ORIGINS Site Book 2023

THE RECORD-BREAKING KICKSTARTER INDIE TRADING CARD GAME RETURNS!

Discover new ways to play in the first expansion to the Nostalgix TCG in Harmonic Surge. Explore 120+ NEW CARDS relentlessly inspired by musical history and electricity. Armored Fighters make their debut, alongside insane new Arenas and Surprises. We've even added full card custom texturing to our Void Rares! If you're looking for a chaotic, family-friendly game to play this year, we've got it at Booth 331.

Wrapping Up

SHOW Policies

Anti-Harassment

We do not tolerate harassment of convention participants in any form. Convention participants reported or caught violating this policy may be expelled without refund at the discretion of show management.

Harassment is any unwanted contact, which includes (but is not limited to): physical or verbal threats; unwelcome attention; stalking; unwanted photography or recording; offensive behavior; use of physical force; behavior that creates a disturbance or is dangerous; using sexually explicit or offensive language or conduct; excessive profanity; obscene gestures; use of racial, religious, sexual, political, gender, ability, ethnic slurs, or any other targeted comments which are intended to cause personal offense to another Origins participant, either in-person at the event or through social media channels.

If a person tells you “no,” you are expected to desist immediately. Remember:

• “No” means no.

• “Stop” means stop.

• “Go away” means go away.

• Attire is not consent.

Individuals finding themselves in a situation where they feel their safety is at risk or who become aware of an attendee not in compliance with show policies should immediately locate the nearest Security Guard, Origins Volunteer, or Staff Member, so that the matter can be handled promptly. During show hours you can always find an Origins Staff Member or Security Guard at the Information Booth.

If, at any point, you feel like your personal safety or that of others is put in jeopardy, please contact the Columbus Police Department at 614-645-4545 (non-emergency) or 911 (emergency).

Reporting Harassment or Conduct Violations

If you experience harassment or witness any harassing behavior, it is important to report it immediately. Please find the nearest Security Guard, Origins Volunteer, or Staff Member. All Origins Volunteers can be identified via their Origins Volunteer T-shirt. You can also go to the Information Booth or email us at john.stacy@gama.org to report an incident.

Costume and Weapons

Uniforms of current active service members are not allowed as costumes. These include uniforms for the police, active military, security guards, deputies, fire marshals, paramedics, etc.

No real weapons or functional props are allowed at Origins. All weapon replicas must be cleared by convention security and peace bonded to indicate that the items are safe and have been inspected. Once we have zip-tied your item, you are not permitted to remove it. Security will have zip ties on hand at the show. Visit the Information Booth outside Hall C next to Registration to peace-bond your item.

Animals

Service animals are allowed in the Greater Columbus Convention Center. Service animals are defined as animals that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability. Animals must remain leashed and/or under control at all times.

Security

Security is provided by off-duty law enforcement personnel, professional security guards, and Origins security staff. All security personnel serve to ensure that everyone is safe and has an enjoyable experience at the show.

Alcoholic Beverages and Illegal Substances

Possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages outside of authorized areas is prohibited. Illegal substances at Origins will not be tolerated. Violators will be asked to leave the building and charges may be filed for prosecution.

Smoking

Smoking, including the use of electronic smoking devices, is not allowed inside any of the convention facilities, including public areas and participating hotels. Smoking and the use of electronic smoking devices is allowed outside in designated smoking areas. Cigarette butt litter is a hazard to the environment. Please do your part to keep Columbus clean and dispose of your trash in the proper receptacles.

Advertising

Advertisement during Origins must be approved and cleared by Origins staff. Any flyers, posters, or advertisements of any kind placed in or around the convention center, including hotels, will be removed and you may be asked to leave the show. Your badge will be revoked, and you will not receive a refund.

COVID-19

What is Origin’s COVID-19 policy for 2023?

Origins Game Fair is not requiring masks or proof of covid vaccination to attend Origins this year. However, please be aware that if either the Centers for Disease Control or state/local governmental organizations require us to change this policy, we will do so to comply with governmental rules.

If any attendee wishes to apply for a refund based on this policy, we will refund them 100 percent. All refund requests due to the finalized covid policy need to be submitted by May 1, 2023. For exhibitor cancellation and refund policy, please refer to exhibitor rules and policies.

Badge registration

What does my badge include? Origins Game Fair badges cover almost everything you would want to do at the convention, including admission to the exhibit hall, seminars, workshops, concerts and the Open Gaming Area with a board game library of more than 1,000 games. In addition, most events offered are included with your badge, with a few exceptions for premium events that have an upcharge to cover materials, prize support or special guest GM/presenter. These premium events will be noted in the event catalog so you know what event have an extra fee. Our goal is to fill your days with plenty of opportunities to get to a table, and leaving the majority of our events free to participate is one way we hope to do that.

How do I pick up my badge? You will pick up your badge at the Columbus Convention Center in the registration area, located in the North Atrium (near the corner of Goodale and High Street). If you have registered in advance you will be able to pick up your badge from the “Scan and Go” area of registration.

Do I have to wear my badge? Attendees are required to wear their badge at all times. Your badge grants you access into show areas. If you do not wear your badge, you will be denied entry.

What do I do if I lose my badge? PLEASE DO NOT LOSE YOUR BADGE! Unfortunately, we cannot offer replacement badges. If you lose your badge you will need to purchase a new badge.

I’m having some difficulty with Tabletop.Events! Tabletop.events does offer many helpful instructions and videos. If you’ve found you can’t manage to accomplish what you need to, or if you can’t find the answer to your questions, please e-mail registration@gama.org.

How do I buy a Child Pass? We raised the age limit for the Childs Pass from 9 years to 12 years of age to allow for more family members to attend at no extra costs. To buy a Child Pass, you must first have a badge in your cart for an attendee age 16+. While the system has a default $2 charge for the child’s pass, if you click the hyperlink it will insert a code to waive the fee. If you have any questions about this, please contact registration@gama.org for assistance.

Can I use cash at the show? While we do not accept cash at the registration booth to purchase badges or event tickets, cash will be accepted in the exhibit hall, food vendors and at the Origins Game Fair merchandise booth.

How can I get a refund on my Origins 2023 badge? Refunds on badges purchased for 2023 are available from the Tabletop.events (TTE) website through May 24, 2023. All refunds are subject to a 10% service fee to cover the credit card and TTE fees from both the original purchase and the refund. There will be no refunds after May 24, 2023. There are no refunds on balances remaining on account from previous years.

Events

How do I participate in an event?

• You must have a badge to attend or register for an event. You may have the badge in the cart at the time you register for an event and check out for both at the same time if you have not already purchased your badge.

• When you print your badge, tickets for the events you have registered for will also print.

• If you are registering for events after you have already printed your badge the full service registration desk will print your tickets for you!

If regular events are now included in my badge, why do I need event tickets? Most scheduled events have limited seating and can only accommodate a specific number of players. People who reserve event tickets will be seated first. If there are remaining seats at the start of the event, the GM will seat those waiting to play.

What are generics (generic tickets) and how do I get them?

Why are my user name and password not working? If you did not attend last year, when we changed to TT.E, you may need to create an account.

Do you offer game clubs, educators, library or military discounts? Unfortunately, we do not currently offer discounts on our badges, other than our Early Bird discount. If you are looking for a discounted badge or potentially even a free badge, please consider volunteering to help make the show happen. Those who pay it forward by volunteering receive free badges for helping out as little as four hours a day.

Generics are tickets that can be used to buy a seat in an event after players with purchased event tickets have been seated. Generic tickets will be available at Registration. Please note that as a majority of scheduled events are included in your badge price, you will only be able to use generics for upcharge events.

How do refunds work? Refunds deadline for badges is May, 24th 2023. Refunds for event tickets are given up to 24 hours prior to scheduled event time, or if an event has been cancelled. If the event is cancelled, the event ticket must have the signature from staff at the Event HQ in your area to be refunded. Please note that only premium events with upcharges will be refunded. NOTE: All refunds are subject to a 10% service fee to cover the credit card and TTE fees from both the original purchase and the refund.

Health and Safety

What is Origin’s COVID-19 policy for 2023? Origins Game Fair is not requiring masks or proof of covid vaccination to attend Origins this year. However, please be aware that if either the Centers for Disease Control or state/local governmental organizations require us to change this policy, we will do so to comply with governmental rules. If any attendee wishes to apply for a refund based on this policy, we will refund them 100%. All refund requests due to the finalized covid policy need to be submitted by May 1, 2023. For exhibitor cancellation and refund policy, please refer to exhibitor rules and policies.

