Wow. That was fun. It could have lasted 3 or 4 more days and I still wouldn't have seen/done everything I wanted to do. 1. The community is filled with great/nice/fun people. That includes all the players that I met, as well as Shoe, Ian, Guy and Rob. Shoe talked to some of us while the championships were on break - that is a guy that loves his roleplay and minis, the games are in good hands. Guy took time to answer my judging questions. Rob recognized my user name from my post on WotC about Dreamblade (I started the first rant, I believe). But, we had a nice conversation about it. Ian was just an all around nice guy, organized, and you can tell really cares about the tournament scene (and, if I understand who the score keeper was, has a super nice wife). I really enjoyed putting faces on all of your user names, and really enjoyed dinner on Friday. 2. The DDM game is fine. Dreamblade will not kill this game - they are totally different games. The scene will clearly be more about money and DDM will remain about friendly competition and community. There were more than 60 people at the community draft event - we played past 2 am. There are a lot of people that play and love this game. 3. The difference between the great players and the average players is both fine and great. The great players count out squares and build bands pretty much like the rest of us. But, they have a concentration level and practice level that is beyond mine. They anticipate future moves better than I do. However, if you want to be there, practice, take good notes, and watch others and you can close the gap. 4. I judged for a while, and I taught new people how to play also. Despite a little problem with tardiness and guest commentary in one match - it went well. I will do that again. I think WotC and those running the judging may want to add teachers to the floor - people that can teach the game. Also, when doing demos of the game in the WotC booth, WotC should have little slips of paper that direct people to the minis hall - maybe offer a $5 off on league. 5. I can't believe I never went to Gen Con before. I will return. Next time, if I'm not in the championships, I'll probably try to role play and do stuff with more people that I've now met in person. There is more to life than minis. 6. If you haven't gone, and you can fine a way to go, you should. It was a blast. Thanks to everyone I met, especially you guys that I talked to for minutes or more. It was great to meet you all - see you again in coming years! |