Tabletop game convention returns to Bronx Park

East Kildonan

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 24/01/2024 (797 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

It’s game time, Winnipeg.

Organizers of Game-itoba, a tabletop game convention founded in 2018, are returning to Bronx Park Community Centre (720 Henderson Hwy.) from Jan. 26 to 28 for a weekend chock-full of fun for the whole family.

“We’re back and having a grand time. It’s a nice way to get out, especially during this cold snap,” said Kirby Gehman, spokesperson for Game-itoba. “We play games all weekend with other people who love games or people who want to learn about games. We play board games, card games, table top miniature games, role playing games. You name it, we play it.”

The event will feature more than 300 scheduled games, including several events where participants can win a copy of the game they’re playing.

“We have folks who can teach you games. If you don’t know how to play a game, we can teach you. Kids under 11 are free with an adult. It’s a great way to hang out with your kids and your teens, a great way to bond without screens,” Gehman said.

“It’s a really good time and a good way to expose yourself to all the different kinds of gaming that we do in a non-threatening, friendly active way,” Gehman added. “Everybody there is interested in helping you learn to play games, and helping you find your new favourite game.”

The event also features a ‘pick-up and play’ library of more than 500 games to choose from, whereby folks can try out a new game on the fly.

“You can browse our library, try out games and find one you like before you go and invest any money,” Gehman said.

“The gaming community in Winnipeg has always been strong, and it is growing quite quickly,” Gehman added. “It’s so amazing to see. There are so many people who want to share this love of games with other people, and that’s our entire convention. It’s volunteer driven. Everyone at the convention, whether there to play or run the convention, are all doing it because they love games.”

Programming will run from 6 p.m. to midnight on Friday, Jan. 26, from 9 a.m. to midnight on Saturday, Jan. 27, and from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 28. Registration for the weekend is $40, while folks can also register on-site (cash only) for Friday or Sunday only for $20, or Saturday for $35. Tickets and more details are available at www.game-itoba.ca