I have a vision. A vision of row upon row of tables; games as far as the eye can see. Role-playing games, board games, card games. Classics like Dungeons and Dragons, and fresher fair, like RESISTOR_, from Philly’s own Cardboard Fortress. It’s a vision that is shared by the organizers of Philly GamesCon, because that’s what they’ll be bringing to the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Trevose on April 17-19. The organizers behind 2013’s Nerdvemberfest have been hard at work to deliver to Philly the tabletop convention it deserves. “We really want gamers to join us at the start of something special, Philly’s own celebration of tabletop gaming,” said lead organizer David Cole.

Philly GamesCon will have double the space as Nerdvemberfest. They’re making good use of the extra room, adding wargaming tables, as well as ones dedicated to open gaming, where attendees can grab a pick-up game outside of the packed convention schedule. That schedule includes 125 gaming events, including role-playing games, board games, and wargaming tournaments.

The extent and variety of the games that will be played is hard to describe. One illustration might be that there will be at least three varieties just of Dungeons and Dragons. There is also indie titles like Fate and Numenera, as well as special guest game masters. The board game selection includes titles made popular by Wil Wheaton’s Tabletop, like Lords of Waterdeep and King of Tokyo. Of course, we here at Geekadelphia are looking forward to seeing local developer Cardboard Fortress and their games Kobolds! and RESISTOR_.

As well as being from Philly, one half of Cardboard Fortress happens to be Geekadelphia’s own Nicole Kline. She expressed excitement over being able to share RESISTOR_ at the upcoming con. Cardboard Fortress have just wrapped up a successful Kickstarter for the game. They won’t have copies to sell, but they’ve decided to simply invade the open gaming area. “We’ll be there Saturday and Sunday at the open gaming table area. Basically we’re just going to find a table and camp at it for most of the weekend,” said Kline. You may be able to pick them out of the crowd by their hats.

To round out the convention there will be a dealer’s room with over a dozen vendors. The community will also be coming together to help charity through a series of silent auctions. Items up for bid include games and gear donated by local game companies and stores. The proceeds will go to benefit the Children’s Hospital of Pennsylvania via Extra Life and the Children’s Miracle Network.

Philly GamesCon @ Crowne Plaze Hotel Philadelphia-Bucks

Friday, Saturday, Sunday, April 17-19

4700 E. Street Road

Trevose, PA 19053

Photo credit: Nicole Kline