For those of you who don’t know me, I’m Jeff Dobberpuhl. I’ve known everyone at GSI for about twenty years, now, and have played MEPBM off-and-on for longer than that.
At short notice, GSI was asked to attend the PAX Unplugged convention in Philadelphia, over November 21 to 23.
Pax Unplugged is a MASSIVE gaming convention, focusing heavily on board games as opposed to RPGs. There are games of all sorts, but that’s the focus. Not something we wanted to miss! So working closely with Clint and John, we managed to get our table together, and I attended on behalf of the company.
An Unexpected Journey
We were set up in a room dedicated SOLELY to Middle-earth Licensees. The room was amazing. There was a life size Bilbo statute (based on the Rankin Bass animated show), a massive (well over 15 foot long) banner of the Witch King on Fell Beast outside of Minas Tirith, and an amazing human, Danielle, cosplaying as Eowyn!
In addition, we were one of only eight exhibitors in the room, so we weren’t lost among too many other stands.
You Look Upon a Woman
Outside there was a giant One Ring to walk through in order to enter the room.
The other licensees were mostly Asmodee or their sublicenses, as well as the phenomenal jewelry folks from Badali Jewelry (badalijewelry.com).
Visitors to the room were able to try games, see some cool Middle-earth-inspired jewelry, get their photo taken with Eowyn in front of the banner (prop swords, axes, shields, etc., were provided), and of course, talk to me about Middle-earth Play-by-Mail.
One Room to Rule them All
It was great talking to folks. In order to encourage them to come to the booths, everyone had a little bit of a “thing” they could do, such as getting stamps in a book for a prize, looking at the actual jewelry, etc. I gave out free sketches – Nazgul, Dragons, and hobbit or two. My favorite was for a very little girl who knew Smaug was a Dragon, so she wanted Smaug holding a balloon (so cute!).
Smaug Embraces his Inner Child
There was a very long line to get into the room, so one of the Asmodee folks stood at the door and told folks what to find in the room.
The Asmodee folks were great. They were impressed that GSI is the LONGEST RIGHTS HOLDING GAME COMPANY for Middle-earth Products - this is the company’s 35th anniversary!
On Party Business Only
Folks to the table got to see a printout of the rules, and I had a computer running with a PDF turn up, as well as a turn loaded in JOverseer. We would go into Discord so they could see the active community of gamers discussing the game. People enjoyed seeing it, and asked a lot of question.
I explained that the game is really “Leisure Gaming” as opposed to a regular video game or a game where everyone has to show at a house on Tuesday nights. Instead, you get your turn, then can chat and plot with your teammates, submit your orders, and find out the results. A lot of people grabbed fliers, chatted, flipped through the rules, and seemed to have a good time.
Getting Ready
The convention itself was wonderful. I had a chance to chat with a lot of dealers and game companies.
Not only that, but across the street is the famous Reading Market (endless food vendors and food markets).
I had a bagel with cream cheese and bacon that was the size of a small pizza! Down the street a few blocks is China Town, and I am here to say that food was absolutely incredible.
Better than Lembas
It’s a very open and welcoming convention, and one I would love to revisit in the future!
So, thanks again to everyone at GSI for their support and allowing me to represent this game and the community!
And thanks Jeff for running the stand! GSI.
