My Metatopia schedule is as follows. Outside of that I expect I’ll be playtesting like a fiend, and when I’m not, I’ll be sneaking into other people’s panels to ask annoying questions from the back of the room.
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D002 Playtesting 101
Rob Donoghue, Curt Covert & Jason Pitre
Playtesting is an absolute requirement for any game to be successful. This panel shows how to get the most out of your playtesting efforts no matter what kind of game you’ve designed.
Friday 9:00AM – 10:00AM
One Session; Serious, All Ages.
D015 Role Playing Scenario Design
Kenneth Hite, Darren Watts, Rob Donoghue, John Stavropoulos & Bill White
Our panel of experts drills down into the specifics of scenario-building for publication, whether it’s showing off the game’s basics with an introductory scenario, or stringing several together for a mini-campaign book.
Friday 1:00PM – 2:00PM
One Session; Serious, All Ages.
D024 New School Mechanics In Old School Games (And Vice Versa!)
Cam Banks, Rob Donoghue & Joseph Bloch
The borders between story games and traditional role playing games have never been blurrier, and many recent games have blended the two traditions to grand effect. Come hear our panel muse on what both schools have to offer, and what they can still learn from each other.
Friday 4:00PM – 5:00PM
One Session; Serious, All Ages.
D061 Dangerous Mechanics: Rules That Looked Good On The Surface
Kenneth Hite, Will Hindmarch, Rob Donoghue & Jason Pitre
The panelists will deal with mechanics that look good on the surface but can have unforeseen negative consequences in play. Spending XP, no-effect rules, dice-generated currency – all have hidden dangers. Explore these and other light bulbs that didn’t quite work out.
Saturday 9:00PM – 10:00PM
One Session; Serious, All Ages.
D064 Open Licenses: Why, Why Not, and How
Fred Hicks, Cam Banks, Rob Donoghue & Justin Jacobson
What are the various options available for licensing your game to others (or from others), and what are the creative reasons and financial imperatives for choosing between them?
Saturday 10:00PM – 11:00PM
One Session; Serious, All Ages.
Fred and I will be arriving int he wee hours of the night on Thursday because we have kids who need to trick or treat. Despite this, I will be maintaining my usual tradition of breakfasting in the hotel at ~7:30 every morning, and anyone who wishes to join be is absolutely welcome.