Game-itoba is involved in a number of conventions through the year, but our big event is our own 3-day convention held over the last full weekend of January every year. If it’s your first year attending this guide is for you!

We have something for every tabletop enthusiast, if you enjoy roleplaying, miniature, card or board games, Game-itoba will have plenty for you to do all weekend.

Key Dates:

• Mid September – Early-bird weekend passes go on sale!
  • early-birds save money on their weekend pass!
• Late October – GM Registration opens
  • early games get more attention!
• 1st December – Draft Schedule Published, Regular pricing starts!
  • start planning your weekend!
• Last Saturday of December – Game registration opens.
  • sign up for games early, popular options fill fast!
• Saturday before Game-itoba – GM Registration closes
  • no new games added to the schedule
• Last full weekend of January – Hooray Game-itoba!!!
  • Doors open at 6pm on Friday!

What is there to do at Game-itoba?

We are all about playing all kinds of tabletop games, all manners of board, card, roleplaying and miniature games are available to play over the entire weekend both as scheduled games and a huge pick and play library with well over 500 titles. Won your game, don’t forget to visit our ‘Winners Wall’ to get your photo taken and gloat about your win, and take away a cool memento or be entered into a prize draw.

We feature local designers who would love to show you their latest creations, get playtest feedback and share their love for tabletop gaming, you can even join the developer hangout and learn a little about the intricacies of designing and publishing your own games.

You will also find special events like play to win and tournaments and our paint and take table where you can learn to paint a miniature and take it away with you. We even have vendors, our local friendly game stores are there to help you find your next new favourite game, but also specialist vendors with all kinds of gaming and nerd related merchandise. Last but not least we also have a raffle on the Saturday, chock full of amazing prize packs.

Play and Learn ‘Scheduled’ Games

Attendees just like you sign up to run games, most games are intended to be first time friendly so it’s a great opportunity to learn a new game or play an old favourite. All kinds of game are available with a huge range of board games and tabletop role-playing games available each year. You don’t need to bring anything to a game, RPG will have pre-generated characters (or walk you through character generation as part of the session), miniature games will have all the models and terrain required to play. Of course if you have a favourite set of dice bring them along, but there will always be spares to lend for the game.

What games are available? The draft schedule goes up on December 1st and will keep growing right up to the convention. It’s very common to find over 250 games each year, it is well worth checking out the list in advance and picking out your favourites.

How do I sign up for a game? We open up Game registration on the Saturday morning between Christmas and New Years. When you buy your passes you will get information on how to sign up for games (and we send a reminder email a few days before). Popular games fill fast so do get your picks in fast, but also do check back as games do get added to the schedule right up to the week before the event.

I have a favourite game and nobody seems to be running it. This could be a great opportunity for you to consider running the game yourself. Learn about what is involved in running games at Game-itoba right here.

Our Games Library

A great way from taking a break or filling gaps between scheduled games, is to take a look at our huge games library! With literally hundreds of games from you to choose from you will find many great options to pick from. Just find a title you think you will enjoy, check it out and find a space to play!

With so many games how do I choose? Ask our librarians or one of our ‘game sommeliers’ for ideas, they love helping people find their next favourite game.

I’d love to find a few more players, can you help? Yes we can! We have signage you can take out to your table that let’s people know they are ‘looking for players’. Keep your eyes peeled for them, it’s a great way to break the ice and meet new people.

The Winners Wall

Want bragging rights after your victory? Then visit the winners wall (right near the Library), get your photo taken by one of our fabulous photographers and you can even pick up a memento of your win or be entered into a winners draw.

Look at our social media (either Facebook or Instagram) through the weekend and you will see your victory immortalised for all to see, go ahead and tag yourself so everyone can see your triumph!

Vendors

We absolutely have vendors, both some of our LFGS (Local Friendly Game Stores) and specialty vendors with a range of gaming and geek products for you to buy. If you just played a game and have fallen in love, check them out you may find it and there might even be a special show discount.

Raffle

We run a raffle with some amazing prize packs on the Saturday of the convention. Tickets are available in person (bring cash, we don’t take cards) on the day, with the draw happening around 8.15pm.

Can I buy tickets in advance? Sorry no, we are only permitted to sell tickets on the day of the draw (those are the rules).

I won’t be there for the draw, what do I do? Not a problem, leave your tickets with a friend if you need to pop away and they can claim prizes for you.

I’m playing a game during the draw, what are my options? By all means leave your tickets with a friend but if you prefer and you are going to be on site, leave your phone number on the ticket and we will call you to come fetch your prize. Remember to leave your phone turned on, if we can’t reach you we will redraw.

Raffle prizes must be claimed in person during the draw. If you plan on stepping out during the draw, leave your tickets with a friend to claim your winnings for you. If you don’t claim your prize during the draw we will redraw.

Snacks & Food

We order pizza Friday evening, and Saturday lunchtime and evening, slices are available for sale while supplies last, head to registration to buy pizza tickets. Need a gluten friendly option let us know at registration and we will see what we can do to help.

You are more than welcome to bring your own food into the event, and by all means take advantage of our deliveries table if you order takeout.

We do have snacks available for purchase through the weekend, if you need to get a quick snack or drink. Look for coffee, soda, chips and chocolate bars at the cafe.

Where Can I Get Passes?

Weekend passes go on sale in the summer, we offer an ‘earlybird’ rate prior to December 1st, and after that prices go up a little, so if you know you are coming buy your pass early.

Passes are available online via on out website check the home page for links. Any issues/questions drop us an email at info@game-itoba.ca