Last week, Michael kindly shared his reason behind starting AcadeCon and why it is so important to him. It was a terrific article and really gave everyone a peek behind the curtain to Michael and his motivation. Today, I’m taking some time to answer the same question.
Why AcadeCon?
I think that there are two different questions to answer here. To quote you, oh gentle reader, “Why are you hosting AcadeCon and why should I come to AcadeCon?”
Here are the quick answers, just in case you don’t have time today and are looking for the summary. It’s a pre-summary. (See, I’m even doing my job on the podcast in written form. I should get a raise.) We are hosting AcadeCon because it’s an extension of the show that connects us and our listeners in a social, non-judgmental environment where everyone can participate in the pure fun of playing games. You should come to AcadeCon because it’s a convention that is focused on both playing games for a weekend and delivering a unique opportunity to connect with gamers, game developers, and members of the gaming podcast community in a way that no other convention can match.
Of course, the even shorter answer to both questions is that AcadeCon is really freaking fun and everyone should be there.
But I am the Crunch Master in the trail mix of gaming advice that is The RPG Academy Poscast, so I must fulfill my duty and dig into some details.
First and foremost, when I first started working with Michael, I had absolutely no clue that I’d be here today planning a second annual public gaming convention based on a podcast. This is bonkers. It’s also terrifying and overwhelming, to be perfectly honest. It’s also amazingly fun and supremely satisfying. But the road there is full of worry and stress.
I hitched my wagon to the Academy train a few years ago. I started out writing articles, and then climbed the ladder (or maybe that was yanked unceremoniously) to becoming a co-host, editor, producer, and convention co-planner. Oof. Just writing that makes me tired. But this is all part of the natural growth and development of the podcast. The show has gotten bigger and better, to the extent that it has expanded into a network of like-minded podcast and websites that all work together to support a common philosophy of gaming.
With that in mind, the first answer to why we are doing AcadeCon is because it just makes sense. It’s a natural evolution of what we do here at the Academy. The show motto is “if you’re having fun, you’re doing it right”. We are focused on supporting gamers and the hobby, not furthering edition wars or falling down the rabbit hole of controversial debates. We care about people, no-matter who they are. We want everyone to play games that they enjoy and enjoy playing games. Our show is about learning new game and developing gaming skills, all while promoting a positive social dynamic. What better way to take this philosophy to the next logical step than to provide a gathering where all of this can be practiced in real life?
Another great reason to host AcadeCon is that it’s our way to give back to our fans. Anyone can make a website and record themselves taking and post the MP3s. But without an audience, who cares? Not only do we have an audience, we have fans. We have people that support us with their time. They listen to the show. They talk with us through the website, email, and social media. They even donate money to cover expenses! Our fans are amazing people. They have chosen to believe in us and the Academy and its mission. AcadeCon is one of biggest ways we can thank them. It’s a way to get everyone together and celebrate something we all care desperately about. It’s a time to actually shake hands, match names with Internet voices and Twitter handles, and express an honest and heartfelt “thank you”.
My last reason for why we host AcadeCon is that it’s a stupidly smart plan. Hosting a convention is a mind-numbingly vast amount of work. Last year, Michael and I dove head first into the deep end of learning how to do this. Luckily, we had the support of friends and family and we pulled it off. Not only did we accomplish hosting a convention, but it was a very successful convention. We had almost no problems. Everyone had a great time. Continuing the convention and increasing its size is crazy. Everyone involved has families and responsibilities and jobs. We can’t take a few months off to put everything together. So yeah, it’s crazy stupid to take on a task this large when we are already busy with life and the podcast and the network. But AcadeCon is special. It needs to exist. It sets us apart from other podcast and networks. Maybe it’s only because no-one else is crazy enough to try this. But hosting AcadeCon allows us to highlight ourselves, our awesome Network members, and the philosophy that sets us apart from others. It’s smart to do this. It’s a great evolution of what we do.
On a more personal level, I am thrilled to be part of AcadeCon because it focuses on what I love about gaming. Sitting down and playing a game with friends and family is one of the best social activities that exists. Telling a story together is even better. We are all so busy with life. Being able to enter a safe, friendly environment and spend a few hours getting lost in a game with people that all want to have fun is an amazing way to relax and recuperate. Being able to build those experiences and memories to share later is a terrific way to strengthen family ties. All of that happens at AcadeCon. I could not love it more.
With that explanation of why we host AcadeCon, I must now answer the question of why you should attend.
AcadeCon is fun. It’s a blast. It’s a weekend that is not only dedicated to almost around-the-clock gaming, but it’s also dedicated to letting gamers meet and share. Last year, I got to meet people in person that I had been talking to for years online. We got to sit down and play games together. I got to meet up with old and dear friends and enjoy their company. I got to meet new people and stumble into some amazing new friendships.
It’s one thing to walk into a game store and see people playing a game. It’s another to walk into a massive, international convention and know that hundreds of thousands of people are playing games. But that sweet spot is walking into a room and seeing a hundred people gaming. You can hear the excitement and joy in their voices. You can walk by and catch bits of what’s happening. You can see their joy at success and horror at failure. That’s AcadeCon. It’s a place to share the passion of gaming, not get lost in the crowd.
AcadeCon also offers something that few, if any, other conventions can provide. AcadeCon is a place to sit down with titans of the gaming industry and play a game. Other larger conventions (like that one just a state over) are so huge and busy that attendees are lucky to meet these types of people for a few minutes at their merchant booth. And then there all the panels and ceremonies and meetings that keep people busy. Can you ever say that you sat down to play Dungeons and Dragons with an author of the book? Come to AcadeCon and you can.
AcadeCon is focused on games, not judgement. Don’t be afraid if you don’t know how to play a game or want to try something that might be out of your comfort zone. If everyone is having fun, that means it’s right. But it’s also important to note that everyone means everyone. Events at AcadeCon are inclusive. Yes, there are some that might have a content warning. But that is to ensure that players know what they are getting into for that game. We are not going to host a game that makes other people in the room uncomfortable. We are not going to host a game that promotes negative opinions and attitudes. The bottom line is that at AcadeCon, we use common sense and respect the people that have spent their time and money to come play games.
In conclusion, AcadeCon is truly a passion project. It’s the culmination of everything The RPG Academy stands for and believes in. It’s a way for us to bring together everyone that believes in us and celebrate the hobby that brings us all so much joy.
In one short week, the Kickstarter campaign for AcadeCon 2016 launches. Whether or not you can attend or support the convention financially, please come watch our video, see what we offer, and share the adventure with us.
Thank you for reading this. Thank you for giving me your time today. I hope that my words have shown you that I love this project and the people involved with all my heart and that more than anything, I want this convention to succeed and become a spectacular event that carries the Academy philosophy to gamers across the world.
-Caleb-
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