It's getting to the point where we need to start thinking about a Spodley 2008.
For those who don't know what Spodley Grange is, it's a weekend mini-convention dedicated to playtesting.
Last year there were 11 of us locked away at a cottage in Northants. We managed 12 playtest sessions over the weekend. Which was cool as.
It was a blast, I enjoyed it tremendously and drank far more than was appropriate.
Ideally I want to get the same venue again this year, because it's nearly perfect for what we wanted to do. Also I'd like to aim for April, although the first week in May might be possible. Price, like last time will depend of the numbers attending. More people = less each. Assume that this is around the £50-60 mark, plus whatever it's going to cost you to get into the middle of a field in the middle of nowhere in Northants.
Everyone is welcome! If you have a game you want to playtest, bring it along. If you don't have a game to playtest, that's even more awesome! Last time about a third of the people there didn't bring anything to test and just tested other people's games. I think it's fair to say that they had just as much fun (if not more!) than the designers who came.
So, who'd up for some more Spodding about?
Me! I had a great time last
Submitted by Andrew Kenrick on Mon, 07/01/2008 - 12:29.
Me! I had a great time last time and found it really useful. The cottages were lovely too, as was the catering! Everyone really pulled together for every aspect of the mini-con, and it paid off!
Yup.
Submitted by Shane Mclean on Mon, 07/01/2008 - 13:09.
If the date works, I am certainly up for it.
Shane
Oops, responded to the SG
Submitted by Per Fischer on Mon, 07/01/2008 - 13:22.
Oops, responded to the SG thread already - but yes, I'd like to mingle my schedule to be able to make this.
Is there sleeping space for everyone in the cottage or do we need to bring a tent?
Per
http://darkplaces.squarespace.com
Dates
Submitted by evilgaz on Mon, 07/01/2008 - 13:52.
Howdy
I might foist myself upon you with my outmoded ideas and traditionalist dice types, just to get a full well-rounded playtest with all types of player. Depends on clashes with Tentacles and whether AK tells me I can't come 'cause I'm not hip(py) enough.
Gaz
All Inclusive?
Submitted by Destriarch on Mon, 07/01/2008 - 13:54.
Dunno if I can make it myself before I look at bank balance and train fares but just in case I can, what's included in the price? I'm guessing accommodation is thrown in, but food is extra, yes?
Ash
I might be interested, but I
Submitted by David Donachie on Mon, 07/01/2008 - 14:11.
I might be interested, but I am pretty certain I can't do the start of April, which are school holiday time.
http://www.solipsist-rpg.com/
Food and booze is
Submitted by Rich Stokes on Mon, 07/01/2008 - 14:19.
Food and booze is extra.
Last year we split the cooking duties between us. So 5 people cooked a meal each and everyone paid for half a meal (by splitting ingredients costs with someone else). Then there was breakfast, which was sort of included in the cost.
Please sir can I come???
Submitted by Newt on Mon, 07/01/2008 - 14:59.
I'd be up for this, be nice to have a mini-con away with other people interested in Games design :D I might also have foolishly started work on a new game by then.
First week of May would be a no-no for me, since its my daughter's first birthday.
Regards
;O)Newt
D101games -An Imaginary Company
Okee Dokee!
Submitted by Rich Stokes on Mon, 07/01/2008 - 16:29.
OK guys, it clearly looks like there's enough interest to make this worth looking into further.
I'll try to get a specific weekend sorted and then talk about costs and such.
Danger, Will Robinson!
Submitted by Destriarch on Mon, 07/01/2008 - 20:27.
Last year we split the cooking duties between us.
Ooh, I'd better not come then. Don't want to kill you all with food poisoning ;)
Ash
http://darkplaces.squarespace
Submitted by Per Fischer on Mon, 07/01/2008 - 22:04.
http://darkplaces.squarespace.com
If I can make it I can
Submitted by Shane Mclean on Mon, 07/01/2008 - 23:34.
If I can make it I can provide transport form the Birmingham area (airport included) and anywhere along the route.
Same as Ash, don't get me to
Submitted by David Donachie on Tue, 08/01/2008 - 11:30.
Same as Ash, don't get me to cook unless you value your life!
Well unless there is a very complete kitchen and I try and make chinese dumplings, they usually come out alright
http://www.solipsist-rpg.com/
I'm more than happy to cook again
Submitted by Scott Dorward on Tue, 08/01/2008 - 13:17.
I may chance something middle eastern this time, with lots of couscous, lamb, spinach and stuff.
I up for it and am happy to
Submitted by Iain McAllister on Wed, 09/01/2008 - 00:17.
I up for it and am happy to provide pancakes, bacon and maple syrup for breakfast and perhaps meatballs for an evening meal. I would be happy to organise breakfasts as I tend to be an early riser.
Cheers
Iain
Mob Justice now available!
'The Giant Brain':Small games, big ideas.
Planning? I've heard of that...
Submitted by Tim Gray on Wed, 09/01/2008 - 19:53.
I currently have no idea what shape this year is going to be for me, what money I might have, etc. So it's tricky to say anything useful at this point - but I'll certainly keep an eye on the discussions.
Tim Gray
Silver Branch Games
www.silverbranch.co.uk
I'm interested
Submitted by Matt on Wed, 09/01/2008 - 20:19.
...but April/May are likely to be busy.
-Matt
Realms Publishing
I was afraid you were going to say that...
Submitted by Gregor Hutton on Wed, 09/01/2008 - 22:39.
...as I tend to be an early riser.
Photographic evidence...... and reset.
I think I'm out...
Submitted by Graham W on Wed, 09/01/2008 - 23:20.
...just so you know. It clashes with this other thing.
Graham
hrmmm
Submitted by Thomas Lawrence on Sat, 19/01/2008 - 19:52.
That's be plop in the middle of exam times for me. Which is a shame, as during the holidays I live less than ten minutes drive from the very location.