Learn more about roguelike games! Attend these brief talks, and then socialize or play games yourself! This is the perfect opportunity to play nethack for the first time, or to meet other people interested in roguelikes. Schedule

6:30 PM: Guests arrive, casual socializing time

6:45 PM: "Welcome to this event!" talk by Noah & Britta

6:50 PM: "Nethack and epic early modern literature" talk by Britta Gustafson

7:0 0 PM: "Roguelikes and Japan" talk by Noah Swartz

7:10 PM: "@ meets ?: Collaborative Storytelling through Procedural Generation" Jason Grinblat

7:30 PM - 8:30 PM: Socializing and open play (bring your laptop!)

Nethack and epic early modern literature

Britta Gustafson

While negotiating with Baalzebub in the depths of Gehennom, did you ever wonder where Nethack’s half-familiar named demons and fantastical creatures came from? I didn’t wonder much until I had to take a John Milton class as part of completing a literature degree -- and while reading Paradise Lost, all these characters I knew from Nethack popped out of the pages in front of me. In this short talk, I’ll tell some of the cultural origin stories of the huge range of literary references that help make Nethack so interesting to play. This is a great example of how game designers can use ambitiously complex cultural references to help make games weirdly fun.

@ meets ?: Collaborative Storytelling through Procedural Generation

Jason Grinblat, Freehold Games, Creator of Caves of Qud and Sproggiwood

Procedural generation is in the tool belt of every roguelike developer. But can procgen transcend its origins as a tool to create physical spaces and veer into the stranger realms of narrative and setting? Drawing upon examples from Fiasco and Caves of Qud, along with pen and paper roleplaying systems Gamma World and Everway, Jason will discuss how procedural generation can be used to spin collaborative fiction with your players.



Roguelikes and Japan

Noah Swartz

Did you know that Final Fantasy and Pokemone have had roguelike games? Noah will talk about the history of the Mystery Dungeon series, which is inspired by classic American roguelikes. How are they different, what makes them unique, how to they stand up to the Berlin Interpretation? Find out all of this and more!





Chat with fellow roguelike players

After these short talks, there will be informal time for everyone to hang out and learn from each other about your favorite games -- share stories, trade advice, or learn what’s fun about one you haven’t tried. (People will be friendly; it’ll be ok if you show up without knowing anyone first!)

Noah and Britta are also excited to chat about plans and ideas for our larger event that we’re working on for September 17 this year, an all-day Roguelike Celebration. Come talk with us and let us know if you’re curious about attending, speaking, or participating in some way.





Who we are

We’re organizing occasional events in San Francisco about roguelike gaming entirely for fun: because it’s hilarious and weird and great to be able to talk about throne rooms and spoiler wikis in real life with friendly people. More about us: https://roguelike.club/who.html





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