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Gateway 2012 largest of century!
Gateway hit 1560 attendees this year, making it the largest Gateway of the century! For the third year in a row Gateway was the largest game convention in California. Thanks everyone -- we'll see you in February.
Why Isn't My Favorite Board Game Listed?
Games previously run by the Board Game department are not going to be scheduled without a GM.
The board game department has enacted a new policy. Only games claimed by a GM will be run. There are over 100 games that ran at Orccon 2012, that will not be run Gamex 2012 if someone doesn't offer to run the event. Some of these games are usually run at all three of our conventions.
For a list of games that don't appear to be on the Gamex 2012 schedule go to http://www.strategicon.net/index.php?goto=events_needing_gm.
General game submission closes in 2 days.
Any submissions after that will have to be sent to the board game department stratcon_boardgames@strategicon.net directly and are not guaranteed to be approved.
T-Shirt preview up!
We have Four (yes, four!) different T-Shirt designs this year. We're printing three of them to order only, so if you're interested, check them out right here!
Thank you for a great Gateway 2011
We broke 1250 attendees, making this the largest Gateway convention since 2002.
For the second year in a row we were the largest game convention in California on Labor Day weekend. Thanks to all our attendees. See you at Orccon 2012!
Warhammer 40k Apocalypse
SoCal Crusaders will be running an Apocalypse seminar Friday and games of Apocalypse on Saturday & Sunday. Come check it out!
We're the SoCal Crusaders, and we'll run the Apocalypse seminar Fri from 5pm to 9pm. Saturday will be our first Apocalypse game, open to the all, register at 10am, starts at 11am-max 10,000pts with our gaming group's rules set (found at blood-crusade.webs.com). We'll of course have copies of our rules for all to view. The game Saturday will then play from 11am to 10pm, if that much time is needed. Sunday will be same time registration, 10am, game starts 11am, open to all, 10,000pts max, etc. Sunday's game will end at 6pm. Both days will be separate Scenarios/Games.
Gamex Needs Volunteers!
Volunteer to become part of our success at Gamex '11.
We are looking for enthusiastic people who want to get involved in making Strategicon Gaming Conventions better and more fun. Do you think you have what it takes? Let us know. Click the "Volunteer" link on the menu at the left or go to http://www.strategicon.net/index.php?goto=volunteer and sign up.
FoW National Qualifier
Strategicon will be hosting a Flames of War, National Qualifier at Gamex 2011
Strategicon will be hosting a Flames of War, National Qualifier at Gamex 2011. This will be a 4-round tournament on May 28th. This will be a 2000 point mid war doubles tournament. Teams of 2. Each player is allowed to bring one 1000 point list. Team members can lend up to 100 points to the other.
Orccon 2011 Room Block Sold Out
We are attempting to procure more rooms, but as of February 2, we have sold out our block at the Sheraton. We have procured some overflow rooms at both the Sheraton and Radisson, but they are $159 and $169, respectively. Still cheaper than the going rate, however.
Game pre reg is on!
War Times Journal at Orccon
War Times Journal will be at Orccon running a hypothetical Trafalgar 1900 scenario using their Quickfire pre-dreadnought naval rules. Stop by and check it out on Sunday at 1pm in the Miniatures area.
The War Times Journal is an on-line magazine which covers all periods of military history and military science. They offer in depth articles and free on-line wargaming resources, as well as a store where you can buy gaming miniatures and books, and a portal to related sites. Check out their website at www.wjt.com
Site back up!
Thank goodness for backups. We had a disk crash on our primary server. All seems to be normal and we believe all data has been recovered.
More gaming while waiting for Orccon
There's always more fun to be had!
Though our next convention is still months away there is plenty of good gaming going on between now and then.
Magic The Gathering players rejoice! Sun Mesa is running a pre-release for Scars of Mirrodin this weekend at the LAX Radisson. Same place that Gateway was held! If you haven't played Magic for a while then a pre-release is a great time to get back into the game. Hope to see you all there.
Two great game conventions outside the Los Angeles area are happening soon. RinCon happens October 8-10 in Tucson Arizona and NeonCon happens November 4-7 in Las Vegas.
If you are looking for other gaming options, look into one of the many gaming groups throughout Southern California. For a partial list go to our registration page and scroll down. While you are there you can go ahead and register for Orccon as well.
Gateway 2010: Thank You For a GREAT Con!