Are weapons allowed at Origins? Real weapons and weapons resembling real weapons are not allowed at Origins. Cosplay weapons must be cleared by convention security and peace bonded. Visit the Information Booth outside Hall C near Registration. Replica weapons purchased in the Exhibit Hall must be immediately secured in the purchaser’s vehicle or hotel room.

What is peace-bonding? We utilize zip ties to mark items as safe and inspected. Once we have zip-tied your item, you are not permitted to remove it. Security will have zip ties on hand at the show. Visit the Security Office directly outside of the Exhibit Hall in the Main Concourse to peace-bond your item.

Are wheelchairs available? The convention center has a limited number of manual wheelchairs available. They are stored at Public Safety Command. If you (or someone you know) needs a wheelchair, contact Public Safety directly at (614) 827-2547. A member of Public Safety will bring the wheelchair to you. You will be asked to exchange a photo ID for the wheelchair, which will be returned to you when you are done using the chair.

Is there a lost and found? If you have lost an item or find an item during the show, please visit the Help Desk nearby Registration. If possible, found property will be returned to the owner. Any items not claimed will be left at the Security Office and brought back to the Origins office after the close of the show.

Volunteers

How do I become a Volunteer? We are always looking for passionate volunteers to help make Origins a great show! Learn more about volunteer opportunities for the June 19-23, 2024 show and beyond at originsgamefair.com or join our Volunteer Facebook Group.

How do I host events? Anyone can host an event at Origins! Check originsgamefair.com later in the year for information on submitting events for the June 19-23, 2024 show. If you are interested in running events, feel free to join our Game Master Facebook Group. How do I demo for an exhibitor? Most of our exhibitors are looking for new demo team members to join them at shows! If you find an exhibitor you’d like to work with, we’d recommend reaching out to them about any opportunities they have available. Check their websites and social media pages, they may be posting information there as well.

If I want to volunteer should I buy a badge? Please do not purchase a badge if you expect to receive one as a reward for volunteering at the show! A volunteer badge will be assigned to your Tabletop.events account after the approval of your volunteer hours. Any badges purchased before receiving your volunteer badge will be subject to the refund fees laid out during the registration process.

What is required of an Origins Volunteer? All volunteers are expected to be courteous, professional, and eager to help, in addition to the specific responsibilities outlined for the shifts they sign up for. All volunteers must submit to a background check. Learn more in the Volunteer Handbook.

Can my child volunteer? Due to insurance and the requirement of a background checks for all GAMA volunteers, we require all volunteers to be over the age of 18.

Can I sign up on-site? Unfortunately, we cannot accept volunteers on-site at Origins Game Fair. All volunteers must sign up in advance to submit to a background check and be placed in an area to work.

Families

Are kids welcome at the show? Absolutely! As a family-friendly show, Origins welcomes gamers of any age. Children twelve and under can attend the show for free with an accompanying guardian. Children thirteen and old must be registered for a badge.

Do you provide childcare? Unfortunately, no. We don’t have the ability to offer these services. Parents/guardians are responsible for looking after any children in their care while attending Origins Game Fair.

Do you have a private breastfeeding area? The convention center provides a designated area for nursing (by South Meeting Rooms) and offers two family restrooms (behind A210 and South Cafe & Marketplace).

1. Don’t over-extend yourself. The GCCC is large and there is a lot to do at Origins Game Fair. You can’t see everything, so just enjoy what you can. Make sure you get a good night’s sleep and take breaks throughout the show.

2. Stay Hydrated. Water is important! When you feel thirsty you are already dehydrated. Keep a water bottle handy and refill it regularly.

3. Ask Questions. GAMA Staff, volunteers, GMs and exhibitors are all here to help! We are happy to answer questions and if we don’t know the answer, we can point you to someone who can. All of us were first-timers once too, and a few of us are first-timers right along side you! There is also a Help Desk located near registration, ready to answer all your questions!

4. Check Out the Game Library. The Origins Game Library has more than 1,000 games for you to check out and play with your friends (or total strangers!) included with your badge.

5. Check out the events list. Take a little time to look through the events list on Tabletop.events. There are so many amazing events, most of which are included with your badge. You can usually find a

seat at a seminar, and even events that are full can have seats free up. If you really are interested in an event, don’t be afraid to swing by the location at the start time to see if anything is available.

6. Try Something New. It can be tempting to stick to games and activities you are familiar with. With so many events included with your badge, Origins is an amazing opportunity to try something new with no risk! Look for “Rules will be taught” designations in the event list or just walk the gaming hall and look for open seats!

9. Exhibit hall demos are fast and informative. Want to experience the most games with the most flexibility? Exhibitors run tons of awesome demos throughout the show. Get a quick feel for a new game without committing to playing for hours.

10. Don’t miss the back rows of the Exhibit Hall. The big publishers tend to be toward the front of the Exhibit Hall. They have amazing displays and incredible products to try, but don’t forget about the smaller/independent publishers and designers farther back. Your new favorite game may be hiding back there right now!

Your Solution for OrganizedPlay

EXHIBIT HALL Floor Plan

A-Pods

B-Pods

D-Pods

Exhibitors by BOOTH NUMBER

2308

2008

2200

2208 .......

Harrison

Please check Tabletop.Events for more information on opportunities to interact with them at the convention. The QR codes under each name will link you directly to their event listings.

Here is the complete list of authors for 2023:

AUTHOR Special Guest:

Kevin J Anderson

Rebecca Moesta

Donald J. Bingle

Daniel Myers

James Daniel Ross

Tracy R. Ross

Kelli Fitzpatrick

Jordan Kurella

Addie King

Aaron Rosenberg

Jenifer Purcell Rosenberg

Christopher D. Schmitz

Mary Fan

Jason Sanford

Storm Humbert

Sarah Hans

KEVIN J. Anderson

Kevin J. Anderson has published more than 175 books, 58 of which have been national or international bestsellers. He has written numerous novels in the Star Wars, X-Files, and Dune universes, as well as unique steampunk fantasy trilogy beginning with Clockwork Angels, written with legendary rock drummer Neil Peart.

His original works include the Saga of Seven Suns series, the Wake the Dragon and Terra Incognita fantasy trilogies, the Saga of Shadows trilogy, and his humorous horror series featuring Dan Shamble, Zombie P.I. He has edited numerous anthologies, written comics and games, and the lyrics to two rock CDs.

For more information, please visit his website - https://wordfire.com

MARK Rosewater

Mark Rosewater started at Wizards of the Coast in 1995. He published a number of articles in early trade magazines titled Insider Trading, which talked about the process of game design. In 2002 he started a web column called Making Magic, which also talks about game design and has been running for many years. He has run a podcast, Magic the Gathering: Drive to Work, for a number of years, which talks about the history of Magic and interviews individuals who contributed over the years. He’s had cards he designed in every set since 1996 to present, with thousands of cards designed and well over a dozen mechanics.

He created Magic the Puzzling, a series of play problem puzzles featuring intricate combinations of Magic cards that often required extensive time and dozens of steps to solve. A compilation was published in a book.

Mark will be inducted in the Academy of Adventure Gaming Arts and Design’s Hall of Fame during Origins Game on Friday, June 23, 2023.

We’re delighted to have the following individuals as special guests at Origins Game Fair this year.

MARTIN Wallace

A prolific European game designer known for the Brass and Steam series of games, Martin Wallace self-published his first game, Lords of Creation, in 1993. Since then he has created hundreds of different games, including Brass, Age of Steam, A Few Acres of Snow, Anno 1800, and Discworld Ankh Morpork. Many of these games were published through Warfrog, the Treefrog.

Martin presently lives in Australia and has many new games in the pipeline. He will be bring several new prototype games to demo and playtest at the show.

Martin will be inducted in the Academy of Adventure Gaming Arts and Design’s Hall of Fame during Origins Game Fair on Friday, June 23, 2023.

REBECCA Moesta

Rebecca Moesta (pronounced MESS-tuh) wanted to be an author since she was 12, and much of her writing focuses on teens. Her solo work includes novels in the Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Junior Jedi Knights series, short stories, nonfiction articles, and ghost writing.

With husband Kevin J. Anderson, she wrote the Crystal Doors trilogy, 14 Young Jedi Knights novels, six movie or game novelizations, lyrics for two Roswell Six rock CDs (ProgRock Records), a Star Trek graphic novel (DC/WildStorm), two Star Wars pop-up books, and original graphic novel Grumpy Old Monsters (IDW).

For more information, please visit: https://wordfire.com

DONALD J. Bingle

Best Known as the world’s top-ranked player of RPGA classic roleplaying game tournaments for the last fifteen years of the last century, Donald J. Bingle is an author of eight novels, more than 70 shorter tales, and numerous game and tie-in products.

