Special Guests

Peter Adkison is an American game designer and entrepreneur best known as the founder and first CEO of Wizards of the Coast, established in 1990. Under his leadership, the company revolutionized the gaming industry with the release of Magic: The Gathering in 1993, the first collectible card game . Wizards also acquired TSR, the publisher of Dungeons & Dragons, revitalizing the iconic role-playing game . In 1999, Adkison sold Wizards to Hasbro and later purchased Gen Con, one of the largest tabletop gaming conventions, which he continues to own . A lifelong fan of role-playing games, Adkison remains a significant figure in the gaming community.

Luke was literally born into gaming as he is the son of Gary Gygax, the co-founder of Dungeons & Dragons, the first Roleplaying Game ever created. Luke began his creative endeavors at an early age as he was literally raised playing D&D. He designed the Bullywug and played the iconic fighter/magic-user Melf whose eponymously titled Acid Arrow and Minute Meteors are still used in the latest version of D&D. Luke recently retired from the Army after over 30 years, and spends his time creating new material through his publishing company, Gaxx Worx (gaxxworx.com).

Luke is also the founder and head of Gary Con (garycon.com), a memorial convention in honor of his Dad held in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin every March. Lake Geneva is Luke's hometown and it was where his father founded the convention Gen Con, TSR Inc and wrote Dungeons & Dragons. The city is truly the Heart of Tabletop Roleplaying Games.

When Luke isn’t creating adventures or coordinating Gary Con, he enjoys spending time with his wife Bouchra, their three daughters, Miriam, Amira and Sabrina, and their faithful hound, Grogu.

Sir Ian Livingstone is a pioneering figure in the gaming industry, renowned for co-founding Games Workshop and co-creating the Fighting Fantasy gamebook series.

He has also played a crucial role in the development of iconic video games like "Tomb Raider," and has been a driving force in promoting the UK as a global hub for game development.

His contributions have earned him a knighthood and widespread recognition as a visionary in the field.

Steve Jackson is the founder of Steve Jackson Games (SJ Games), a company renowned for its innovative and influential role-playing and board games. Established in 1980, SJ Games has produced popular titles such as "GURPS" (Generic Universal RolePlaying System), "Munchkin," and "Car Wars." Jackson's contributions to the gaming industry have earned him a reputation as a visionary game designer, known for blending humor and strategy in his creations. His work has significantly impacted the landscape of tabletop gaming, fostering a community of dedicated players and enthusiasts.

Alex Yeager ( Now COO at Amigo Spiele, ex-Steve Jackson Games ex-Mayfair Games). Alex has over 250 credited playtest or development credits for a wide variety of board game companies, as well as producing and writing for podcasts. Alex also enjoys comics, music and other people’s pets.

Alex will be hosting our Boot Camp this year. Click here for more info.