Granted this is a bit late since RinCon was held in October, but I've been busy with school amongst
other things. Anyways here is a little bit about the festivities.
TUCSON,
Ariz. - - Walking through the front doors of the Holiday Inn on Palo
Verde Road, some people might feel as if they were transported to
another world.
In one
area of the hotel there is a venturing party of humans, dwarves and
elves seeking to find riches and slay their enemies. A couple away
from them a gang of mobsters bribing and backstabbing their way to
the top of their syndication.
Across
the room groups of super heroes working together to fend off yet
another attempt at world domination from an evil mastermind.
Just
another day at the gaming table.
This
gathering is called RinCon and it's the local gaming convention that
runs for one weekend in October. This year marks the it's fifth year
of operation since it's establishment in 2008.
“RinCon
is a great convention,” said Michael Coe, founder and CEO of
Gamelyn Games.
The
convention provides a sanctuary for local people who love to play
tabletop games; from board to card, dice, RPGs and more. Along with
the opportunity to meet others from around the community who share
the same passion.
However,
the convention is not only for experienced players. Gaming virgins
are also provided the chance to come try as many different games as
they feel that they can handle.
Similar
to other cons, there are hosts of different panels to give people a
chance to hear from game creators and ask them questions. People are
also able to walk around and watch other people play games as well as
participate. Often times it is common to see people sitting at a
table with a stack of games and a sign that said “players wanted.”
One
group sits at a table playing “Village” in the game they assume
the roles of different families in a small village and try to become
the most renowned through different jobs or trades and then they die
off claiming spots in the local graveyard.
Sitting
in their chairs the people fidget around trying to get the best angle
of the board. An angry grunt or deep sigh escapes from someone at the
table as the spot they wanted on the board is taken.
On their
turn the player stands up to gain the best tactical view over the
small village. A hand rises to their chin and then fingers run
through their hair in effort to bring the right move to mind. After a
few minutes of thought the player places one of their wood pawn
tokens on the board and sits back down shaking their head in
dissatisfaction.
Patrick
Nickell, founder of Crash Games, believes that tabletop games are a
great way to bring people together.
“You
can go out and go to a movie and that's fun and enjoyable, but you're
not interacting with that individual,” Nickell said. “Where for
the same price or less, you could pick up a board game that you're
going to have the rest of your life and be able to play.”
CrashGames and Gamelyn Games were just a couple of the gaming companies
that were present at RinCon, providing an opportunity to interact
face to face with their buyers.
“I
love to be able to shake the hands of people that are supporting my
games,” Coe said. “That happens at these conventions.”
RinCon
also provides gamers an opportunity to try something different every
time they sit at a table.
Whether they wan't to pretend they are
racing a Formula One car or they can take on the role of a dwarf
seeking his families lost treasures hidden deep within a mountain
cave.
“The
opportunity to sit down and just have a real social event, with
people is fantastic,” Coe said. “That to me is what drives the
whole passion for table top gaming.”
Well hopefully you enjoyed the small amount of info on the annual RinCon in Tucson. I will be coming up on a break from school, so hopefully I will be posting more over this break.
Until next time be sure to check out my brother's "Let's Play" channel on YouTube and feel free to post any comments or questions you may have.
Thanks and play well,
MYLO
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