His novels include The Dick Thornby Thriller series and The Love-Haight Case Files series, as well as Forced Conversion, GREENSWORD, and Frame Shop. He’s also recently published a print edition of his three-story collection of tales about fathers and fathers-in-law.

Contact Don on social media @donaldjbingle or visit his website at www.donaldjbingle.com.

JENIFER Purcell Rosenberg

Jenifer Purcell Rosenberg is an author and digital content and marketing consultant based in NYC. Jenifer’s writing has been featured in several anthologies, TTRPGs, and in their children’s book, Alligator’s Friends, which they also illustrated.

Jenifer’s short story, “Night Path”, was one of 57 stories selected from around the world to be included in the 2018 urban flash fiction collection A Flash of Silver Green.

When not writing or creating digital content, Jenifer can be found reading, gaming, and studying Welsh.

JASON Sanford

Jason Sanford is an award-winning science fiction and fantasy writer with dozens of stories published in magazines such as Asimov’s Science Fiction, Interzone, and Beneath Ceaseless Skies along with appearances in multiple “year’s best” anthologies and The New Voices of Science Fiction.

His previous experience includes work as an archaeologist and as a Peace Corps volunteer. His first novel Plague Birds was published by Apex Books and was a finalist for the 2022 Nebula Award and the 2022 Philip K. Dick Award. Jason also covers the SF/F genre with his Genre Grapevine column.

His website is www.jasonsanford.com.

ADDIE J. King

Addie J. King spends her days as an attorney in Urbana, Ohio, and writes paranormal mystery and contemporary fantasy whenever she can. Her novels, The Grimm Legacy, The Andersen Ancestry, The Wonderland Woes, The Bunyan Barter and The Perrault Vow are available from Loconeal Publishing, an imprint of Hydra Publications.

Addie is also the author of Shades Of Gray, the first book in The Hochenwalt Files series. Addie also has a number of short stories published in various anthologies, and has published her own collection, Demons, Heroes, and Robots, Oh My!

Her website is www.addiejking.com

ROBBIE Daymond

(Saturday and Sunday Only)

In the Anime world Robbie Daymond might be best known as the most prolific voice of Tuxedo Mask in Sailor Moon. He’s also played countless lead and fan-favorite roles such as: Megumi in Jujutsu Kaisen, Oden in One Piece, Mitsuki in Boruto, Chrollo in HxH, Mori Jin in The God of High School, Ikoma in Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress, Minato in Re-main, Kenshiro in Fist of the Lost Star, Haganezuka in Demon Slayer, Mumen Rider in One Punch Man, Joe Kido in Digimon Adventure tri., Flect Turn in My Hero Academia, Killer T-Cell in Cells at Work, Ren Tsuruga in Skip Beat, Merlin in Fate/Grand Order-Absolute Demonic Front: Babylonia, Gilthunder in Seven Deadly Sins, and has voiced many other anime such as Naruto, Katsugeki/Touken Ranbu, FLCL Progressive, Attack on Titan, Megalobox, Kuroko!s Basketball, Brand New Animal, Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans, Last Hope, Naruto Shippuden, Occultic Nine, Baki, Tales of Zestiria the X, Cyborg 009, K: Return of Kings, Fate/Stay Night: Unlimited Blade Works, JoJo!s Bizarre Adventure, Yashahime, Tiger and Bunny, Bleach; TYBW, Sword Art Online 2, Battle Game in 5 Seconds, Bungou Stray Dogs, God Eater, Isekai Quartet, TerraforMARS, 86, Magi; the Adventures of Sinbad, Durararax2, Charlotte, Lupin the 3rd, Aldnoah Zero, Your Lie in April, and many, MANY more.

Robbie is very active in the realm of western animation as well. He has starred and reoccurred in roles such as; Spider-man/ Peter Parker in Marvel’s Spider-man, Jesse in Infinity Train: Book II, Curious Cat in RWBY, Chico Bon Bon in Chico Bon Bon, Sway Sway in Breadwinners, the Eighth Brother in Star Wars Rebels and other cartoons like; Young Justice, OK-KO: Let’s be Heroes, Casagrandes, Pinky Malinky, The Legend of Vox Machina, Costume Quest, Scooby-Doo and Guess Who?, Rugrats, The Rocketeer, Transformers: Rescue Bots, Thundercat’s Roar!, Stillwater, Ever After High, Do, Re & Mi, Archibald’s Next Big Thing, Legion of Super Heroes, among others.

Robbie’s also a staple in the video game industry, and can be heard in Final Fantasy XV as Prompto, Persona 5 as Akechi, Hi-Fi Rush as Chai, Tales of Zestiria as Sorey, Fire Emblem: Three Houses as Hubert, Cookie Run Kingdom as Stardust Cookie, Gran Blue Fantasy as Id, Fret in Halo Infinite, Cyberpunk 2077 as River Ward, Fist of the North Star: Lost Paradise as Kenshiro, Pokemon GO as Professor Willow, League of Legends as Kayn, Yakuza 7 as Zhao, Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3 as Thane: Son of Thanos, Just Cause 4 as Oscar Espinosa, TMNT: Mutants in Manhattan as Michelangelo, Spyro Reignited as Hunter the Cheetah, Agents of Mayhem as August Gaunt, Marvel vs Capcom Infinite as Spider-man, Death Stranding, Ghost of Tsushima, Omega Strikers, World of Warcraft, State of Decay 2.

WHERE: EXHIBIT HALL B

The Authors Alcove is designed to provide authors the opportunity to interact with their fans, sign autographs, sell books, and lead seminars during the show.

Here is the complete list of authors for 2023:

AUTHOR Special Guest: Kevin J Anderson

Rebecca Moesta

Donald J. Bingle

Daniel Myers

James Daniel Ross

Tracy R. Ross

Kelli Fitzpatrick

Jordan Kurella

Addie King

Aaron Rosenberg

Jenifer Purcell Rosenberg

Christopher D. Schmitz

Mary Fan

Jason Sanford

Storm Humbert

Sarah Hans

THOUSAND FACES Cosplay

Thousand Faces Cosplay is a husband and wife duo that believes in putting the “play” in cosplay, bringing their characters to life through performance. When you see these two, don’t be surprised if they are deep in character, be it Harley Quinn or a Psycho from Borderlands. They’re also passionate bodybuilders and D&D players, so they’re equally at home in the weight room as behind the DM screen.

Thousand Faces uses the proceeds from their table to raise money for animal focused charities, from wolf sanctuaries to organizations helping to restore the bee population.

Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | Twitter

MICHAEL “KNIGHTMAGE” Wilson

Michael “Knightmage” Wilson was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio and now resides in Youngstown, Ohio. A current decorated 20year veteran Deputy Sheriff for the Mahoning County Sheriff’s Office in Ohio, Michael has been cosplaying since 2012. Having created over 180 costumes, Michael is an award winning cosplayer with many of his creations being praised and displayed on numerous platforms in print and online. Michael is noted as one of the most influential and diverse male cosplayers in the world. Along with judging cosplay contests, Michael often hosts cosplay panels and workshops at conventions showcasing the creative, positive, inspiring, and supportive side of cosplay.

Having a love for acting and stunt work, Michael has worked on several Hollywood comic book movie productions. Michael was also an alternate for the 2006 reality show “Who Wants To Be A Superhero” hosted by Stan Lee. Michael has worked on and has been featured in several fan films and productions such as “Flash Fall” by Together Brother Productions and the popular YouTube series “MAN AT ARMS: Reforged”. Michael is a spokesperson for FX latex product, Zombie-Skin. He has also created various costumes for World Wrestling Entertainment superstars.

Genuinely loving to entertain, make a positive impact and bring smiles, Michael most often uses his costuming by participating in many charitable events, benefits, parades, birthdays and hospital visits to children. This has led him to becoming a member of esteemed costuming groups all over the United States such as “The League of Heroes, The Heroes Alliance-Ohio Branch, East Coast Avengers, Costumers with a Cause and Superheroes to Kids in Ohio and Heroic Inner Kids”. Michael often works closely with charity organizations as a sponsor and has partnered with over 100 various organizations around the world to fundraise and bring awareness to these organizations. He has received numerous awards for his charitable deeds including the “’Outstanding Service Award” from Credit Where Credit Is Due, the CosBravo Award and most notably the “Presidential Volunteers Award” from President Barack Obama and the White House.

If you wish, become a fan on Facebook and follow on Twitter @Knightmage and Instagram @Knightmage1

Card Games

Digimon Card Game - 5394

Saturday from 1:00 pm to 6:50 pm Table 02 in Gaming Hall C - PPG Event Management

Join us at Origins Game Fair for our Digimon 2k on June 24 for a full day of gaming offering up to 2K in prize support. Badge required to access the venue, please plan accordingly.