Largest and most successful Gateway in years!
Hello Everybody!! (Yes this means you!)
Thanks to all who attended Gateway 2010 and made it a huge success. We had over 1200 attendees which was a great way to close out 2010.
We want to hear your stories. Find us on facebook as "Strategicon Conventions" and tell us your stories from Gateway.
Let us reflect on some of the great things that happened at Gateway ... Hmmm ... Where to start.
We had Tom Lehman and Looney Labs as our Guests of Honor and what outstanding guests they were. Tom was running in or playing games all weekend, including the hugely succesful Pandemic LARP and Race for the Galaxy. Looney Labs was Demoing their new Back to the Future Card Game and teaching/playing their other games all weekend. Also, who could forget the great Andy vs Everybody event!
It was great to see HMGS at our convention with many many games throughout the weekend. We launched over 100 roleplaying events as well! Sun Mesa Events ran our Magic events for the first time and our attendance at these events almost doubled from Gamex to Gateway. We look forward to seeing what they will have in store for us at Orccon. Speaking of Orccon is it not just a mere 161 days away?
If 161 days seems like a long time to wait for your next gaming convention fix you might want to check out Neoncon. Their convention is coming up in November and their games count towards the Strategicon points race and Jack Butler awards. Find them at www.neoncon.com.
Soon enough though it will be time for Orccon. We will have over 500 events and we look forward to settling into our new home at the Sheraton for all of our conventions in 2011. Again, thanks for coming if you did and either way we will see you at Orccon. You can even pre-register now if you would like, same bat channel ... www.strategicon.net.
David Zevin goes to Catan World Championships
Gamex 2010 Catan winner David Zevin,will be among those representing the U.S. at the 2010 World Wide Championship in Germany. Details.
Family Games Day - Sunday, Sept. 5
Families get in at a reduced rate - - $50 for the whole family! *One or two parents and up to five kids ages 16 and under. Details.
New Additions to Games Libraries
More Games in our Library from Mayfair, Rio Grande, Minion, and others.
Added since Gamex - From Mayfair Games: Settlers of America, Pillars of the Earth, Domaine, Before The Wind, Lemming Mafia. From Rio Grande Games: Tobago, Krysis & Dream Factory. From Minion Games: Sole Mio and Nile, Sturgeon, Those Pesky Humans and Legitimacy. Also Road Kill Rally, Rattus, Magical Athlete, and Speicherstadt.
Event Pre Reg is ON!
Assuming the router stays up....
Mini-Wars at Gateway 2010
Gateway will host the Historical Miniatures Gaming Society / Pacific Southwest (HMGS/PSW) Mini-Wars convention this Labor Day weekend.
Gateway will host the Historical Miniatures Gaming Society / Pacific Southwest (HMGS/PSW) Mini-Wars fall convention this year with a wide range of historical miniatures games this Labor Day weekend. In honor of the 70th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain, Steven Reid and Gary Archer will present "Royal Air Force to the Rescue" a "Check Your 6" WWII airpower game. If you like your history from a more ancient time, how about knights and longbow men meeting on the muddy fields of France? Dave Maupin and Greg Kildare will present "Agincourt, the Band of Brothers". The rules are Piquet: come and join this fascinating game on Saturday morning. Make sure and check the Gateway website for additional exciting games.
Meet the Best Settler!
An interview with the winner of the Settlers of Catan SoCal National Championship Qualifier David Zevin
Sunday is Family Game Day
Sunday, May 30, families get in at a reduced rate - - $50 for the whole family. More.
Gamex Hosts Catan Pre-Qualifier
Your chance to qualify for U.S., then Worldwide Catan Championships!
Math Trade at Gamex 2010
Trade games you don't want for the games you do want! Everybody wins... http://www.boardgamegeek.com/geeklist/54556/math-trade-for-strategicons-gamex-2010-attendees More about how a math trade works is available on the link.
Archival conbooks posted
The convention booklets for 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010 are now available.
Sheraton Gateway Hotel Special Rate
Until May 14, get a special $99 room (double occupancy) registration at the Sheraton Gateway for Gamex 2010. Triple occupancy $119 $139 for four people. Parking with room - valet $15/day (regular $24) self-parking overnight is $11.
Pre-reg Now for Gamex 2010
Don't wait and end up paying more. Pre-register now for Gamex 2010 at the bargain price of $40 for the entire weekend. Save $5 more if you're a member of one of the registered game groups!
