Hail, I return! Game Hole Con XI Recap

Heya, I wanted to drop in today and let you know how Game Hole Con XI went for me. In a word: “Scrambling.” I had a lot of fun running Pinching Tarts, Scarred Lands: Eyes of Spiragos, and Jamie Chan’s Sweet Dreams are Made of Cheese—with a special twist designed just for the stream. The indie game design jam I ran was amazing, fun, and I got immediate feedback from excited participants who wanted another hour. And, all of my panels, meetings, and discussions, filled with lovely and talented creators and players, were great. A+++

Being pressed for time, I had planned for snacks in between events and meetings, but didn’t realize how challenging it’d be to order from the food trucks and get back to my events. The convention now has a plaza filled with food trucks that’s off to the side, instead of in front. Those professed 15-minute waits? I had an hour for lunch and didn’t get my food until 40 minutes after we ordered... So, now I know!

I really enjoyed the show, but will probably pull back on the number of events next year. After running several events, my social battery needed a recharge. Hilariously, I did the thing in my stream that I said I was not going to do ahead of time—swap the Feywild with Faerun when I dropped a hint. DOH! Ah well, the dice rolled on! It was a very cheesy adventure.

Overall, I had a wonderful experience and appreciate my players, attendees, peers, and Game Hole Con’s staff. I wrote up the Vibe Check I playtested for you to read and use at your discretion, and will be finishing the post about magic systems for Wednesday's "#WitchyWednesday" post. I am also working on “Et Cetera,” a short errata file I’ll add to Pinching Tarts to both enhance and clarify your gameplay. This will automatically be included with your purchase at no extra cost.

Now that I’m home, I’m diving into catch up and chilling for a bit to bask in this unseasonably warm weather. (Winter in the Midwest is not my favorite season.) Yesterday, I managed to get caught up on Agatha All Along. I also watched Monkey Man (2024) last night and was blown away. There’s been a few homages to John Wick (2014) that have emerged since the franchise’s debut, and while Monkey Man tips a hat—it is very much its own, heartbreaking story. I first encountered Dev Patel’s work in Chappie (2015) and then again as Gawain in the gorgeous production of Green Knight (2021). It is so wonderful to see such a talented actor put his heart into a story of their own.

With all that said, I’m so sorry if I missed you at the show or if we didn’t have enough time. I appreciate our encounter, nonetheless, and hope you’re doing well.

Cheers!