Ed Healy (who sometimes comments around here) just launched Atomic Array, a new podcast about tabletop games. First up, Ed and his partner-in-crime Rone Barton tackle Colonial Gothic, an alternate history RPG from Rogue Games. It’s worth checking out.
IGDA Green Bay Meeting Postponed
Turns out the scheduled date for the IDGA Madison meeting in Green Bay was during the E3 show. It’s been postponed for now and will be rescheduled for a later date.
Story Writing for Video Games Classes
This Thursday and the next (July 10 and 17), I’m teaching a pair of classes about “Story Writing for Video Games” at the Loves Park, IL, branch of the North Suburban District Library. Each is for ages 12—18, and it’s free, free, free!
If you or a teenager you know might be interested in hearing me blather on about writing for computer games for an hour at a stretch, just give the library a call (815-633-4247 x. 4) to register for the classes. (They’re free, but you still have to sign up.) I’m told that the 20 slots may already be spoken for, but it’s worth a phone call if you’re interested.
I also see that Will Pfeifer will be teaching a pair of class on comic-book writing the following two weeks. I don’t know Will at all, but he’s taking over from John Rogers for a two-issue fill-in on Blue Beetle, among many other things. That alone would get me to sign up if I could possibly pass for 18.
Games for Educators
Games for Educators is a cool site to show teachers how to integrate tabletop games into the classroom. I’ve been giving a lot of thought to the convergence of education and games lately. Dr. Jim Gee at the University of Wisconsin has a lot to say about how this works with video games, but it’s great to see some low-tech, lower-cost tools like this and GAMA’s Games in Education program too.
Another BBKC #1 Review
Lee over at Comics And… Other Imaginary Tales gives Blood Bowl: Killer Contract #1 a great review. The money quote:
Don’t expect any redeeming qualities, just lots of pointless fun.
The Toy and Game Inventors Expo
Last year, I went to the Chicago Toy and Game Fair (ChiTAG) for the first time, and I had a great time. I wandered around the exhibit floor, took part in the inventors’ forum, and helped out with the Ask an Expert event.
This year, Mary Couzin (the woman behind the whole event) of Discover Games had decided to spotlight the inventors’ forum by running it by itself for a full two days before ChiTAG. The brand-new Toy and Game Inventors Expo (TAGIE) is a good chance for prospective game designers and toy inventors to get a crash course in how the industry works, network with like-minded souls, and even network with the people who might publish or purchase your ideas. Afterward, you can show off your wares to the public with a booth at ChiTAG too.
Because this is a professional show, attendance does not come cheap. Still, if you’re looking to break into the mass market as a designer or inventor, consider it tuition well spent.
I will likely show up at ChiTAG again to help out with Meet the Experts, and there’s a good chance I’ll be able to get down for TAGIE too. If so, I hope to see you there.
Happy Independence Day!
Happy birthday, America! Number 232 and counting.
The high temperature today in Beloit is predicted to be a stunningly appropriate 76° F. The flood waters have receded, and there are picnics and fireworks on the schedule for tonight.
I hope everyone out there has a wonderful day/weekend no matter where you might be.
IGDA Green Bay Meeting
The time, date, and place for the next IGDA Madison meeting have been set–7 PM on July 15 in Green Bay! Details are at the chapter’s website (for which I humbly serve as webmaster these days).
Sadly, I don’t think I’ll be able to make the six-hour round trip to the event. However, if you’re in Madison, you’re much closer, and if you’re in Green Bay, you lucky dog, you’re already there.
Origins Awards Awarded
Last night, GAMA gave out the 34th annual Origins Awards. Although I’ve not worked on many tabletop games over the past couple years, I had two books with my name in them that were nominated this year: 40 Years of Gen Con by Robin Laws and Hobby Games: The 100 Best edited by James Lowder.
My contribution to each was small. Robin interviewed me, along with dozens of others, for his book, and I wrote one of the 100 essays for Jim’s book. (My entry was about Space Hulk.) Sadly, both were up for the Non-Fiction Publication of the Year, and only one could win.
No Wizard World Today
With my father coming home from the hospital yesterday, I decided to stay home today rather than roll down to Wizard World Chicago as I’d planned. I’m sure everyone will soldier on without me.
I’ve actually gotten some fun phone calls and text messages from friends at Origins this weekend. It seems like the show’s doing well, and they’re having a ball.
All this makes me look forward to Comic-Con and Gen Con that much more. Hope to see some of you there!