SaltCon 2020 Preview

SaltCon 2020 is almost here and the lineup of activities is impressive. This is Utah's largest tabletop gaming event with four days of all types of tabletop games, contests, panels, and ways to expand and adjust your own game library. And SaltCon is a great place to meet up with over a thousand other tabletop gaming enthusiasts.

Games to Play

With a game library containing thousands of games you will be able to find something to play. You can find everything from an old favorite to something you've never heard anything about. The library games are free to check out and if you aren't sure how to play something you can grab a "Teacher Wanted" sign and there is almost always someone who has played it before and willing to share their knowledge of the game.

Don't worry if you don't have enough players for the game you want to play. You can also pick up a "Players Wanted" sign and invite new friends to the table. If the sign is up on the table, you can check it out and see if it is something you can join in on. You can find new games for your home group or find a new group of players for after the convention.

Along with the Game Library there are the games that are listed as the "Hot Games" and "Play to Win" areas. Hot Games are newer games being talked about. You can sit in on a game and see what the chatter is all about. The Play to Win games are just that. Play one of the games and you are entered into drawing to win the game. Just like the Game Library, there is no additional cost to play these games.

For those looking for the newest games coming, there is Prototype Alley. Here is where game developers are showing what they are working on. These games are in all stages of development. You get to sit in and learn games and participate in giving the designers your critique on what you like and how they can make their game even better.

There are also near non-stop role-playing taking place in the RPG room. You can jump in with the Adventurers' League and play some DnD. And there are a number of other games scheduled. A quick look at the schedule showed dozens of systems being played with around 100 scheduled games already taking signups. You can find something you like or try something new. Don't worry about having a character or dice, there are always plenty of them around to use (or you can pick up some new dice in the vendor hall).

Tournaments and Contests

This year is lined up with a lot of tournaments to go along with the Ion Game Design Contest and the Figure Painting Contest. Right now there are 30 tournament slots listed. You can challenge your skills against other players to see how you compare. I know in years past, some of the tournaments at SaltCon have been qualifiers for national events. I didn't look deeply into that, but this could be your chance to make your mark.

Live Action Events

Artemis will be there. If you are not familiar with the name, it is a Star Fleet simulator. Yes you can be a part of the bridge crew of a Star Fleet vessel. New experiences are available to be out among the stars.

There is also some live Action Role Playing on the schedule. Not only do you get to decide what your character does, you get to become your character.

Vendors, Sponsors, and More

There is more to see and do at SaltCon. There are going to be around 50 vendors in attendance with games, gaming supplies, art, and usually there are a few surprises mixed in. The vendors provide a lot to the experience, so check out what they are doing. Many of the Play to Win games and Door Prizes given away throughout the event are given by these great people who understand our enthusiasm and addiction to playing games, having the right miniature, or the newest dice.

For those interested in developing games, there is more than just competing in the Ions (of course the submission date for this year's judging has come and gone), there are panels scheduled about designing crowdsourcing. Even if all you have is an idea, you can start into the next level of gaming by learning how to create your own.

There is a lot of room in the SaltCon gaming area, so you don't have to sit on other people to play your game. But when you want some quiet time to play, there is also a quiet gaming room. A relaxing place to slip away to and still get your gaming on.

 

The Math Trade is already in motion for this year, but don't miss out on the Flea Market and Game Swap. You might have a game you just don't play anymore and want to give it a new life with another group and this is a place to give it that chance to live again. Or, you might just find that game you have been looking for to slip into your personal library. New and old games can be found at these events.

SaltCon 2020 looks like another great event is in the making. I will be there all 4 days Thursday, March 5 through Sunday March 8, 2020. Come on up and say hello. I enjoy meeting new friends and being able to put faces with the names of people who have written me.

To find out more about the schedule of events and many other things going on this year, check out SaltCon's website (link).

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