Metatopia Panel Schedule Now Posted

If you’re at all interested in designing or publishing games (RPGs, board games, LARPs, or just about anything), Metatopia in Morristown, NJ (October 31-November 3) should be on your short list of conventions to attend. Not only is there a comprehensive playtesting track, which matches players to upcoming games that match their particular interests in terms of type, genre, etc., but there is a complete (indeed, three-track this year) batch of panels and seminars. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, it’s like a master’s degree in gaming crammed into one weekend.

The full schedule of seminars and panels is now up. I will be doing three panels this year:

  • D018: “Self-Publishing On A Shoestring” presented by Joseph Bloch. Forming your own game publishing company using Kickstarter, IndieGoGo, OneBookShelf or Game Crafter, and a surprisingly small amount of up-front cash. A discussion of just what you can do using modern crowdfunding and print on demand technologies, including some of the pitfalls and winning strategies you can use. Friday, 2:00PM – 3:00PM
  • D024: “New School Mechanics In Old School Games (And Vice Versa!)” presented by Cam Banks, Rob Donoghue & Joseph Bloch. The borders between story games and traditional role playing games have never been blurrier, and many recent games have blended the two traditions to grand effect. Come hear our panel muse on what both schools have to offer, and what they can still learn from each other. Friday, 4:00PM – 5:00PM
  • D050: “E-Book Publishing 101” presented by Darren Watts, Jason Pitre & Joseph Bloch. What are the differences between publishing hard copy books and electronic publishing? This panel will fill you in on everything you need to know, from standards and tools to markets for reaching your audience. Saturday, 3:00PM – 4:00PM
I can’t recommend this unique convention highly enough. Hope to see you there, if you’re at all in the area.

Written by 

Wargamer and RPG'er since the 1970's, author of Adventures Dark and Deep, Castle of the Mad Archmage, and other things, and proprietor of the Greyhawk Grognard blog.