will see rounds based on attendance. Afterwards there will be a cut to top 2/4/8 (based on attendance) followed by 1v1 single elimination to determine a winner.
The championship will be a 4-6 round tournament (depending on player count) (30 minute rounds, 15 minutes per player using chess clocks), 1v1 format with a cut to top 4/8 (again depending on player count) for the playoff single elimination rounds. The winner will get a trophy, a prize package, an invitation to the 2026 Carcassonne World Championships in Germany, 1 day badge for Essen Spiel 2026 and the title of Canadian National Champion.
The organizing committee is currently seeking interested parties to run the qualifying tournaments at stores or events across the Maritimes and beyond between now and Hal-Con 2025.
Support will be available to those parties who run the qualifying tournaments. This support could include copies of the game to run the tournament (depending on your location), presence at the event by tournament organizers (depending on your location and availability of the organizing committee), and marketing/promotion of the event.
If you are interested in running a Qualifier, have any additional questions or would like to register for the kickoff tournament please reach out to Bradley Flinn via email, bradley.flinn@hal-con.com , or gaming@hal-con.com
Visit the Treasure Trove!
Located at the entryway of the 6th floor, you will find a bountiful trove full of treasure! Attendees will get tickets for participating around the floor, and can exchange them for prizes, just like at the old-school arcades.
Rise To The Challenge!
Are you game for a legendary weekend? Dive into Weekend Warrior, our series of gaming events spread across Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Simply participate in one event each day and you’ll earn the exclusive Weekend Warrior button. Plus, you’ll be entered for a chance to WIN a $50 gift card!
Ready to make your mark? Let the games begin! The full Weekend Warrior schedule will be announced before Hal-Con 2025!
Board Game Library
Prefer a more casual gaming experience? Hal-Con’s Board Game Library is a collection of some of the best games of the past and present. During the convention, you can sign out a game at any time (subject to availability) and play with your friends… or make new ones!
Large epic games, small family-oriented games, social games, card games, miniature skirmish games, old games, new games; there is something for everyone. Grab some friends, browse the library, sign a game out and give it a whirl! We’ll also have game gurus on hand to help you get started or make recommendations for you and your friends.
Game Demos
Our amazing Gaming volunteers run demos of specific games throughout the convention weekend. If you’re new to gaming or perhaps feel a little intimidated by all the activity, this is a great place to start!
Hobby Corner
If you’re into miniatures, we have lots to keep you busy at Hal-Con. The Hobby Corner is a dedicated space for Con-goers to paint and build minis and models. Basic supplies will be available while they last but you are welcome to bring your own supplies and projects! Come work alongside fellow enthusiasts and get tips from our resident experts.
Video Games
Want to sit back and enjoy some console games? We’ll have a variety of consoles and games for you to play. Come hang out and play or watch someone else show off their skills.
Or maybe you’re up for old-school arcade gaming? Hal-Con has a whole room of arcade cabinets provided by Silverball Games. They bring a mix of free to play and premium machines!
Card Games
Hal-Con offers lots of opportunities to play your favourite collectible card games, including a number of casual Magic: The Gathering events hosted by The Deck Box. Generally, a DCI number is not required for participation.
Year-Round Gaming Events
Hal-Con’s Gaming Team is busy year-round, planning and hosting events for the larger geek and gamer community in Halifax! Follow our Gaming Team socials to keep up-to-date with our gaming events, streams, and community. We’d love to see you at our next event!
Send Us A Message
Do you want to see a specific game at Hal-Con? Send us your suggestions for games, demos, and events here. If you’d like to apply to run a gaming workshop, see Fan-Run Panels for more info!