SaltCon's 2020 Main Event was four days packed with all sorts of games and other activities for gaming enthusiasts. Participants came out to play games, with both old and new friends. Many walked away tired (especially those who were working so others could enjoy the time), but none left unsatisfied.
There were activities that have taken place every year along with some new ones. There truly was something for everyone.
The Ion Awards
The Ion Awards are a little more behind the scenes, but there was a lot of talk about the games that were submitted this year and how close the judging was. In the category of Light, the winner was Jason Corace with Super Truffle Pigs! In the Strategy category Brandt Brinkerhoff won with Oros (Pangea). Congratulations go to everyone who entered, the finalist as well as the winners. The games entered into this competition have a record of making it to market.
This was not the only competition at SaltCon.
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| Ion Award finalists |
Tournaments and Contests
Every year tournaments are held for specific games and for being able to play well through multiple games. Along with earning honors and recognition for tabletop gamesmanship at SaltCon, Double Exposure Envoy hosted a number of tournaments that were qualifiers for future events. The winners of those events will be competing in national tournaments being held at GenCon, which includes getting into that convention and room shares. Those who have gone, or tried to attend, understand the size of that prize.
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| Some of the tournaments |
A good number of games were given away in the Play to Win contest. This activity draws a lot of attention from attendees. When you play one of these games, you are entered into a drawing to win it. These are new games being promoted and there is always a wide variety of them to fit most everyone's gaming interest.
A miniatures painting competition was once again held. This event is growing. The pieces entered showed wonderful craftsmanship and artistic acumen.
Prototype Alley
Over two evenings game designers were showing what they created. They are in all levels of development, which adds to the fun. There were games of all different styles including cooperative games, funny ones, strategic of both low and high, and even some of the games entered in the Ion Awards competition.
This year Prototype Alley moved into the foyer to wonderful acceptance. I talked with a couple of people who had attended SaltCon in years past and hadn't before stopped in Prototype Alley to try games in development. They explained they had thought the games would be rough, unplayable versions that would be hard to learn and play. They were pleasantly surprised with what they found and were playing a number of games on display.
For those who think playing a prototype is not what you'd be interested in, I suggest you give it a try. The developers put a lot of effort to create fun and satisfying games. When they are sharing their game, they are also sharing the enjoyment of the tabletop gaming hobby. They are also genuinely interested in feedback players give so they can make their games even better.
Games, Games, and more Games
Every year the game library grows. Every person who had the opportunity of playing a game held in the library should give the SaltCon group a big thank you. They devote a lot of time throughout the year to gain acquisitions for the library and taking care of their existing games so they can return again and again. Old favorites along with the new ones are part of the library.
The list of Hot Games was once again an exciting addition to games being played. These are the games people are chatting up across different platforms as some of the best new releases. SaltCon gives you the opportunity to give them a try.
Artemis was hosted again by the local Star Trek organization. This strategic live action game gives participants a chance to be part of the bridge crew of a Star Fleet vessel and see if they have the mettle to make it in space. Every time I passed the room there were not only the people who were participating as the crew; others were enjoying it by watching what was taking place.
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| Friday afternoon |
Roleplaying Games
The roleplaying area was expanded. Not only were there more tables, there was a wider variety of games. Of course there was the Adventurers' League and other DnD tables. There were also games fitting into practically every genre of storytelling. These games weren't limited to sitting at the table. Some were social deduction games requiring a larger group.
John Wick, the roleplaying game (RPG) developer of 7th Sea and other games, was present this year supporting both Gallant Knight Games and his projects with Chaosium. He, along with Alan Bahr (Gallant Knight Games) and Ben Woerner (Wunderwerks) did a multi-table Tiny Supers game and play-tested a Live Action Role Play of RuneQuest set in Glorantha.
Along with the panels for game developing, the first Game Master Workshop was held. The class worked with players to learn how to become game masters at their own tables. They earned certification for completing the workshop. I heard praise for what they walked away with. I expect the workshop will be returning.
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| John Wick and Alan Bahr kicking back in the vendor hall |
Designers and Artists and More
The vendor hall was a captivating market of games, art, books, crafts, and supplies. A person could easily lose themselves in checking out everything that was available. There were people who would slip in to find the right dice, or bag to hold them in. They would pick up the latest game they just returned to the game library, or pick up a copy of the RPG they just experienced.
The people in this hall are people who know their craft. Many a wonderful item could be had. It is a place every conventioneer should check out to see what is available and what is forth coming. I was able to play a number of games just making it to market along with some still in development.
If you've been concerned about stepping into the area of vendor booths, you are missing a great source of fun and entertainment. There are only a few places you can buy soap themed from some favorite games, books, movies and television.
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| Prototype shadowbox demo for Shadow Brume |
SaltCon's 2020 Main Event was enjoyable. Each event improves from the last as the staff of regulars and volunteers put forth the effort to make the next one better. I consider SaltCon to be my home gaming convention because I have been attending for a number of years and I haven't been disappointed.
Those who were there with me, I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did. Everyone I talked to was having a great time and gaining new friends from across the country.
If you like games and haven't attended SaltCon yet, you have a treat in store for you when you experience it.
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