The event’s key revelation was the introduction of Starfinder Second Edition, initially announced at Gen Con 2023. This update aims to align Starfinder more closely with the mechanics of Pathfinder Second Edition. The launch of the Starfinder Playtest Rulebook, expected at Gen Con 2024, will start a comprehensive playtest phase, including content for six classes, ten ancestries, and a variety of new technological and magical options.

On the Pathfinder front, the convention showcased the forthcoming Pathfinder Player Core 2, the final installment in the Core Rulebook series, which integrates extensive player feedback and updates. The Pathfinder War of Immortals rulebook was also announced, setting the stage for a new meta event in the Golarion universe following the death of the god Gorum, which disperses mythic powers across the world.

Additional updates included the Pathfinder Lost Omens: Divine Mysteries, which will explore changes in the divine landscape after the War of Immortals event, and the announcement of Godsrain: A Pathfinder Novel, which follows Pathfinder’s heroes as they face new mythic challenges.

Paizo also revealed Pathfinder Quest, a new cooperative board game set to launch on BackerKit this fall. This dungeon crawler is designed for quick, campaign-style play and is aimed at both new and veteran players.

The convention additionally featured the premiere of the trailer for The Gamers: Dorkness Falls, the concluding installment of The Gamers film series, which follows the protagonists as they navigate their most perilous adventure to date.

The competition will be held using Mindbug, the new card game co-designed by Richard Garfield, known for creating Magic: The Gathering. Mindbug is characterized by its straightforward rules and strategic depth, making it an ideal arena for players from different TCG backgrounds.

Richard Garfield will attend as a special guest, offering his perspective on the game’s strategic elements. The tournament will challenge competitors to adapt to Mindbug’s unique gameplay, which includes a mechanic allowing players to take control of their opponents’ creatures, introducing a layer of tactical complexity.

The tournament will feature a blend of strategic gameplay and accessible mechanics. Players will summon hybrid creatures and strategically duel against their opponents. The key gameplay feature, the “Mindbug” mechanic, is expected to test the adaptability of veteran TCG players, pushing them to modify their traditional strategies.

The lineup includes notable TCG players such as Jon Finkle from the Magic: The Gathering community, Mateo Renteria from the Yu-Gi-Oh, and Tord Reklev from the Pokémon TCG. These competitors, among others, will bring their skills and experience to the tournament, promising dynamic matches and strategic gameplay.

The Mindbug Invitational 2024 offers an opportunity for TCG fans and newcomers alike to engage with a new kind of card game that emphasizes skill and strategy. Viewers can join the live stream to experience the competition and see how traditional TCG skills translate into success in Mindbug.

Submissions will be accepted from May 1st through May 31st. Participants who follow the submission guidelines will receive an exclusive KNOWN CONSPIRATOR antique pin and a CABIN FEVER die-cut sticker.

The entries will be judged by a panel comprising several notable figures from the RPG community, including Brian Colin from Infinite Black, Jason Hunt and Brett O’Donnell of Pirate Borg Ex Libris, Bridgette Jeffries of Chaosium, Doug Shute from Free League Publishing, and Luke and Tyler Stratton from Limithron.

The event will conclude with the selection of sixteen entries to be featured in a print-on-demand hardcover book. Each selected creator will receive a copy of the book and a share of a $3,000 prize pool, with the top entry receiving $1,000. The book will be made available at cost on lulu.com, and a free PDF version will be accessible via pirateborg.com.

Alongside the game jam, Limithron will release the Pirate Borg Design Primer. This guide provides content creators with writing and layout tips, information on the fonts used in Pirate Borg, and a list of resources to assist in the development of high-quality submissions for the game and its Dark Caribbean setting.

The event will kick off on Friday, May 24th, with the PaizoCon 2024 Keynote on Twitch, presented by Erik Mona. The keynote is set to provide attendees with the latest news and previews of upcoming products. The day will also see the introduction of Paizo’s first board game, Elemental Stones, alongside sessions that explore updates and developments in the Starfinder Second Edition, and various gaming activities and discussions.

Throughout the weekend, participants can engage in organized play game blocks, live play sessions, including an alpha playtest campaign for Starfinder Second Edition, and panel discussions covering topics such as the integration of journalism within TTRPGs and advancements in digital and physical gameplay.

Special sessions like “The Lightless Beacon: Call of Cthulhu 7E” and “Chickens in the Mist,” a Savage Worlds adventure, are also part of the agenda. These events offer immersive gaming experiences set in unique settings.

The convention will continue to offer a range of programming into the weekend, including workshops on mapmaking, panels on the therapeutic use of TTRPGs, and discussions about the Pathfinder Project Remaster. The final day, Monday, May 27th, concludes with the last series of organized play game blocks and a repeat session of “Chickens in the Mist.”

