Origins

[bolen]

I was thinking of going to Origins in Ohio as well as Gen Con this year. Has anyone ever been. It looks much more like a wargaming convention then D&D. Will I feel out of place there?

 

[fredramsey]

Absolutely not. Unless I am mistaken, RPG events still count for the largest category.

My only bummer is that, although Origins is supposed to be a gaming company convention, many companies wait until GenCon to debut their products...

But it is great, and the dealer's room is not to be missed.

 

[Crothian]

Origins is great!! I've gone to both every year for three years now, Origins I've gone to a lot more in the past though. I game at Origns, there are always plenty of games and they don't fill up near as fast as Gen Con. Also, less people. Still lots and lots, but not like Gen Con. Many publishers and writers make it there, the panel discussions are usually good and there is always plenty to do.

 

[bolen]

So this is not a gaming convention for military history enthusists?

They do seem to have quite a bit of wargames (more then gen con). I am thinking of bringing my father (he and I use to play quite a number of the old Avalon hill games when I was a kid).

 

[Crothian]

So this is not a gaming convention for military history enthusists?

Don't get me wrong, there is a huge room devoted to minis and that includes civil war, WW1, D&D minis, etc. They also have a huge room devoted to nothing but CCGs. I think they have a room just for board games as well. THe RPGs are in smaller rooms with many tables. You'll also see much more space for pick up games and people gaming all over the place.

I'm signed up for a Thieves world game, Tekumel, Buffy LARP, Paranoia LARP, and Blue Rose so far. Their website that should also give you a better understanding of what is there

 

[Finster]

I used to live in Columbus, OH. I was getting my degree in Fine Arts from OSU, and attended Origins each year I was there. The convention is great, and the neighborhood bordering the convention center has plenty to do if you need a break from gaming. The "Short North" area is Columbus' gallery district complete with coffee shops, galleries (check out the Blue Cube if it's still there), and is a short walk downtown. I haven't looked at the dates of the convention, since I can't attend this year, but if it falls on the Fourth of July there is a SPECTACULAR fireworks show within walking distance.

My suggestion is go, and have a blast.

 

[IronWolf]

Origins is a great time. I went last year for the first time and it was well worth it. I certainly recommend going to it.

 

[Andor]

Origins does to go some fair lengths to keep the wargamers happy. They have to as Grognards are cranky by nature. :-b

That having been said there is a wealth of RPGs and many many pick-up games. There are dozens of tables for open gaming in the breezeway, and they are accessible all weekend. Hopefully you'll see lots of promos too. I know they've been trying for years to convince everyone to promo at origins for the gencon releases. Or better yet release at Origins and 1-2 punch with supplements at gencon.

Remember they are run by GAMA, and GAMA has a mandate to promote all forms of hobby gaming.