MTG On Demand Games

All day on demand as supplies last Friday-Sunday!

Gaming Hall C - PPG Event Management

Draft and Commander games will be running all weekend long at the PPG Event Management supported play area in Gaming Hall C. Draft games will be using Lord of the Rings Draft Boosters. Prizes for 1st place in Commander pods and 1st & 2nd place in draft pods.

One Piece Card Game - 5435

Friday from 12:00 pm to 5:50 pm

Table 07 in Gaming Hall C - PPG Event Management

Join us at Origins Game Fair for our One Piece case tournament on June 23 for a full day of gaming offering a whole case in prize support.

Pokemon TCG 1k - 5445

Saturday from 2:00 pm to 7:50 pm Table 10 in Gaming Hall C - PPG Event Management

Join us at Origins Game Fair on June 24 for a full day of gaming offering up to 1K in prize support.

SolForge Fusion Storyline Event - 5347

Friday from 10:00 am to 3:50 pm Tables 01-10 in GAMA MemberStoneblade

Throughout the year, SolForge Player will be given the opportunity to directly impact the future of Solis and the game! Players taking part in these events will often take on unique challenges and their results will impact the story.

LARPs

Amtgard 1843

All Show Long (Search “Amtgard” in TTE for times)

GCCC - 1st Floor - Meeting Room C 150 - 151 The Rising Wings Engage in foam weapon combat! For glory! For fun!

Escape Rooms

All Show Long (Search “Escape Room in TTE for times)

Room in GCCC - 2nd Floor - Meeting Rooms B 240, B 241, & B 242 Teams of up to 10 try to escape from these cunning puzzle adventures. This year’s events ar “Dark Secret at Jully Farms”, “Museum of Supernatural Artifacts,” and “Wizard’s Library.”

Grand Elysium - 4531

Thursday from 6:00 pm to 11:50 pm Hyatt - 1st Floor - Harding & Hayes Rooms - One World by Night

Come join the Live Action Role Playing organization One World by Night and role play the part of a Vampire in the modern day as the Prince of Columbus gathers kindred from all over the world for the rebirth of Columbus’s annual Grand Elysium.

Grand Esbat - 4535

Friday from 12:00 pm to 4:50 pm Hyatt - 1st Floor – Harding & Hayes Rooms - One World by Night

Come join the Live Action Role Playing organization One World by Night and role play the part of a Sabbat Vampire in the modern day as Cainites from across the world gather in celebration of the ongoing victories of The Sword of Caine.

Tactical Laser Tag

All Show Long (Search “Tactical Laser Tag” in TTE for times)

GCCC - 1st Floor - Meeting Room A 110 - Tactical Laser Tag

Can your team accomplish its mission before the opposing team? We will play a mix of objective based games using state of the art equipment, after a quick briefing and rules explanation.

Eclectic

MegaMeta Smithee Awards - 3545

Thursday from 7:00 pm to 11:50 pm Second Stage in GCCC - 1st Floor - C 170 - Second Stage

It’s time for that ill-begotten, zany race to the bottom called THE MEGAMETASMITHEE AWARDS! Vote for the Worst of the Worst among the “winning” Bad Movie clips from the previous five Smithee Awards™ in a loser-take-all cinematic crap-stravaganza! Prizes! (Not sure why!) Parental discretion advised.

Gaymer Gathering - 5896

Friday from 7:00 pm to 8:50 pm Table 3, Table 4, Table 5 in GCCC - 1st Floor - Meeting Room D 180

Join fellow lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning (LGBTQ+) gaymers and our allies for a casual social event. Play tabletop games, meet new friends, make evening plans, participate in icebreakers, relax, create new connections, and network with like minded individuals.

Pair Jigsaw Puzzle Competition - 5507

Saturday from 1:30 pm to 3:20 pm Event 1 in TGCC Hall BTournament of Pieces

Complete a 500-piece Ravensburger puzzle with a team of two people. All the pairs will get the same jigsaw puzzle, begin at the same time and race to completion. You can sign up individually and gather in the competition area or sign up on your own and we’ll match you up with another competitor.

Dragon Magic Painting - 5967

Friday from 8:00 pm to 8:20 pm Table 03 in Gaming Hall C General Tables (Round) - A

Dragon fans will adore this new addition to Usborne’s Magic Painting series. Simply brush water over the pages and watch as they burst into color, revealing an array of magical scenes. Paint brush and books provided to take home.

Jigsaw Puzzle Fun - 5505

Friday from 2:00 pm to 4:50 pm Event 1 in TGCC Hall B - Tournament of Pieces

Join the USA Jigsaw Puzzle Association and Ravensburger for some fun, casual jigsaw puzzling. We’ll have 100-piece puzzles on hand for people to do some speed puzzling sprints, try out puzzle chess, and just casually puzzle while visiting with other people that enjoy jigsaws.

Entertainment

Fill in the Game - The Game show - 5702

Friday from 1:00 pm to 1:50 pm Second Stage in GCCC - 1st Floor - C

170 - Second Stage

Three contestants will be chosen from the audience to participate in a game show version of Fill in the Game and win prizes! You’ll laugh your _____ off whether you’re playing or watching the fill in the blank party game!

2d6 Concert - 5681

Friday from 6:00 pm to 6:50 pm Second Stage in GCCC - 1st Floor - C

170 - Second Stage

2d6 likes to rap about geeky pop culture. Anime, video games, comic books, roleplaying, they cover it all! And not only do they do it, they do it with more energy, verve, and panache than any other band you’ve ever seen. Let 2d6 rap at you while they pelt you with a ton of candy!

The Faithful Sidekicks Concert - 5705

Saturday from 6:00 pm to 7:50 pm Second Stage in GCCC - 1st Floor -

C 170 - Second Stage

Join this award-winning acoustic duo for funny catchy nerdy songs about gaming, sci-fi, technology and more. Funny songs about Star Wars, Meeples, and even love songs written in SQL code. Fun songs full of heart with a touch of snark for fans of every kind!

Super Nerd Magic Show - 974

Saturday from 8:00 pm to 8:50 pm Second Stage in GCCC - 1st Floor -

C 170 - Second Stage

As seen on Penn & Teller: Fool Us... magician Caleb Wiles presents an INCREDIBLE magic show featuring world-class sleight-of-hand and mind reading ... with a nerdy twist. All ticket sales support Magic For A Cause, a nonprofit organization with a mission to use magic to make the world a better place.

Whose Role Is It Anyway - 5663

Friday from 6:00 pm to 6:50 pm Seminar in GCCC - 2nd FloorMeeting Room A 214 Whose Role is it Anyway? Where everything is made up and the hit points don’t matter. This is an RPG spin on Whose Line is it Anyway (was it already obvious?), that uses audience suggestions for characters, settings, and challenges that our ace role players will then act out!

Seminars

World Building for Game Masters - 2447

Friday from 8:00 am to 9:50 am Seminar in GCCC - 2nd FloorMeeting Room A 214

Join veteran GM, Dr. Rich Staats, as he describes world design for Game Masters, Game Designers, and Authors. This classic seminar started as a for-credit course at MIT.

Creating memorable NPCs - 2448

Friday from 12:30 pm to 1:20 pm Seminar in GCCC - 2nd FloorMeeting Room A 215

Join veteran GM, Dr. Rich Staats, as he describes creating memorable NPCs for Game Masters and Authors. This classic seminar started as a for-credit course at MIT.

Publishing for D&D - 2452

Thursday from 11:00 am to 11:50 am Seminar in GCCC - 2nd FloorMeeting Room A 215

Learn how games get made through one designer’s journey from weekend amateur to published author, and discover how you can bring your ideas to the world of Dungeons & Dragons for fun and profit.

Marketing in a Brand New World - 2429

Thursday from 12:00 pm to 12:50 pm Seminar in GCCC - 2nd FloorMeeting Room A 212

We are in a new world in publishing after the last couple of years. How do you get your book noticed given all the pandemic restrictions and changes? What are you doing differently to get the word out?

Kevin J Anderson: Building My First Lightsaber - 2426

Friday from 11:00 am to 11:50 am Seminar in GCCC - 2nd FloorMeeting Room A 213

Come hear our Author Guest of Honor talk about how his writing career began!

RPGs

Kobolds Midnight Massacre - 1726

Friday from 8:00 pm to 11:50 pm Table 01 in Hyatt - 1st FloorHarrison - 9th Level

The Kobolds are trapped in a Nightmare Realm! Get your Hockey MaskWearing, Chainsaw-Wielding, Hook-Handed, Mirror-Appearing, Calling from inside the house Slasher Killers ready – because this time, the prey is little, orange, and fearless. KOBOLDS ATE MY NIGHTMARE! Character creation during event.