Paizo has also noted that individuals who have purchased tickets will receive early sign-up opportunities for art and writing portfolio reviews. Game signups will open to ticket holders on April 17th, with GM early sign-ups beginning on April 10th.

AdeptiCon, a key event in the Warhammer competitive calendar, will be held from March 20th to March 24th in Schaumburg, Illinois. The convention is known for hosting large-scale Warhammer tournaments, with team-based competitions being a particular highlight.

The upcoming Warhammer Preview is anticipated to include a variety of announcements and reveals related to Warhammer games. Attendees of AdeptiCon will have the opportunity to view the Warhammer Preview Show: AdeptiCon 2024 at 8pm local time on March 20th. For those not attending, the preview show will be available via a live stream on Twitch at 3am GMT (10pm CDT) on the same day. The event is aimed at providing both attendees and the global audience with early insights into new developments.

Additional details and imagery related to the reveals will be available on the Warhammer Community website. Among the expected reveals is a new creature known as the Teratic Prowler, intriguing for its unique anatomy and the speculation it invites about its role in the Warhammer universe.

This year’s celebration will include an array of TTRPG content such as one-shots, limited campaigns, interviews, and panels. The games lineup showcases an impressive variety, including titles from Free League Publishing’s Vaesen to Grant Howitt’s Extreme Pride and Prejudice, along with other notable games like Bubblegumshoe, Cassi Mothwin’s Clean Spirit, and more. The event aims to cover a broad spectrum of narratives and experiences, reflecting the diverse backgrounds and talents of women and femme individuals in the gaming community.

In a special series tailored for European audiences, the EU Happy Hour will feature an all-women and femme cast from the UK and Europe, delving into the Candela Obscura game over a three-part series. This initiative underscores Hoard of Tales’ commitment to amplifying voices from various geographies, enriching the global TTRPG landscape with unique perspectives and stories.

One of the highlights of the month-long celebration includes an interview with Virginia Garcia McShannock, a seasoned professional in TTRPG design, development, and publishing, formerly of Modiphius. Attendees can also look forward to panels discussing genre, tropes in TTRPGs, and insights from notable talents such as Shamini Bundell and Taylor Ann Navarro, who bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the table.

Free League Publishing supports the initiative’s aim to empower women and femme participants in the TTRPG community. This partnership not only elevates the event but also highlights the importance of fostering a supportive environment for creators and players alike.

Hoard of Tales stands as a beacon for the UK/EU TTRPG scene, dedicated to uplifting and empowering diverse talent. Since its inception in 2020, the event has grown from a single D&D one-shot to an expansive celebration featuring international casts, a variety of game systems, and engaging panels and interviews. This growth reflects the community’s increasing recognition of the importance of diversity and inclusivity in storytelling and gaming.

Organizers and participants alike volunteer their time and passion, driven by a love for the hobby and a commitment to bringing people together through the power of storytelling. As Women in Gaming Month approaches, Hoard of Tales invites gamers and enthusiasts from all walks of life to join in the celebration, showcasing that stories from every background deserve to be heard and celebrated on the world stage.

The convention is poised to showcase a selection of Tales of the Valiant RPG projects, offering attendees a preview of what Kobold Press plans for the latter part of 2024 and potentially insights into 2025 projects, depending on the discretion of publisher Wolfgang Baur.

Kobold Con will commence with the Kobold Showcase, a live-streamed event that will introduce announcements and provide first looks at the Tales of the Valiant RPG virtual tabletop and digital offerings now available for online purchase. This initiative reflects Kobold Press’s efforts to enhance its digital presence and make its products more accessible to a wider audience.

The event will also feature the first official Tales of the Valiant online Organized Play event, spotlighting partnerships with VTT platforms like Shard, Alchemy, and Foundry. This includes the introduction of the official Valiant 6 characters, aiming to enrich the gaming experience for participants.

Kobold Press is inviting game masters and players to sign up for the event, with additional information accessible through their official Discord channel. This approach aims to foster community engagement and participation in the convention’s activities.

A notable aspect of Kobold Con will be a live stream charity actual play session to conclude the event, aimed at raising funds for the Kobold Press Gaming Scholarship. This new scholarship intends to support students entering collegiate studies in pen and paper game design, with Kobold Press matching donations throughout the event to encourage support for aspiring game designers.

Wolfgang Baur, Kobold Press’s founder and publisher, shared his enthusiasm about the convention, stating, “We are thrilled to announce Kobold Con and bring the Kobold Press community together to celebrate our upcoming projects and release schedule. We can’t wait for everyone to join us for a weekend full of discounts, partnership reveals, sneak previews, and charity fundraising.”

This year’s finalists, selected from submissions hailing from 34 countries, showcase a rich variety of themes and mechanics. Among them are games like “Caminito” by Pedro Ometto, offering a Sudoku-inspired challenge with a colorful twist, and “Cart’nage” by Loïc Lamy, a dynamic game of construction and destruction using dominos. “Chroma” by David Walsh introduces a novel approach to trick-taking, combining both card value and suit in a unique way.

