Students and faculty turn the School of Informatics and Computing into the land of “geekdom” with the return of the IUPUI Gen Con Extravaganza — a free evening of gaming and fantasy open to the IUPUI community and the general public.
This year welcomes best-selling fantasy author Tracy Hickman. Hickman is the author or co-author of more than 40 fantasy novels, and has created a number of role-playing products. He began his career writing for the “Dungeons and Dragons” game.
Hickman, accompanied by his wife Laura, will lead one of his hugely-popular “Killer Dinner” performances. The “Killer Dinner” is a twist on the Hickmans’ famous “Killer Breakfasts” where the duo take on all comers in wacky, no-holds-barred role playing game. Seating is limited to the first 200 guests. Hickman’s “Killer Breakfast” performance at Gen Con is sold-out, so this will be the only other opportunity for individuals to take part in the “Killer” experience.
Hickman will follow his performance with a discussion of his new project, “Dragon’s Bard,” and the future of fantasy literature in our changing media landscape. He will answer questions from the audience and be available afterwards to sign any books guests bring with them. Guests will also be able to subscribe online to “Dragon’s Bard.”
Other events include a standard-rule Magic the Gathering tournament, costume role play (cosplay) and a costume contest with prizes. At this time, the costume contest is open only to IUPUI students with a valid student ID.
This is the second year for the IUPUI Gen Con Extravaganza. Its mission is to increase the sense of community among gamers on the IUPUI campus and in Indianapolis, taking advantage of the excitement built by the Gen Con gaming convention held annually in the city.
The primary driving force behind the event is the students and faculty of the School’s Media Arts and Science program, many of whom are avid gamers and Gen Con enthusiasts who wish to bring a piece of the Gen Con energy back “home” to the School. In addition to several other specialties, the Media Arts and Science program offers students the opportunity to transform their passion for gaming into an understanding of how to use digital technology and communication principles to build and develop their own games.
The end result? Maybe one day they’ll be showing off their own successful games at Gen Con.
Click here for a full schedule of events, or join our Facebook community.
Media Contact
Joanne Lovrinic
jebehele@iu.edu
317-278-9208