Mazes Til Midnight - 1638

Saturday from 10:00 pm to 11:50 pm Table 01 in Hyatt - 1st FloorHarrison - 9th Level

SWORDS! SORCERY! BLACKLIGHT! Twin Dragons entwined in a murderous chess game where you’re caught in the middle. Can you survive, and maybe escape with the treasure? Come out and play in this throwback dungeon delve under the blacklights with a killer synthwave soundtrack. NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED.

Games on Demand - 1414, 1415, 1417, 1418

Friday from 2:00 pm to 5:50 pm Friday from 8:00 pm to 11:50 pm Saturday from 2:00 pm to 5:50 pm Saturday from 8:00 pm to 11:50 pm Table 01 in Hyatt - 2nd FloorFairfield - Indie Games on Demand

Try an independent, small press role-playing game! GAMES ON DEMAND offers enthusiastic and talented GMs who run rules-light, story-rich, and easy-to-learn RPGs for players. Just show up, look at the game menus, and sign up for an expertly-run role-playing game.

Europe on the Brink, 1914 - 566

Friday from 6:00 pm to 9:50 pm Table 03 in Hyatt - 2nd FloorMorrow Room

The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand on June 28, 1914 by a Serbian nationalist has set off a crisis in Europe. Can war be avoided? Europe on the Brink plunges players into the July Crisis as representatives of the European powers. What choices will they make?

Pirate Borg: The Dark Caribbean

All Show Long (Search “Pirate Borg” in TTE for times)

Hyatt - 2nd Floor - Union E

An undead plague known as THE SCOURGE has washed over the Dark Caribbean. You and your pirate crew will choose a heading, uncover lost treasures, and live (and die) like pirate kings and queens!

Social Deduction

Ultimate Werewolf Extreme

All Show Long (Search “Ultimate Werewolf Extreme” in TTE for times)

GCCC - 2nd Floor - Above Reg - Short North Ballroom B

Hyatt - 2nd Floor - Starbucks Lounge Area

Players use their wits to deceive and uncover deception by fellow players as they attempt to discover who among them is a werewolf. Ultimate Werewolf Extreme adds new roles and optional rules to the basic game.

Are You a Robot / Werewolf

All Show Long (Search “Are You a Werewolf” in TTE for times)

GCCC - 2nd Floor - Above Reg - Short North Ballroom B

A vengeful group of villagers must figure out who among them is a hungry werewolf or evil robot. This event is specifically geared towards the younger crowd, but big people are also welcome!

Blood on the Clocktower

GCCC - 2nd Floor - Above Reg - Short North Ballroom B

A Demon is on the loose, murdering by night and disguised in human form by day. Some have scraps of information. Others have abilities that fight the evil or protect the innocent. But the Demon and its evil minions are spreading lies to confuse and breed suspicion.

Board Games

Star Realms Legend Series Tournament - 5560

Friday from 1:00 pm to 4:50 pm GCCC - Gaming Hall C - 2101 - Wise Wizard Games

Swiss rounds with cut to single elimination top 8. Winner will become a card in Star Realms (Your likeness will appear on a card in an upcoming Star Realms set) and receive a trophy! Top 8 get playmats. All players get promo cards!

Baseball Highlights 2045: 2023 World Championship - 16

Friday from 7:00 pm to 10:50 pm Tables 01 & 02 in Gaming Hall

General Tables

Three-time World Champion, Phillip Millman is hosting the 2023 World Championship for Baseball Highlights: 2045, published by Eagle-Gryphon Games!

Kabuto Sumo Tournament – 5001

Saturday from 3:00 pm to 4:50 pm Tables 01-04 in Gaming Hall CAllPlay

Kabuto Sumo is a head to head, two-player, dexterity based, sumo wrestling game. Join our 16 player single elimination tournament to become the ultimate beetle warrior! The Grand Prize is a Premium Game Bag and any two of our currently available games! All participants receive a special prize!

Advanced Civilization – 3929

Saturday from 9:00 am to 4:50 pm Table 07 & 08 in Gaming Hall C General Tables (6’ Round) - A

A full-length game of Advanced Civilization (Avalon Hill). Experience (or one of the Wednesday teaching games) is recommended.

Ticket To Ride US Tournament

Qualifiers run Wednesday-Saturday (Search “Ticket to Ride US” in TTE for times)

Event E in Gaming Hall C - Train Gamers Association

Collect cards and claim routes to fulfill your destinations. Every table winner gets a prize!!! This is NOT part of the TTR US tournament.

Events

Miniatures Games

Blood Bowl Tournament - 1569

Saturday from 9:00 am to 6:50 pm SGG Event J in Gaming Hall C - SGG Blood Bowl Tournament using the Latest(2020) GW rules, three rounds Swiss-pairings, see https://www.facebook.com/Strategic-Gaming-GroupSGG-319200265150806/ for details.

Kill Team Tournament - 1571

Thursday from 9:00 am to 4:50 pm SGG Event T in Gaming Hall C - SGG Games Workshop Warhammer 40K based skirmish game that lets you use 40K models. This game plays faster and on a smaller scale then 40K. This is Tournament, you will need to bring your team, printed rosters, and anything you need to play. Terrain and scenarios will be provided.

Marvel Crisis Protocol LVO Qualifier - 2787

Friday from 8:30 am to 6:20 pm Gaming Hall C - A Critical Hit Qualifier for Marvel Crisis Protocol at the Las Vegas Open! Work to earn your seat at the Las Vegas Open and earn a Custom Artisan Trophy!

Star Wars Legion Championship - 5384

Saturday from 8:00 am to 6:50 pm Tables 01-09 in Gaming Hall C General Tables (Minis) A2, B2, & C

Join us for the first Origins Game Fair Legion tournament! 32 players, three Swiss rounds, and prize support for all who join with some additional prizes for those who go undefeated.

Warhammer Underworlds Tournament - 50

Thursday from 2:00 pm to 7:50 pm SGG Event G in Gaming Hall C - SGG, The most competitive and best designed tournament game in Games Workshops vast universe, can you defeat your opponents. This is a three round tournament, scores from each round will be added together to determine the winner.

Workshops

3d Dragon Class - 31

Thursday from 10:00 am to 11:50 am Workshop in GCCC - 2nd FloorMeeting Room A 224

I have created dragons made from wood that you will be able to assemble, paint, stencil, and embellish during this class. All paint and embellishments will be provided by Raven Designs.

Armor Academy: Plate Armor – 2466

Friday from 1:00 pm to 1:50 pm Workshop in GCCC - 2nd FloorMeeting Room A 223

In this panel, we will teach you how to make your own plate armor, and leave you with a bracer literally forged by your own hands. There will be a $28 materials fee to participate, but any may observe for free.

DIY Leathercrafts – 2485

Thursday from 1:00 pm to 1:50 pm Workshop in GCCC - 2nd FloorMeeting Room A 223

Come learn the fine art of putting spikes in things, the basis of DIY goth and punk fashion, and make your own custom pair of fingerless gloves. There will be a $20 USD materials fee to participate, but any are welcome to watch.

Glazing for Miniatures – 958

Wednesday from 3:00 pm to 4:50 pm Workshop in GCCC - 2nd FloorMeeting Room A 223

In this class, Twitche’s ImpendingDuff (Neil Duffey) Will teach you the art of the glazing technique on miniatures.

Wooden Shield Class – 57

Friday from 7:00 pm to 8:50 pm Workshop in GCCC - 2nd FloorMeeting Room A 224

We will have shields made from wood that you will be able to paint, stencil, and embellish. We will have a variety of stencils with common shield animals, some crest outlines, and a few other stencils to show your crest.

FEATURED Events

Hall of Fame

The Hall of Fame is intended to honor the contributions made by individuals over the years that have advanced the tabletop gaming field. The individuals included in the Hall have contributed over their careers to expanding the reach of gaming and created games that bring people together to enjoy the lifestyle of strategy, challenges, and fun. The Hall of Fame also honors specific games that showcase innovation and exceptional quality as well as endeavors that promote gaming such as publications and other media.

The Hall includes many industry legends, such as Dungeons and Dragons creators Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson, Magic the Gathering creator Richard Garfield, and Reiner Knizia, one of the most prolific board and card game designers of all time. Not all of the inductees are well known, and gaming is not a field where there are a large number of household names among its elite. However, all of members of the Hall have helped elevate gaming to heights it had never achieved before. The contributions come from writers, artists, sculptors, publishers, and designers from many areas of tabletop gaming. Miniatures Gaming, Role Playing Games, Play-by-Mail Games, Board Games, Trading Card Games. Individuals from all of these areas are honored here.

