GameStorm.org
GameStorm is a fan-run not-for-profit annual gaming convention held in the spring in the Portland, Oregon metro area.
History
GameStorm started in 1998 as a fan-run event at the Clackamas, Oregon Denney's Convention Center. The GameStorm group often provides gaming programming at OryCon and other conventions in the Pacific Northwest as well, and has an extensive game library. GameStorm also hosts panel discussions about games and gaming-related topics, provides space for designers to play-test new products, and cross-promotes for other area conventions.
GameStorm provides a number of different activities for gaming fandom:
- Panel discussion topics, often with gaming industry professionals
- Role-playing games (RPG)
- Live action role-playing games (LARP)
- Miniature figure (gaming)
- Collectible card games (CGG)
- Board games
- Video Console Gaming
GameStorm, like OryCon, is run entirely by fans, with no paid staff, and is sponsored by Oregon Science Fiction Conventions, Inc. (OSFCI), a 501(c)3 not-for-profit corporation.
| Iteration | Dates | Location | Attendance | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GameStorm 10 | March 2008 | Red Lion - Vancouver, WA | 750 | - |
| GameStorm 11 | March 26–29, 2009 | Hilton - Vancouver, WA | 736 | debut of Video games, first-ever Artist Guest of Honor, Rob Alexander |
| GameStorm 12 | March 25–28, 2010 | Hilton - Vancouver, WA | 802 | Board games Guest of Honor: Tom Lehmann |
| GameStorm 13 | March 24–27, 2011 | Hilton - Vancouver, WA | 984 | Guests: Lisa Steenson, Michael A. Stackpole |
| GameStorm 14 | March 22–25, 2012 | Hilton - Vancouver, WA | 1072 | Boardgame:Andrew Hackard and Sam Mitschke of Steve Jackson Games - RPG: Jason Bulmahn |
| GameStorm 15 | March 21–24, 2013 | Hilton - Vancouver, WA | 1188 | Guests: James Ernest from Cheapass Games, Henry Lopez from Paradigm Concepts |
| GameStorm 16 | March 20–23, 2014 | Hilton - Vancouver, WA | 1346 | Guests: Mike Selinker, Shane Lacy Hensley, Lisa Steenson, Zev Shlasinger of Z-Man Games LARP Guests of Honor: David Coronado, Michelle McNeill, and Matt Branstad of Theatre Arcanos |
| GameStorm 17 | March 19–22, 2015 | Hilton - Vancouver, WA | 1547 | Guests: Michael Mindes from Zman Games, Creator of Fiasco Jason Morningstar, and Special Media Guest JR Ralls |
| GameStorm 18 | March 17-20, 2016 | Hilton - Vancouver, WA | 1550 | Guests of Honor: Mike Mulvihill, Shadowrun developer, and Brian Poel |
Upcoming GameStorm Convention
GameStorm 19 will be March 30-April 2, 2017, at the Red Lion Jantzen Beach.
Past Guests of Honor
- Peter Adkison
- Vincent Baker
- Matt Branstad
- Jason Bulmahn
- Andy Collins
- Monte Cook
- David Coronado
- James Ernest
- Richard Garfield
- Andrew Hackard
- Rob Heinsoo
- Reiner Knizia
- Robin Laws
- Tom Lehmann
- Steve Long
- Rick Loomis
- Andy and Kristen Looney
- Michelle McNeill
- Sam Mitschke
- Mike Mulvihill
- Brian Poel
- Michael Stackpole
- Lisa Steenson
- Jay Tummelson