Event preregistration for Orccon 2010 is open!
You may now preregister for events at Orccon 2010!
Online Hotel Registration Is On
$109 room registration with parking included for one car is now available for Orccon 2010. This is subject to change.
Miniatures Boot Camp Returns for Orccon!
Our successful Miniatures Boot Camp will be back for Orccon. The boot camp games provide attendees the opportunity to learn from experienced and welcoming players. Ask questions, try out tactics, or test-drive a game you are on the fence about. At Gateway we offered Flames of War, Warmachine, Uncharted Seas, and many others. Check back often with the website to see our offerings for Orccon 2010!
Malifaux at Orccon
Malifaux is the hottest miniature game to come out of Gencon Indianapolis in 2009. This is a diceless 28mm miniature system wrapped around Wyrd Miniature games (http://www.wyrd-games.net ) line of miniatures. Wyrd Miniatures will be sponsoring demo games at Orccon!
What is Malifaux (Mal-i-foe)? It's a skirmish sized tabletop miniature game (5-8 figures per side is about right for your average game) played using "heroic" 32mm figures. The game is built for play on a 3 foot by 3 foot table with a decent amount of terrain - 2-3 small/medium pieces per square foot. Using a unique diceless combat system, Malifaux is a fun and challenging game.
Warmachine/Hordes
That right, Warmachine and Hordes is back at Orrcon, and its new and better than ever!! With the release of the new Mark II version of the rules sets from Privateer Press (http://www.privateerpress.com) the game system and tournament rules set have been updated to reflect player feedback and has been improved and updated!! ORCCON is sponsoring an official Privateer Press 25 point tournament on Saturday of the convention.
(From the Privateer Press web site (http://privateerpress.com/warmachine/the-game)
In the past six years of WARMACHINE, the game has grown rapidly, and we feel the time has come to reevaluate and retool in preparation for the upcoming years of full metal combat. We have chosen to tighten the bolts on both the general game rules and the individual model rules to make every model as compelling as possible and to perfect the WARMACHINE experience,” stated Jason Soles, Privateer Press lead developer.
The public will got their first look at the WARMACHINE Mk II rules in April 2009 through an open field test, allowing players to become familiar with the changes while providing feedback that will assist Privateer Press in making final adjustments to WARMACHINE Mk II before going to press. Privateer Press released a pre-press WARMACHINE Mk II PDF to the general Public in September 2009. The Hordes Mk II field test goes live at the end of November 2009.
The Official WARMACHINE: Prime Mk II printed rulebook is to be released to the public in early 2010. The new edition of HORDES will follow later in the year. All tournaments, leagues, and release events that make up Privateer Press organized play will adopt the new editions in January 2010 (just in time for ORCCON).
Uncharted Seas
This is the heir apparent for everyone’s small scale fantasy Man-o-war. The scale is slightly larger, but it brings everyone’s favorite races back into play with Humans, elves, orcs and dwarfs playing a central theme.
From the designers web site: http://www.spartangames.co.uk/uncharted.htm
The Uncharted Seas is a fast paced, action packed game of naval tactical combat set in a world of high fantasy. Using superb resin and white metal miniatures, and controlled by fast and easy to learn rules, the game allows you to wage war with fantastical squadrons of mighty warships.
Choose from one of several races, including the Iron Dwarfs with their steam powered ironclads, Orc Raiders with their grotesque machines of war, the ever powerful Dragon Lords, an ancient race of magical seafarers, Imperial Humans hell bent on grabbing as much land as they can and the Thaniras Elves with their sleek ships of war.
The whole premise of The Uncharted Seas rules is deliver a fun and fast game. The aim is to have a game finished within in 1.5 to 2 hours – or longer if you want to play multi-player games or use much bigger fleets.
The decks of cards (given away with each fleet bought) play an important role in the game, but you can play without them. The recommendation is that you DO use the cards as they add a wonderful color to game proceedings and a certain fog of war.
IN SUMMARY
The game is hugely good fun to play. You can get up and running quickly, the rules do not have any grossly overcomplicated mechanics to confuse or befuddle you and the models look great! More upgrades are planned, and this includes models such as submarines, war platforms, troop ships, Dreadnoughts, Airships and so on. Spartan games is also working on a supplement to the core rule book that supports all of the new models that are coming out, but always makes these rules available for free download from their online site.