Mark Rosewater

Started at Wizards of the Coast in 1995. Published a number of articles in early trade magazines titled Insider Trading, which talked about the process of game design. In 2002 he started a web column called Making Magic, which also talks about game design and has been running for many years. He has run a podcast, Drive to Work, for a number of years, which talks about the history of Magic and interviews individuals who contributed over the years. Has had cards he designed in every set since 1996 to present, with thousands of cards designed and well over a dozen mechanics.

Created Magic the Puzzling, a series of play problem puzzles featuring intricate combinations of Magic cards that often required extensive time and dozens of steps to solve. A compilation was published in a book.

Jeff Easley

This prolific artist started at TSR in 1982. Jeff did a large amount of artwork for Dungeons and Dragons, including many of the cover art pieces from the 80s and 90s. Recently he has transitioned to trading card game art, with over 50 Magic card art pieces. He also did work for Gamma World, Battle System, and recently even did work for Hearthstone. Jeff is still active doing fantasy art and trading card game art. Unrelated to our field, but he has also done several book covers and even a rock album cover.

Martin Wallace

Martin is a prolific European game designer known for the Brass and Steam series of games. He ran Treefrog Games for a number of years before going back to being a full time freelance designer. He had a popular entry in the deckbuilder category with Few Acres of Snow. Aside from Brass and Steam, Diskworld: Ankh Morpork and London were among his many hits.

1829

1829 was considered the grandfather of “train games” and was one of the first games to introduce a “tech tree” structure into a board game. 1829 came out in 1974 and was designed by Frank Tresham, who passed away in 2019. It is a classic Eurogame, with no luck other than who is the starting player. 1830 came out in 1986 and 1829 was basically retired in place of the new update.

Cyberpunk RPG

Designed by Mike Pondsmith, Cyberpunk featured an unusual combat and advancement system that distinguished it from other RPG entries and the genre brought in a number of new players to the RPG scene. It is maintained a following since its launch in 1988 and recently was adapted to the Cyberpunk 2077 video game in 2020.

Rising Star

Mathias Wigge

First published game is Ark Nova in 2021, which is currently in the BGG all time list at #4. Magic the Gathering tournament player. Getting a top game on your first game is an impressive feat, although it seems to be happening more frequently with Gloomhaven, Wingspan, and now Ark Nova in recent years.

ORIGINS Awards

Friday from 8:00 pm to 10:50 pm

Main Stage in GCCC2nd Floor - Above RegShort North Ballroom A

Origins Game Fair recognizes the best games of 2022 with the return of the Origins Awards! See who takes home the big prizes including the Fan Favorite game chosen by Origins Attendees just like you! After a two-year hiatus, the Origins Awards are back in 2023! We’re absolutely thrilled to resume this effort to acknowledge some of the brightest and best in our industry.

During Origins Game Fair, attendees have the opportunity to examine and play the nominated titles in the Nominee Showcase Area, sponsored by Game Toppers. They are encouraged to vote for their favorite in each category to also crown the Fan Favorite, with the winners of that recognition also announced during the Awards ceremony.

This year’s categories and finalists are:

Board Games Social/Light Strategy

• Castle Panic: Crowns and Quests Expansion (Fireside Games)

• Creature Comforts (Kids Table Board Gaming)

• Flamecraft (Lucky Duck Games)

• Long Shot: The Dice Game (Perplext)

• The Finest Fish (Last Night Games)

Strategy

• Evergreen (Horrible Guild)

• Foundations of Rome (Arcane Wonders)

• Hoplomachus: Victorum (Chip Theory Games)

• Planet Unknown (Adam’s Apple Games)

• Three Sisters (25th Century Games)

Thematic

• Dead Reckoning (Alderac Entertainment Group (AEG))

• Merchants of the Dark Road (Elf Creek Games)

• My Father’s Work (Renegade Game Studios)

• Tokyo Sidekick (Japanime Games)

• Wonderland War (Druid City Games)

Card Games

• Cat in the Box Bezier Games)

• Scout (One More Game!)

• Sea Salt & Paper (Studio Bombyx)

• Turing Machine (Hachette Boardgames)

• Undaunted: Stalingrad (Osprey Games)

Children’s Game

• Castle Panic: Second Edition (Fireside Games)

• Disney A Goofy Game (Funko Games)

• HONK! (Sinister Fish Games)

• The Lunch Room Game (EAP Toys and Games)

• Turtle Splash (Lucky Duck Games)

Collectables

• Flesh and Blood - Uprising (Legend Story Studios)

• Magic the Gathering The Brothers War Collection (Wizards of the Coast)

• Magic the Gathering Universes Beyond Warhammer (Wizards of the Coast)

• Heroclix: Hellfire Gala (WizKids)

• Unmatched: Houdini vs the Genie (Restoration Games)

Miniatures Game

• Lion Rampant: Second Edition (Osprey Games)

• Northgard: Uncharted Lands(Hachette Boardgames)

• Omicron Protocol (Dead Alive Games)

• Polyversal Sci-Fi Miniatures System (Collins Epic Wargames)

• Rapture (Gravity Bay)

RPG Core

• Blackbirds (Andrews McMeel Publishing)

• Bladerunner the Roleplaying Game (Free League Publishing)

• Coyote & Crow (Coyote & Crow)

• Teatime Adventures (Snowbright Studio)

• The One Ring (Free League Publishing)

RPG Supplements

• Agents of Dune (Modiphius)

• Blade Runner Starter Box (Free League Publishing)

• Fallout Starter Box (Modiphius)

• Warhammer Fantasy: Enemy Within Volume 5 (Cubicle 7 Entertainment)

• Zweihander Starter Box (Andrews McMeel Publishing)

Accessory

• Call to Adventure Art Decks (Brotherwise Games)

• Deluxe Board Game Train Sets (Little Plastic Train Co.)

• Power Rangers Zordon Dice Tower & GM’s Screen (Renegade Game Studios)

• The Deck of Many Animated Conditions (Hit Point Press)

• The Deck of Many Animated Illusions (Hit Point Press)

2D Art & Illustration

• 7 Sinners (Mana Project Studios)

• Cowboys with Big Hearts (Bully Pulpit Games)

• Cult of the Deep (B.A. Games)

• Everyday Heroes - The Hunt (Evil Genius Games)

• Galaxy Trucker - Keep on Truckin (Czech Games Edition)

3D Art

• Fallout: Wasteland Warfare - Super Mutants: Swan (Modiphius)

• Frostgrave - Fireheart Elk (Osprey Games)

• Omicron Protocol - Jugger the Elephant (Dead Alive Games)

• Time Capsules (Red Cat Games)

Graphic Design

• Defiant RPG (Game Machinery)

• Dulce (Indie Game Studios/ Stronghold Games)

• Norse Grimoire (Mana Project Studio)

• Pathfinder Savage Worlds Boxed Set (Pinnacle Entertainment Group)

• Tome of Chaos (R. Talsorian Games, Inc.)

Reviews

• Doctors & Daleks Player Guide (TheRatHole.ca)

• Doctor Who The Roleplaying Game (TheRatHole.ca)

• Grant’s Greatest Games of November (Grant’s Game Recs)

• Mind MGMT Review (Board Game Quest)

• The Best of Origins Game Fair from Grants Game Recs (Grant’s Game Recs)

Cleveland Institute of Art College of Art + Design

Power Retail Awards

GAMA and the Retail Division take great pride in honoring the best in retail innovation and creativity with the Power Retail Awards. Each year, at GAMA EXPO, these awards recognize the most innovative retailers in a variety of categories.

CATEGORY OVERVIEW

Retailer of the Year | We believe that there are multiple reasons why a store should be considered for Retailer of the Year. Are you a fantastic advocate for small businesses? Do you receive endless media requests? Do you consistently break sales records? We want to know about it, so that we can help amplify your signal!

Innovation In Games (Retail) | The Organized Play category has been replaced with the new Innovation in Games Retail category. When Organized Play was invented, that was the innovation in games retail. But what is the next innovation? The next evolution of the store model? The best innovations are ones you bring into your own store and make them work for your unique situation.

Outstanding Contribution to Games Industry (Retail) | Businesses, their owners, their staff, and their customers do more than buy and sell games. They use their passion and knowledge to help improve the industry, educate the public about the importance of gaming, and provide welcoming and innovative spaces. With this award, GAMA’s Retail Division recognizes a store, cafe, individual or group who has used their knowledge and experience to best represent the tabletop gaming industry to the general public.

