Musings on a Gaming Convention
While at Dreamation this weekend, I couldn't help but ponder what an interesting study in humanity gaming conventions are. You've got a bunch of fully-grown adults running around playing make-believe and wearing crazy costumes and stage makeup. And yet you'll never find a more genuine and lovely group of people in this world. It's not quite like Ren Faires, though the vibe is certainly similar. But these aren't performers or actors or attention-hounds. Many are not traditionally "attractive" or "pretty." Rather, they are gloriously flawed, and fiercely human. Most are folks who don't necessarily "fit in" to your average American society. - they are overweight, or riddled with health problems, or deeply socially awkward. Some have neuroses that they wear on their sleeves. Others are too damn book-smart for their own good. Some think in numbers, others spend their every waking moment creating entire worlds with their vast imaginations. They are gay, straight, bi and every mix thereof. They are young with ancient wisdom, and old with the playfulness of youth. They are both opinionated and forgiving. They are needy and fragile, yet generous and strong. They are fierce and proud even in their humility. They are themselves without pretense and without apology because this is a place where it is safe to be a "nerd," a "geek," a "misfit." They shine with beauty and confidence there,whether or not they do back home. The sense of community is thick in the air, connecting each of us in a way that simply is too absent in the "real world." Barriers are broken down, differences are forgotten, judgments are pushed aside. This is a world where you Play instead of Live. A chance to be the best parts of yourself, and to stuff those parts into a pair of really hot boots that you'd never in a million years wear anywhere else. Everyone there starts off as playmates. We're there, 100% together, all part of the Games.
Man... I miss it already!
Philosophical musings aside, I not only had a really great time at Dreamation, but left feeling that Sonic Legends being present there proved to be a very productive move indeed. Jack's D&D games went fabulously (as I knew they would - he's truly brilliant). The soundscapes really enhanced them, and we got lots of positive feedback on them. We made many connections with people who run larps and tabletop games, and picked up more than a few requests for new soundscapes. Got a few dozen sign-ups for the email list, too. And of course, my level 6 ranger kicked some major undead ass! ;)
Having a hard time getting my brain back into the daily grind. I want to be in my studio writing soundscapes so badly I can taste it!
Man... I miss it already!
Philosophical musings aside, I not only had a really great time at Dreamation, but left feeling that Sonic Legends being present there proved to be a very productive move indeed. Jack's D&D games went fabulously (as I knew they would - he's truly brilliant). The soundscapes really enhanced them, and we got lots of positive feedback on them. We made many connections with people who run larps and tabletop games, and picked up more than a few requests for new soundscapes. Got a few dozen sign-ups for the email list, too. And of course, my level 6 ranger kicked some major undead ass! ;)
Having a hard time getting my brain back into the daily grind. I want to be in my studio writing soundscapes so badly I can taste it!