Hal-Con Gaming Update
The Games We Play
Hello!
This is the first of a series of blog posts that will describe the gaming activities planned for Hal-Con 2011. Today I (Shawn, the Gaming Coordinator) will give an overview of the broad categories; subsequent posts will spotlight specific events.
Bigger Room, More Tables
Last year the board gaming and RPG area consisted of 15 tables spread across three rooms. Those rooms were packed! This year we’re taking advantage of our new home at the WTCC to expand the gaming area.
In 2011, the gaming area will have 42 tables. This number might shift a bit in either direction by November 12th, but 42 is the number on the latest floor plan.
Here’s how we intend to fill that space:
- Board Game Library (12 tables) – Attendees will be able to sign out a board game from the Hal-Con game library and play them in this designated area. Monitors will be on-hand to answer general questions and offer scheduled demonstrations of specific games.
- Card Games (6 Tables) – These tables are dedicated to Magic: The Gathering and other customizable card games.
- Special Events (12 Tables) – Tournaments, round-table discussions, tabletop miniatures demonstrations and other events will occur here.
- Open Gaming (7 Tables) – Whether you just bought a new game in the vendor area or brought an old favourite, this is where you can play your own games.
- “Epic” Board Games (2 Tables) – These tables will be scheduled in advance for long board games like Axis & Allies.
- RPGs (3 Tables) – D&D, Pathfinder, GURPS, and other tabletop roleplaying games will all be played here.
Back to the Arcade
Our electronic gaming area will also be seeing a big expansion in 2011. Current plans include:
- Modern Warfare 3 – The new Call of Duty releases just a few days before Hal-Con, and we’ll have at least two copies on-hand.
- No Console Wars Here – Each of the three current consoles will be represented in our gaming area. A variety of games for each system will be on-hand.
- Pinball Wizard – We will also have several pinball machines set to “Free Play” mode for the weekend. These will be a mix of vintage and contemporary pinball machines.
Fun Games, Serious Competition
Organized tournaments are a big part of gaming conventions, and Hal-Con will have several:
- The 2011 Hal-Con Munchkin Masters – Competitors will play in up to three rounds of Munchkin. Those who survive to the final table have to face Steve Jackson, the creator of Munchkin himself!
- The Great Canadian Board Game Blitz – Back in 2011! Players will compete in several rounds of “euro-style” board games such as Ticket to Ride or Puerto Rico.
- Grudge of Ages – A pair of officially-sanctioned tournaments for Warhammer Fantasy and Warhammer 40000. The winner will gain entry to next year’s Grand Tournament in the USA. (Please note that this event requires advance registration and an additional entry fee.)
- Pokemon – A Pokemon tournament will be run in the video game room this year. Competitors will need to bring their own DS and a copy of Pokemon White or Pokemon Black.
- Magic – Plans for Magic: The Gathering tournaments are in the works, and details will be revealed at a future date.