Outstanding Store Design | The best-designed stores are not only inspirational, but aspirational. We recognize great design when we see it, and so does the public. Outstanding Stores represent the hobby at its finest by dreaming big, and that’s something we can all get behind. 2020 was an abnormal year, and no webstore has ever won Outstanding Store Design. The industry has always understood that physical spaces, organized play, great displays, and demos sell games. Now, not only can physical spaces do all these things, but so can webstores.

NOMINATION GUIDELINES

• Nominations are general. The Retail Voting Membership Group Officers will determine into which category finalists fit.

• Previous winners are not eligible for categories they have won, but may be eligible for other categories.

• For all categories, nominees must have been in regular retail operation for at least one full year.

• Anyone (retailers, customers, publishers, business partners, suppliers, etc.) may nominate a store.

2023 WINNERS

Retailer of the Year

RED CLAW GAMING

Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

Innovation In Games (Retail)

ZIA COMICS AND GAMES

Las Cruces, New Mexico

Outstanding Contribution To Games (Retail)

GAMES OF BERKELEY

Berkeley, California

Outstanding Store Design

RAIN CITY GAMES

Vancouver British Columbia, Canada

PIN BAZAAR

Buy, trade, and collect original enamel pins available exclusively at Origins Game Fair. Pick up a starter set and/or other rare pins at the Origins Store just outside the Exhibit Hall and start your collection today!

BLOOD DRIVE

When: Thursday - Saturday, 10:30am - 4:30pm Where: C172 (Level 1)

Be the hero in someone’s life and participate in the annual Blood Drive held by the American Red Cross at Origins Game Fair! Daily Prize Basket!

Everyone who donates blood will receive an entry for the daily prize basket which includes a Free BADGE for Origins Game Fair 2024! (all prize baskets must be picked up in person by Sunday at 3pm from Help Desk)

To schedule an appointment to donate, visit RedCrossBlood.org (sponsor code: GAMA) or call 1-800-RED-CROSS.

Origins Game Fair

Thursday, June 22, 2023

Friday, June 23, 2023

Saturday, June 24, 2023

Columbus Convention Center 400 N. High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215

For an appointment, visit redcrossblood.org. 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767)

PAINT N TAKE

When: Thursday Noon-6pm/ Friday-Saturday 10am-6pm/ Sunday 10am-4pm!

Where: Gaming Hall C How Much: FREE

Are you new to the world of miniature painting? Are you an expert with a brush? Everyone is welcome to participate in the Paint N Take event going on for the entire show! Each attendee is given a single figure from 3301 Games or Kawna Minis and can try their hand at bringing it to life.

The Paint N Take is facilitated by ImpendingDuff Hobby Tools and Paint Store. Your badge will be punched when you receive your free figure (limit one per attendee). Figures are limited and will be allocated per day.

Thank

UNPUB ROOM

GAME LIBRARY

Room: C151

Unpub is pleased to announce that we will be attending the Origins Game Fair with events running from Wednesday June 21 through Sunday June 25, 2023 with the schedule below.

Wednesday 6/21

• 11am - 11pm: Open Playtesting

Thursday 6/22

• 10am - 2pm: Reserved Playtesting Block A

• 2:30pm - 6:30pm: Reserved Playtesting Block B • 6:30pm - 8pm: Game Jam Kick-off

• 7pm - 8:30pm: Speed Pitch Session 1

• 8:30pm - 10pm: Speed Pitch Session 2 (If Needed)

• 10pm - 11pm: Open Playtesting

Friday 6/23

• 10am - 2pm: Reserved Playtesting Block C

• 2:30pm - 6:30pm: Reserved Playtesting Block D

• 6:30pm - 8pm: Game Jam Kick Off

• 8pm - 11pm: Open Playtesting

Saturday 6/24

• 10am - 2pm: Reserved Playtesting Block E

• 2:30pm - 6:30pm: Reserved Playtesting Block F

• 7pm - 11pm: Open Playtesting

• (Possible TTM Meetup/Q&A)

Sunday 6/25

• 10am - 2pm: Reserved Playtesting Block G

• 2:30pm - 3:30pm: Game Jam Feedback

• 3:30pm - 6pm: Open Playtesting

*PLEASE NOTE: You MUST obtain an attendee badge for Origins in order to participate in any of these events. This can be done HERE

*RESERVED PLAYTESTING BLOCKS: Due to COVID protocols, the Playtesting space will be set up differently than in years past. There will be a total of 16 tables in the room with 4 chairs each. This will allow designers to either play with up to 3 others or observe up to 4 people playing their design. Please plan accordingly when choosing which games you might playtest. In order to help cover our costs to attend Origins, each of the Reserved Playtesting Blocks will have a $15 fee, giving you the table for the entire 4 hour block. In order to allow as many designers to participate as possible, we are asking that everyone limit themselves to a maximum of 3 blocks. Sign-ups for these blocks will begin (Insert Day/ Time Here) at 12pm EST (GMT-4) HERE. Specific information regarding the on-site process (including table assignments) will be sent out to registered designers by Friday 6/3.

SPEED PITCHING: Want the opportunity to show your game design off to multiple publishers in a short window of time? Our Speed Pitching events could be for you!

Our game library and playing area, organized by Buckeye Game Fest, uses the Columbus Area Boardgaming Society (CABS) library containing over 1,000 games! You can of course bring your own games to enjoy in the playing area, or check out one of the many games in the library. Regardless of what you choose to play, you’ll enjoy a quality playing experience with mats provided by Game Toppers!

F.A.Q.

What games are available in the library?

You can view the current CABS Library listing here:  http://cabsgamers.org/library

How do I get access to the Game Library?

The Game Library is now included with your badge! There is no extra cost to check out games or use the tables.

Can anyone check out a game?

Attendees with a valid Origins Badge + Valid photo Id (Government issued) can check out a game. You can check out one game per ID at a time. Only the ID Holder can check out/ check in the game.

Does the game I check out have to stay in the Game Library?

Yes. The games are meant to be checked out for you to play during your time in the Game Library. Once you are done playing the game, bring it back to the desk and check out another one if you like. Any games not returned by the time the library closes down at midnight, will result in the attendee’s ID being kept overnight and not available for pick up until the next morning.

Will there be game giveaways?

We certainly hope so! Depending on the sponsorship support for the Game Library, there may be game giveaways. If they are available, it will be announced on this page and in the Facebook group before/during the show as details become available.

What is Buckeye Game Fest? I thought CABS ran the Game Library?

BGF currently runs the Origins Game Library as well as the local gaming convention Buckeye Game Fest. Buckeye Game Fest grew from CABS. We are the original convention committee that worked on behalf of CABS previous years in the Game Library. We are partnered with CABS to bring you a great experience in the Game Library.

WHAT’S NEW IN THE EXHIBIT HALL?

CHECK OUT THE ORIGINS GAME FAIR WEBSITE FOR NEW RELEASES FROM OUR VENDORS

FAMILY AND QUIET Rooms

Family Room

This new area at Origins is for spouses, partners and parents with small children to hang out in, away from the hustle and bustle of the main convention. The room is filled with great family games donated by our sponsors, free for all to enjoy, and managed by Motley Kids.

Please note: Under no circumstances can children be left at the Family Room without parental supervision.

Quiet Room

Feeling overwhelmed and need to step away from the hustle and bustle of the Exhibit Hall? Take a moment to relax in the Quiet Room. This spacious room has comfy couches, phone chargers, and open tables for low-volume gaming. Enjoy reading the Origins Anthologies or just cooling down from all the excitement.

An Origins Volunteer will be monitoring the room to make sure it maintains a calming environment for all attendees.

COSPLAY CONTEST

When: Saturday, 4pm - 6pm

Where: C170

How Much: FREE

Here at Origins Game Fair, we know gaming culture spans a massive variety of fandoms, from fantasy and roleplaying, to comics, anime, and everything else! Cosplay is the perfect artform to not only celebrate everything you love about your favorite fandoms, but to feel connected to them in a way nothing else can. That’s why each year we host The Origins Game Fair Cosplay Contest. A golden opportunity for our incredibly talented attendees to showcase their works of art on stage and compete for prizes and bragging rights.

Join the astounding crew of Rubber City Cosplay as they present our incredible contestants to you and our panel of esteemed cosplay judges.

Whether you’re in it to win it, chasing the rush of strutting across the stage to display the fruits of all your hard work, or looking to feel the buzz of excitement cheering on your friends and favorites from the crowd; this celebration of cosplay is a must attend event!

Registration is open during exhibit hall hours from Thursday until 3pm Saturday and couldn’t be easier this year! Visit the Rubber City Cosplay’s booth at Ogre’s Tavern Of Cosplay found inside the Exhibition Hall. They will take your info and handle the rest.

