Greetings gamers!

As pandemic restrictions lighten, we continue to ramp up and plan for GameStorm 22 (Revision 2.5), now set for March 2022. As we move forward, we will start providing more frequent updates and want to make sure you are all having your voices heard when it comes to what we are planning.

Without further ado, let’s get to it.

Updates:

Memberships are live again for those who have not purchased a membership yet. You can go to gamestorm.org to purchase a membership at $55.00. This is the lowest price and matches what it was when we were trying to prepare in 2020 at this time. If you know someone who has not yet received a membership, now is the time to get one.

Our hotel block is also live. If you want to enjoy the full action of all 4 days, we strongly encourage you to reserve a room and stay onsite. Go to our website for the link, pricing, and availability. Please note that the ‘block’ reserved for GameStorm is longer than the convention so some people can arrive earlier/stay longer and still get our great rate.

Changes:

Even though Oregon and Washington are lightening up restrictions, we are being extra diligent for new information and changes to requirements. While masks are currently not required, things could change between now and March, so please keep watching for continuous updates.

GameStorm will do everything we can to assist in the safekeeping of our members, including taking additional cleanliness measures that are still being developed, having hand sanitizer onsite, and more. We are evaluating the lending library as well, but still plan on having it available.

The largest change that comes out of this is that we have chosen at this time to discontinue our hospitality suite. A combination of factors, including the pandemic assessment, have led to this decision. It was also not an easy decision as we have had this available for years. We are still planning on having the Glisan ‘eating’ area available, and are still considering having a possible drink service, but this has not been confirmed. We are also looking at possibly having a food truck on site for additional food service options for people. We will update you as we have more information.

News:

We have started planning our first GAME DAY since Early 2019. We are waiting for some additional information on the latest strain of Covid-19, but we are hoping for a mid August date. Watch our social media channels as well as an updated news letter for details once we have them confirmed.

Our Game Library is still planning to be at Rose City Comic Con, Kumoricon, and OryCon, pending available space and restrictions. If you want to play some of our games with us, please visit us while you are at these events.

Game Submissions for GameStorm 22 should open sometime in November or December. Get ready to start planning those big game events.

Volunteer needs:

We are always on the lookout for new volunteers, and we have some key staff positions we are in dire need to fill, and that would be our Pre-Convention and At Con registration. These have been the same person in the past but can be easily moved to be 2 people.

Pre-Convention oversees handling any online purchases, controlling the database, and working with Treasury on any refunds. They also make sure badges are created and available for at the convention.

At the Convention, registration handles onsite sales and cash transactions, distributes badges, and coordinates onsite sales for the next GameStorm.

If you are interested in these or any other volunteer opportunities, please contact us at chair@gamestorm.org

Q&A (Questions asked during the Live chat)

• How do people who purchased a GameStorm 22 shirt get one?

The shirts will be available at the Game Day. Due to the delays (no excuses) if you would like the shirt sooner, please contact chair@gamestorm.org (No new orders at this time, but these may be made available at events)

• Will there be dealers?

We still expect to have all features we normally have at our convention except for Hospitality. If you are interested in having a booth, please contact our Dealer Liaison (dealers@gamestorm.org). Limited space may be available.

• Any concerns about the board game lending library? Will there be sanitation between users?

We do not know currently. It is unlikely to have constant sanitation of all parts as they come in for a game, but we are monitoring how other conventions are handling of items such as this as well as continuing guidance from the CDC for further changes. We will have hand sanitizer available for those who wish to use it.

• Can we have disinfectant wipes at the table?

This is a great idea, but there is a significant cost and labor to having this available. We will investigate what it may take to have something like this or another option available, including having wipes available at the library for those who wish to use them.

• Are you still moving forward with card holders / other devices to help with disabilities?

Our Game Librarian has confirmed we will have some card holders, bit bowls, and other things available in limited supplies for those who wish to utilize them. We are also going to have things such as a basic set of braille dice available.

• Has there been anything heard from Play and Win?

It is still planned as usual. Our Play and Win is very popular so we would love to continue it. Please bear in mind that support for that is totally dependent on support from publishers and game designers so we hope that they are also recovering well.

Thanks to everyone who joined the live chat, and those who still support us after all this time. We look forward to coming back to normal soon and hope to see you all. If you have any questions, you can contact feedback@gamestorm.org or message us via FaceBook.

Thanks again,

-Jason

-GameStorm 22 Chair