Convention Season!
Ah, my favorite time of year is upon us once again! Convention Season!
The Origins Game Fair begins this Wednesday right here in Columbus, Ohio. It runs from Wednesday through Sunday (the dealers room opens on Thursday morning).
While Origins has lost some of it’s luster over the past couple of years as some of the bigger companies (Wizards of the Coast, Wizkids, Upper Deck, etc) have pulled out, it’s still one heck of a fun convention. I don’t even really play in any games while I’m there. I spend almost all my time in the dealers hall checking out new games, older games I haven’t really noticed before, playing demos and chatting with folks from various companies.
This year I am going to be spending some time helping out the good folks at Fantasy Flight Games running demos for Mutant Chronicles, AT-43 and Confrontation. But, I’m still taking time to wander about and check out what’s what.
With Origins going we’ve had to adjust our store hours a bit on Thursday and Friday. We’ll be closed during the day, and opening up at 6:00pm. Saturday will be normal hours (10:00am – 10:00pm), and we’re closed on Sunday (per usual). So, if you’re not downtown make sure you come see us Thursday and Friday evenings here at Alley Cat.
NOTE: Due to Origins, there is no Pokemon League on Thursday 6/26. It will resume the following Thursday night!
I’ll also have my trusty camera with me at Origins, so be sure to check back for news and updates about your favorite games!
Also, running at the same time as Origins this year are Wizard World Chicago and the GI JOE Collectors Convention, both of which I will be at in spirit!
Then, in July, it’s the granddaddy of all conventions…Comic Con International (or the San Diego Comic Con, as it’s more commonly known). If I could only attend one convention a year, it would be this one. It’s amazing. It’s been a few years since I’ve gone and it’s doubled in size since then and become a true media event. Plus, for an action figure fan such as myself SDCC has become the best place for new product announcements next to Toy Fair!
Then, in August, the mecca of the gaming world arrives: Gen Con Indy: The Best Four Days in gaming. And, much like SDCC, this is where many companies choose to announce their new products, show of new miniatures and generate excitement about their company well into 2009.
I’m only able to attend on Sunday this year, but I’m going to make the most of that one day! So much to see, and so much to do! I can’t wait!
So, it’s looking like a great summer for gaming and much more! It almost makes it worth the heat and humidity!