Contestants may choose to enter in one of the following categories:

• Fantasy

• TV/Film

• Comic Books

• Game Characters

• Group

• Teens(Ages 13-17)

• Juniors (Ages < 12)

Special Guest Judges

• Knightmage

• Thousand Faces Cosplay

• Disfusional Studios

Contest Prizes

• 1st: $500 & two tickets to OGF 2024

• 2nd: $250 & two tickets to OGF 2024

• 3rd: $100 & two tickets to OGF 2024

• Teens: Two tickets to OGF 2024

• Juniors: Two tickets to OGF 2024

Contest Procedure

At 3pm Saturday, all registered contestants will begin gathering outside the Exhibit Hall near the Union Station Ballrooms location. Once gathered, Rubber City Cosplay will organize contestants into lines in the order they are to be called to walk across the stage and explain all relevant instructions. During this time, the judges will also be walking through the line to get up close looks at each contestant’s craftsmanship as well as asking questions to help with their judging process. When the contest is ready to begin, the contestants will parade through the concourse to the Short North Ballroom where the contest will take place.

Contest Rules

• You must have purchased an entry into Origins Game Fair in order to enter and present on stage for the Cosplay Contest.

• The Cosplay Contest is a family-oriented event. Please keep all costumes to a “PG-13” rating. (i.e no nudity or overly revealing attire, no excessive gore, etc.)

• No purchased costumes. Costumes must be 50% crafted or more. You may purchase parts of a costume but said parts must be disclosed during the judging process. If you are modeling a costume you did not make yourself, the maker of the costume must be present with you upon entry. If the costume wins an award, the award is given to the maker of the costume, not the model wearing it.

• All weapons and props must conform with Origins Game Fair 2023 rules, convention center policies, and local laws concerning carrying a weapon. If there is a question or doubt, don’t bring it (see Show Policies).

• If your costume is meant to represent a character from a specific IP, please provide reference images of the char- acter. We cannot guarantee the judges will know what your character looks like, so having something to compare to will help you as much as them. Please provide a physical image to be attached to your registration form. No digital images or books can be submitted for your reference image.

• Each costume must be entered separately. The costumes may be presented on stage (and prejudged) as a pair or group, but each costume is judged individually as a unique entry.

• Origins Game Fair reserves the right to modify, update, or amend rules at any time.

FILM FESTIVAL

When: Friday - Saturday

Where: B144-B145 (Level 1)

How Much: FREE

The Origins Film Festival™ showcases independent feature and short films of any genre related to gaming, sci-fi or fantasy. These films were submitted by many talented creative minds and have been narrowed down to the top finalists, presented to all Origins attendees during the show!

SCHEDULE TBD: https://www.originsfilmfestival.com/online/

Full list of official selections synopsis’ at: https://www.originsfilmfestival.com/2022-official-selections

Produced by Cavegirl Productions.

Tournament of Pieces –Jigsaw Tournament

Gather your puzzler friends and family and join us for a Puzzle Competition at Origin Game Fair. We are excited to be partnering with Ravensburger and the US Jigsaw Puzzle Association to host the new Tournament of Pieces at the convention this year. This threeday event will include both competitive and casual puzzling fun for 4-person teams, 2-people pairs and individuals.

There will be prizes for the winners of each competition provided by Ravensburger and all competitors will get to keep the puzzle they used for the various tournaments.

Origins has created a special puzzle tournament badge ($90) that includes:

• Full show badge for Origins Game Fair, one of the largest board and tabletop game conventions with more than 15,000 attendees, 5000+ games and events, massive exhibit hall with more than 300 vendors, parties, concerts, game library with more than a thousand titles that can be checked out a played, family room and much more!

• Friday Evening Puzzle Social

• Puzzle Sprints

• Puzzle Chess

• Casual Puzzling

• Saturday Team Competition – 10:30am to 12:30pm

• Saturday Pairs Competition – 2:00pm to 4:00pm

• Sunday Individual Competition – 10:30am to 1:00pm

Please note that each person in the teams or pairs must have their own badge for the show. The price for this special tournament badge is $90.00 and it is limited to the first 50 people. Individuals with other badge types can also sign up for the competitions on an individual basis. Details and ticket prices are below.

Scheduled Puzzle Events:

Friday, June 23 @ 2pm to 5pm – Jigsaw Fun (Event #5505) - $4.00 per person

Join the USA Jigsaw Puzzle Association and Ravensburger for some fun, casual jigsaw puzzling. We’ll have 100-piece puzzles on hand for people to do some speed puzzling sprints, try out puzzle chess, and just casually puzzle while visiting with other people that enjoy jigsaws.

Saturday, June 24 @ 10am to 12:30pm - Team Jigsaw Puzzle

Competition (Event #5504) - $16 per person

Complete a 500-piece Ravensburger puzzle with a team of 4 people.

(June 23-25, 2023)

All the teams will get the same jigsaw puzzle, begin at the same time and race to completion. You can all sign up individually and gather in the competition area or sign up on your own and we’ll match you up with other competitors. Event check-in begins at 10:00 a.m. with the competition beginning at 10:30 a.m. and running until 12:30 p.m. Prizes will be awarded to the top finishers. Teams will get to take home the one competition puzzle provided.

Saturday, June 24 @ 1:30pm to 4:00pm - Pair Jigsaw Puzzle Competition (Event # 5507) - $16 per person

Complete a 500-piece Ravensburger puzzle with a team of 2 people. All the pairs will get the same jigsaw puzzle, begin at the same time and race to completion. You can sign up individually and gather in the competition area or sign up on your own and we’ll match you up with another competitor. The event check-in begins at 1:30 p.m. with the competition beginning at 2:00 p.m. and running until 4:00 p.m. Prizes will be awarded to the top finishers. Pairs will get to take home the one competition puzzle provided.

Sunday, June 25 @ 10am to Individual Jigsaw Puzzle Competition (Event # 5506) - $16 per person

Complete a 500-piece Ravensburger puzzle as fast as you can! All the participants will get the same jigsaw puzzle, begin at the same time and race to completion. The event check-in begins at 10:00 a.m. with the competition beginning at 10:30 a.m. and running until 1:00 p.m. Prizes will be awarded to the top finishers. Individuals will get to take home the one competition puzzle provided.

GET YOUR TOURNAMENT OF PIECES BADGE About

Ravensburger

• Ravensburger is recognized as one of the leading brands for games, puzzles, arts & crafts.

About the US Jigsaw Puzzle Association

Established in 2020, the USA Jigsaw Puzzle Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to:

• Creating a nationwide community for jigsaw puzzlers

• Establishing a framework for competitive jigsaw puzzling events

• Acting as the US representative and official liaison with the World Jigsaw Puzzle Federation

ARTIST ALLEY

Origins has always been proud of its Artist Alley, which showcases the talents of industry professionals and fledgling artists alike. You can find the Artist Alley in the Exhibit Hall. Featured artists will be present to talk about their pieces, sell their work, or even put together commissions on the spot for you to take home!

2023 Featured Artists:

Nate Lovett – Origins Special Guest Artist

Andrea Radeck Illustrations

Andrew Heath Design + Illustration

Arcadian Chain

Author Ray Wenck

The Art of Brent Chumley

Brent Woodside

Brieck Draw

Citrus Atelier

Claude Raymond Design, LLC

Coey and Shy

Daria Askenova

Daxrell Dark Art

Dbl Feature

Dream Vale Studios

Fear the Beard Art

Golden Light Dice

Grandiose Glitches

Heather Kreiter (My Little Demon)

Ian Moss Creative, LLC

Jeri Shepherd Books

Joseph Michael Dragunas

Kayla Woodside

Kellianne Stakenas

Kira Wetuski - Cryptid Dicecraft

Lorraine Schleter C

MELORIA (Meloria Maille)

Misfit Artists LLC

National Mars Day

Nerdzilly

onemegawatt

Pollia Design

Portreii

Pure Alchemy Soaps

Raven Designs

Rem Alternis Production, Inc.

SJM ART

Steve Vihtelic

Tangled Earth Arts

The Dicey Dungeon

Wildfire Creations

VOLUNTEERS

Origins wouldn’t exist without our team of volunteers! Thank you so much to our amazing volunteers for all their hard work making this convention what it is. Our volunteer team puts in over 5,000 combined hours of work to bring Origins to life. Many volunteers have been with us for years and we hope much more to come!

Origins Volunteers help with the operational areas of the show. From printing badges in Registration to helping GMs in the Gaming Halls, there are a lot of ways to get involved behind the scenes. There are incredible rewards for our volunteers, so check out the Origins Game Fair website for more information about volunteering next year.

If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Cynthia Tuck (Events Coordinator) at cynthia.Tuck@gama.org.

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