Broadside Bash at Orccon
The Broadside Bash is an official Games Workshop Independent Grand Tournament circuit. It is being run by Pacific Marauders (http://www.broadsidebash.com). This is the 3rd annual Grand Tournament hosted by Orccon and the Pacific Marauders.
This year’s event will include the three major game systems produced by Games Workshop: Warhammer 40k, Warhammer Fantasy and War of the Rings. This will be a two-day tournament with 3 games being played on Saturday, and the final 2 games being played on Sunday. See the Broadside Bash’s web site for further information and updates
Rio Grande Games Design Competition
Enter your game in the national Rio Grande Game Design contest!
Event preregistration for Gateway 2009 is open!
You may now preregister for events at Gateway 2009!
David E. Woolcott Memorial Acquire Tournament
The International Hotel Chain Entrepreneurs' game was one of Dave's favorites.
David E. Woolcott, a dear friend of Strategicon for many years passed away recently and his close friends have wanted to memorialize him -- with an Acquire tournament named in his honor.
Acquire, designed in the 1960s by Sid Sackson, pits hotel entrepeneurs against one another in a race to take over and be taken over by other hotel chains, all in a race to acquire the most money. Investing in the right hotel chain at the right time is key -- you'll need luck and skill to win. It takes 15 minutes to learn much longer to master. If you've never played, come and see if you're a natural at hostile takeovers ...
Learn more about AcquireSunday Night Settlers
Sunday night Settlers of Catan. $100 First Prize!
At Gateway 2009, Sunday night will see a huge Settlers of Catan tournament. Trade wood for sheep and build the longest road in this thrilling classic board game. Be the best settler and win $100!
Monday Morning Mega Dominion Returns!
Our Monday morning Mega-Dominion tourney was a massive success with over 30 players! We are committed to making Mondays even bigger with more events and tournaments. Come play Dominion at 9am Monday and compete for the $100 First Prize!
Pre reg is on!
Time to sign up for the games you want to play.
Hotel Registration closes today!
You must register with the Sheraton by 5 pm today to get the convention rate.
Flea Market back to normal times
The Saturday and Sunday flea markets return to their normal times of 10 am to 2 pm.
Gamex 2009 at the Sheraton Gateway
We're moving for one show to the Sheraton Gateway, which is half a block east of the Radisson. More details soon.
Game pre registration is on!
Had a brief false start, but it's really on now.
Flea Market Time Change
The Saturday and Sunday flea markets have been moved to the evening from 7 to 9 pm.
Hotel Registration deadline extended, parking added!
The hotel registration deadline has been extended to January 30th and the price of valet parking of one car is now included in the room price.
The Radisson is now including one valet parking spot per room for the Orccon. Valet parking is normally $20 a night so this is a real value and makes staying at the hotel much more economical and convenient.
Michael Schacht Guest of Honor for Orccon 2009!
Designer of Zooloretto (2007 Spiel des Jahres winner) and over 100 other great games will be the Guest of Honor for Orccon 2009
Gateway 2008 was Great!
Games were played, fun was had. We even had parking. On to Orccon 2009!
Gateway Registration is closed
We'll see you at the con.
Parking under construction
The Radisson just received the permits to start construction. More details.
The Radisson just received the permits to begin construction on the parking lot and plans to start tomorrow (August 19, 2008). There will be a retroactive drop in the room price of at least $10 per night. There will be 200 spots still available on site and there will be other parking available off site. We'll post more as we know more.
Last Call for Events and Hotel
Friday August 15, 2008 is the last day to sign up to run events and register for the hotel at the special con discount rate. Parking for 1 or 2 cars is included in the room rate.
Early bird registration and fee increase
We're holding rates steady until July 31, but after that pre reg fees will go up by $5 across the board.
After July 31, all pre reg fees will increase by $5. At the door rates will go up from $40 to $50. Obviously, we're trying to encourage people to pre-register for the convention.
We're adopting a pricing structure used by many other California-based gaming conventions in that we'll offer "early bird" rates for those that pre reg 60 days before the con (we're making an exception for this con as we're just introducing this).
We've also increased the fee for children 12 and under from free to $5 in order to cover the admin costs. A side benefit of this is that it allows children under 12 to be preregistered at the same time their parents sign up. This rate will be constant and will not fluctuate (i.e. it will be $5 for Early Bird and normal pre reg and at the door).
