Jump to content

Warpcon

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Warpcon
StatusActive
GenreTabletop gaming, role-playing games
FrequencyAnnual
VenueUCC Student Centre
Location(s)Cork
CountryIreland
Inaugurated1990
Organised byWARPS

Warpcon is an annual wargaming and roleplaying convention held at University College Cork (UCC) in Cork, Ireland.[1] As of 2010, the organiser's reportedly described it as "Europe's largest student-run gaming convention".[2] Beginning in 1990, it is run annually over a single weekend in January. Run by UCC's Wargaming And RolePlaying Society (WARPS), games played at Warpcon include role-playing games (RPGs) from several systems, collectible card games (CCGs), live action role-playing games (LARPs) and tabletop wargames.[3] The 20th anniversary event, in 2010, reportedly hosted approximately 700 attendees.[2]

History

[edit]

First held in 1990/1991, the inaugural event was attended by 40 people in a single-room venue, growing to approximately 650 people by the time of the 2009 convention.[2]

In 2006, the Diana Jones Award for Excellence in Gaming was awarded to "Irish Game Convention Charity Auctions", including Gaelcon and Warpcon.[4]

In past years, Warpcon has invited writers, artists and other special guests to sign merchandise and occasionally run events such as games-making workshops.[citation needed] Previous attendees and guests have included John Kovalic,[2] Steve Jackson,[2] Gareth Hanrahan,[5] Games Workshop's Jervis Johnson,[2] and actor David Nykl.[2]

Events and features

[edit]

At previous Warpcon conventions, a charity auction of collectibles and other items has been held on the Saturday night. Past auctions have included signed first-edition and pre-publication books, slots to appear as a character drawn by John Kovalic in card game, Jayne Cobb's hat (as worn in the TV show Firefly), and the first ever "My Little Cthulhu" plush toy.[citation needed]

In previous years various CCGs, from Magic: The Gathering to Yu-Gi-Oh!, have been hosted at Warpcon.[2] RPGs and LARPs from different systems are also run, with some based on the theme of that year's convention.[citation needed]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "About Warpcon". warpcon.com. Archived from the original on 21 October 2010.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h "Student wizards and goblins prepare for battle". irishexaminer.com. Irish Examiner. 27 January 2010. Retrieved 19 January 2023.
  3. ^ "Warpcon XXIX". uccexpress.ie. 24 February 2019. Retrieved 19 January 2023.
  4. ^ "The Diana Jones Award 2006". dianajonesaward.org. Retrieved 19 May 2007.
  5. ^ "Cork author: 'Write or starve is a powerful motivator'". echolive.ie. The Echo. 8 May 2021. Retrieved 19 January 2023.
[edit]