BLOG: Game Theory Expo rolls a 20 at Clear Lake
The Game Theory Expo (GTEX) tabletop gaming convention was held at the Hilton Houston NASA Clear Lake Sept. 7-8. The convention focused on showcasing independent and small publishers within the industry in the exhibit hall, as well as hosting 24-hour open gaming group play for experienced players and beginners alike.
Upon entering and receiving an access badge at the registration table, there were auction sheets for items related to tabletop gaming such as a dice tower, to ensure a fair and honest role, and a book on how to create better fantasy worlds and storylines to name a couple. Guests also received a “passport” sheet that had space for every booth in the exhibit hall, so as they visited the different booths, a sticker would be given to show they at least talked to the exhibitors or demoed their game. Once all the stickers were acquired, guests would be entered for a chance to win donated games or gift certificates by the GTEX sponsors.
Those in attendance were welcomed to sign up by friendly faces to be part of a campaign or join a session for many role-playing games, even if they have never played a tabletop role-playing game before. Two games by Paizo Publishing, “Pathfinder” and “Starfinder”, even had their own room next to the exhibit hall on the first floor dedicated for longer and more involved gameplay at the event.
Upstairs in one of the rooms reserved for the convention was where the Game Library and multiple groups of people were huddled together, some playing through a detailed 3D model of what looked like a large city. Another room on that same floor was where the panel discussions were held and notable professionals of the industry talked about tabletop gaming issues and answered questions from the audience.
One of the discussions I sat in was about the importance of staying openminded during role-playing games and how that can sometimes lead to insightful real-life discussions among players. It may even change one’s stance on a sensitive subject just by pretending to be another gender or race than your own and taking it seriously in a fantasy world.
Dann Kriss and Jason Yarnell held another panel I got to check out and the topic discussed was about good or interesting ideas for games, but whether they would actually be fun to play. They touched on how sometimes games with simple, easy to pick up rules and gameplay were the most fun to play as players are not bogged down by having to learn overly complicated game mechanics or obscure rules that may be forgotten.
After the panels, my colleague and I decided to check out the Game Library and tried out one of Dann Kriss’ card games titled “Cthulhu: The Great Old One.” We read the relatively simple instructions and started playing right away. It didn’t take long to start having fun. To the best of my knowledge, we were playing it correctly and it was like a mix between “Go Fish”, “Texas Hold ‘em”, and “Hot Potato”. Thanks to a visit to Kriss’ booth in the exhibit hall, we got a tip on how to win should someone draw “The Great Old One” card during gameplay. Drawing Cthulhu would usually result in an automatic loss at the end of the game unless you also happen to draw “The Cultist” card and keep both cards until the last play.
I have played many role-playing videogames in my life, but sadly never partaken in any role-playing tabletop games. The Game Theory Expo convention was a great introduction into the world of tabletop gaming and an awesome way to meet people in the industry who are passionate about showing off their newest project or just want more people to learn about and enjoy their favorite games.
