We made it through the Best 4 Days in Gaming™ (whew) and are making our way back to Paizo home offices. Most of the team will be back at work on scenarios soon, but I’ve got a few more days out of the office as I visit friends and family in around the Great Lakes.

Each of our team had a different favorite memory of Gen Con and I asked everyone to send me theirs. Unfortunately, Linda was out today and didn’t send one in, so we will have to include hers in a later blog. To keep this blog from growing too long, we’re putting them behind spoiler tags. Please take a moment to share our memories and experiences and consider adding yours to the comments. We hope to see you at a convention soon, where we can make these types of memories with you.

[Tonya]

My favorites revolve around handing out campaign coins and spending time with the fabulous group of volunteers. These experiences bring me back, convention after convention, and Gen Con 2019 was no different. This year, it seemed like there were more smiles, more happy faces, more enjoyment of games then I had seen before. It is a joy to sit on the stage in the Sagamore and look out over the tables, watching everyone play. I noticed a change in our demographics this year. There were more female GMs, more youth players than ever before. This speaks to the welcoming nature of our communities and to those organizing games, thank you for making our hobby accessible to all.

To everyone I met, for everyone I interacted with, to all those that played or GMed, thank you for supporting our programs and our games. I hope to see you soon!

[John]

2019 marks my 9th Gen Con representing Paizo and my 7th working for the company as an employee. In many ways, the show had all of the beloved touchstones I’ve come to expect, such as the tremendous multi-table interactive specials, the many appreciative fans, the on-the-ground problem-solving, the enthusiastic volunteers, the late-night discussions, the crush of eager customers on the opening day, the launch of new adventures (like Pathfinder Society Scenario #1-00: Origin of the Open Road, whose debut I oversaw on Thursday night), and the opportunity to show off our products to all comers—including the last Starfinder Beginner Box sold just a minute before the dealers hall closed. On the other hand, this convention was bittersweet, for just before traveling to Indianapolis I had accepted a new position at Paizo: senior developer. In that capacity, I’ll be consulting occasionally on organized play story arcs as needed, yet the majority of my energy will go toward Starfinder’s print products. Although we broke the news to various parties earlier at Gen Con, the formal announcement happened on Saturday night—fittingly as the last multi-table interactive event of Pathfinder Society in the first edition was kicking into gear.

Organized play will always be special to me. It’s how I learned some of my best lessons in GMing (ask me about The Kortos Envoy). It’s where I’ve met some of my best friends and closest collaborators. It’s what’s helped launch the writing careers of dozens of talented authors for Paizo and beyond. And it will continue to be a passion of mine at the office, at the gaming table, and at many conventions I’ll attend going forward. Little exemplifies those feelings quite like Gen Con, which so lives up to its title: “Best Four Days in Gaming.” I’ll catch you at the next one!

[Thurston]

Wow, GenCon 2019, what a year! I spent most of the convention working alongside Tonya in the Sagamore Ballroom, where I got to see thousands of players enjoying our many games. Every year, without fail, GenCon gives me the opportunity to speak with our GMs and players from across the world, and hear what their thoughts on our games. It’s a perfect chance to realize the impact of what we do here on the Organized Play Team and to get some valuable feedback to incorporate into future work. Thanks to everyone who stopped by, said hi, gave feedback, or told a fun story about their tables. As always, I’m looking forward to next year!

[Michael]

Let me just say: what an amazing GenCon! It was absolutely incredible to see the energy and excitement as thousands and thousands of people picked up the new edition, played the demos, participated in organized play up in the Sagamore Ballroom, and just generally had a blast playing the products we’ve all been working so hard on. There wasn’t a single of the convention that I didn’t enjoy, and I had so many opportunities to interact with many of the amazing members of our community.

I want to take a moment to specifically thank the wonderful Org Play GMs who came out ready to give our players an enjoyable and memorable experience. It’s the GMs who go the extra mile to make their games fun and exciting, and to create positive memories and experiences, that really make GenCon such an awesome convention. It’s the folks who go above and beyond to keep players excited to sit at our tables that keep our community strong and vibrant.

Word has probably gotten around by this point that this was John Compton’s last GenCon as a member of the organized play team. I want to thank John for all of the wisdom and guidance (not to mention countless hours and words!) that he’s shared with me and everyone who’s participated in the organized play program for the better part of the last decade. Best of luck in your new role with the Starfinder team John, I’m excited to see what you’ve got in store for us!

Come back later today for our first of the month Spotlight blog!

Tonya Woldridge
Organized Play Manager

John Compton
Senior Developer, Starfinder

Michael Sayre
Developer

Thurston Hillman
Starfinder Society Developer