SaltCon 2017, Tabletop Gaming Convention--High Action In a Chair at a Table

I've had a couple of days to recover from four days of gaming at SaltCon 2017, now I can write about the experience without falling asleep on the keyboard. This year SaltCon kicked off Thursday morning and ran to Sunday evening. There were open gaming areas during that entire time and I really believe there was someone playing a game during every hour from the time they started to the time they closed the doors and shepherded the last ones out.

Events for SaltCon started before the doors ever opened with the Ion Awards. Game designers from across the country, and internationally, entered their designs to be judged. Every year has brought a great selection of games and this year was no exception. The games are scrutinized by people involved in the industry as established game designers, developers, and distributors. Winners are already in negotiations with companies to bring their games to market and we are looking forward to seeing their work come to fruition.

Figure painting

There was a figure painting contest that was awarded along with the Ion Awards. The pieces on display showed amazing talent. For those wanting to learn how to do it, or sharpen their technique, there was also an area to help.

Along with those who were ready for entry into the game competition were other developers with their games presented in the booths and on the floor. There was even a room for prototypes. The games were at different levels of development. Some are getting close to taking to market while others were drawn out on paper and foam board. If you have never had the opportunity to play a game at this level of development, may I suggest you grab the chance. Sitting down with several developers over the weekend was a great experience. These women and men want people to play their games with the intent of finding the flaws that can break the game. And, they enjoy talking about what they are doing and how you feel about the game.

Many people bring their own games looking for people who have similar interests. Across the open gaming areas were signs that were made available to let others know if you were looking for players and teachers. Attendees and volunteers were ready to step (or sit) into those roles. Those who didn't bring games could choose one from the conventions free game library, which now has over 1,100 titles.

Part of the game library

Envoy was present in a play to win section and was running tournaments for many of their games. Prizes in the tournaments included admission and hotel rooms for next year's event. Envoy presents and teaches games from smaller game companies. And, you could learn the game from experienced players. I had the opportunity to learn several new games and make some new friends who had travelled from Las Vegas to attend the convention.

If you were looking for role-playing games, there was full selection with over 150 sessions scheduled (there were also a number of unscheduled games from players and developers). I ran four games and sat in on four others. I would have liked to do more, but there was only four days. The games covered a wide spectrum of systems and genres—something for every taste.

Artemis

There were also a live action events. These events included panels about gaming, we have some talented people living in this area who are well known in the community and this year Robert J. Defendi was on a couple of panels. The local Star Trek Organization also ran a bridge simulation, Artemis, which had people in it every time I went by.

It can be safely said that SaltCon 2017 was a success. Along with all the already mentioned opportunities for fun there were door prizes, play to win drawings, and vendor giveaways that kept the excitement going for the nearly 1,400 who showed up. But don't think the organizers are going sit back on previous success.

Dale Gifford announced the entire Davis Convention Center has been reserved for upcoming years. The organizer of the RPGs has already reached out on how to make future events better and we are already working on games.

One of the open gaming areas

2018 marks year 10 for SaltCon. I haven't attended from the beginning, but I have been to a majority of them. Based on past experienced, if you like to play games, you should plan on being there.

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