The list also includes “Comic Book Boom!” by Dan Nichols, a strategic game set in the ’90s comic book publishing scene, and “Crime Scene Party” by Leo Taylor, which turns a living room into a fast-paced crime scene investigation. Other notable finalists are “Crowded Frontier” by Myles Wallace, a game of strategic land acquisition and resource management, and “Enemar” by James Mapes, where players navigate the underground world of naked mole rats.

“Kells” by Anne Meyer invites players into the art of medieval Celtic manuscript illumination, while “Lily Hop” by Matthew Hocker offers a strategic game of frog navigation. “Single-Sort” by Corey Andalora & Donnie Coleman brings attention to recycling through gameplay, and “Snowy Peaks” by Yuri Morroni & Gabriel Toschi challenges players to cooperative mountain climbing.

Also making the list are “Soothsayers” by Jeff Grisenthwaite, an engine-building game based on the Tarot, “Starlite Diner” by Jay Bucciarelli & Liberty Kifer, where players race as robot chefs, and “Tokamak” by Alexander Simon Thrysøe, a game focused on fusion energy research.

These finalists will now proceed to the next round, where they will be evaluated by a panel of board game industry professionals. The judging criteria will focus on aspects such as engagement, originality, replayability, and the smoothness of gameplay.

The Cardboard Edison Award, run by the game design duo Chris & Suzanne Zinsli, continues to play a pivotal role in bringing forward new and exciting board game designs that might otherwise remain unseen. Past winners of the award have gone on to be successfully published, highlighting the contest’s significance in the board game development community. For further details on the finalists and the award, interested parties are encouraged to visit the official Cardboard Edison website.

The tabletop section of PAX East 2024 is poised to attract a wide audience, showcasing various established and emerging game developers. Among the notable exhibitors is Cephalofair Games, the developer of Gloomhaven. Fans of superhero-themed games will find interest in Dice Throne’s Marvel Dice Throne. Additionally, Stone Blade Entertainment will be presenting their game, SolForge Fusion, to attendees.

The event will also feature Fantasy Flight, known for its collaborations with popular IPs such as Star Wars, Game of Thrones, and X-Men. Twilight Creations, with its array of horror-themed titles, will add to the diversity of the gaming options available.

PAX East 2024 will offer a Tabletop Freeplay Library, where attendees can access and play hundreds of game titles. For those inclined towards competitive play, daily tournaments will be available. Beyond gaming, the event will include a variety of other activities such as panels, video game exhibits, concerts, and more, with details to be announced closer to the event.

Jerry Holkins, co-founder of PAX, reflects on the growth of tabletop gaming at the event, noting that PAX East has been a key location for tabletop gaming since its early days and before the introduction of PAX Unplugged.

Tickets for PAX East 2024 are on sale, with 4-day badges priced at $250 and single-day badges available for $67. Media and content creators can register for badges through the designated link.

For more information, including travel details, event schedules, and FAQs, visitors can check the PAX East website and follow PAX on various social media platforms.

In conjunction with these releases, Paizo invites passionate gamers to volunteer as Organized Play Game Masters (GMs). These volunteers, considered the best in their field, will be integral to the success of over 1,000 games planned to be run both online and in person throughout the year. Paizo emphasizes the importance of these GMs in introducing new players to the games and managing events on major stages.

For 2024, Paizo is introducing an incentive for GMs who run games at Premier or Premier Plus events. They will receive a $15 paizo.com voucher for each game block they host, which can also be used at the Paizo booth at Gen Con in Indianapolis. Further rewards, including badges, PDF or print products, and hotel accommodations, are based on the number of blocks a GM volunteers for.

PaizoCon Online 2024, scheduled from May 24-27, will feature both online and physical components, including the launch of Starfinder Society Year 7 and new Pathfinder Society scenarios. GMs interested in volunteering for PaizoCon Online need to create a free account on Tabletop.Events and complete the volunteer form.

Gen Con Indianapolis 2024, set for August 1-4, will spotlight the launch of Pathfinder Society Year 6 and the second run of the Starfinder Society interactive special, alongside the highly anticipated Starfinder Second Edition Playtest. Volunteer roles at Gen Con include Game Master, Headquarters staff, Demo GM, Board Game Demo GM, and Academy GM, each with specific responsibilities and rewards.

Origins 2024, taking place from June 19-23 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center, is another major event where volunteers are sought for various roles. While Paizo won’t have an official presence, it recognizes Origins as a Premier event, offering additional rewards for GMs and players.

Volunteers are essential to the success of these conventions, and Paizo is committed to providing them with support, training, and rewards. Those interested in volunteering are encouraged to apply early and join the Premier Conventions planning server for all necessary information and updates.