Gamex a blast!
Fun was had. On to Gateway!
Pre-reg is closed
See you at Gamex 2008!
Parking normal - - no construction
$10 parking as normal at the Radisson.
Hotel rates reduced!
Due to construction on the Radisson's parking lot, hotel room rates for Gamex 2009 have been reduced to $99 per night. Also, the registration deadline has been pushed back to May 9. For more information, see the Hotel page.
Puffing Billy returns to Gamex 2008
Come join us for a Train Gamers Association Puffing Billy Tournament. Play train games in several categories, and join in the fun. We will also have 18XX, Empire Builder, and Ticket to Ride championships going on within the Puffing Billy Tournament. Check it out the Puffing Billy Events.
Orccon a blast! On to Gamex!
Thanks to everyone who attended. We hope you had as much fun as we did. Now it's time to get ready for Gamex.
Orccon opens today!
Only $40 at the door for the whole weekend. Special one-day rates available. Check it out on the Registation page.
Orccon registration closed
We'll see you at the con!
Reminder: Orccon pre-reg about to close
Orccon pre-registration will close late night Monday, February 11. Event pre-registration will close late night Tuesday, February 12.
Special Guest: Ed Teixeira
Ed Teixeira of Two Hour Wargames is the creator of the popular Chain Reaction Engine. Ed won an Origins Award for "All Things Zombie" and his games include Six-Gun Sound, Black Powder Battles, Montjoie!, Nuts! and 5150. Come play with Ed and prove that the games of Two Hour Wargames can indeed be played in 2 hours! Check it out on the Events page.
War College Saturday!
Joseph Miranda and Jon Compton present ways to model conflict in the modern world. Check it out on the Events page.
Event Pre Reg is OPEN!
Make sure you login first. The Pre-registration page is here.
Event Pre Reg to open Tomorrow!
Orccon 2008's event pre-registration will be turned on around noon on Saturday February 2, 2008. The Pre-registration page is here.
Orccon 2008 hosts Broadside Bash
Warhammer Fantasy and 40K fans, check out the Broadside Bash. It's a 2 day independent Grand Tournament for both games. Only 50 people are allowed in each game, so sign up here now, or miss out!
Protospiel West returns to Orccon 2008
Orccon 2008 welcomes the Return of the Protospiel West Game Design Sessions on Sunday February 17. To get involved check out the details on the Events page.
Play with the Creator at Orccon 2008
Play the games with the people who created them. Several events available. You can see them listed on the Events page.
Orccon 2008 brings back M&M
Mustangs and Messerschmitts returns after a prolonged absence. Check it out under Events.
Orccon 2008 welcomes RSI
Running both their Duel 2 and Dwarves vs Orcs games, check them out in the ballroom at the con.
Gateway 2007 registration is now closed
Event preregistration is now available
Introducing Play with the Creator
New at Gateway 2007, "Play with the Creator" events allow you to enjoy your favorite game designs with the people behind the games. It's your chance to learn secret strategies, fun trivia, and the history of the game. Some designers are hosting playtests of their newest creations and they are looking for your feedback. Search for them on the events page.
Going to the Star Wars Celebration? Come to Gamex too - - for half price.
"That's not the convention you are looking for..."
"That's not the convention we're looking for"
"You can go along to Gamex now..."
"We can go to Gamex now."
Strategicon welcomes those of you who are attending Star Wars Celebration over Memorial Day weekend and would like to offer a special deal to you. Present your Star Wars Celebration badge at the registration desk and receive half off admission for the day or the whole con. It's that simple. Join us for a game or two and relax for a bit. May the Force be with you, always.
Gamex 2007 Official Classic
Dungeons & Dragons Tournament
Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 8:00pm
Dare "Trial by Donjon" and win DVDs of The Hobbit, Black Arrow or the Odyssey!
Come Playtest a NEW Roleplaying Game
Space Blade: Far Future Fantasy
Saturday and Sunday at 10:00am
Help the author to create a better game
Strategicon forum is live!
We've added a forum to discuss the Southern California gaming scene and our conventions. So check out the forum by clicking on the link to the left. We hope to hear from you.
Under New Management
Strategicon and its three Los Angeles-based game conventions have been sold to Knight Errant Enterprises, LLC, of Long Beach. Orccon, Gamex and Gateway are under new management starting in 2007. Read more . . .