Almost 24-hour gaming at a 5-day NJ con to meet all your competitive needs.
Besides Atlantic City and Newark Airport, outsiders might not believe that New Jersey has anything to offer especially for those of the geek persuasion. As it turns out Double Exposure, Inc. puts on two large gaming conventions during the calendar year: Dreamation, the smaller of the two is held in the spring, and Dexcon which just wrapped up its twelfth year. The conventions include every facet of gaming from video game tournaments, RPGs, tabletop/board games and card & dice games, miniature strategy games and of course, live action role playing. On top of all the gaming, the hospitality is friendly and everyone is treated like family; in fact, it’s quite normal to see folks walking around in the pajamas while others might be dressed in their Neo-Victorian best. The organizers even plan special events like a “prom night” where guests can come out in black tie ensembles, left over bridesmaid or prom gowns, or their very best eccentric attire suitable for the vampires or fairies visiting.
Located in the historic city of Morristown, New Jersey, the Hyatt plays host to Dexcon’s five days of parties and gaming. The hotel offers vast amounts of space including a secluded corridor of private conference rooms for groups that need a quieter space. Over 900 events are plotted out in the most organized grids which wallpaper the hallways. Even though Double Exposure, Inc. is known for the Avatar System, you can literally find an event for every conceivable game with opportunities to game until 4 a.m. It’s recommended to splurge on the valet parking rather than navigating the quickly packed parking garage (and parking is validated!); you might also take some honest advice and not venture out on the city streets in the middle of the night because while it is a very clean city, there’s enough crime which should just be avoided and your boffer sword isn’t going to help. The strong police presence does provide security for those that are used to a higher-class urban environment.
Naturally, all this gaming can wear one down. What’s better than a sugar rush? In the Con Suite, guests were treated the spread of Ghirardelli chocolate fondue which was originally started because of a themed party for “Love & Magic” created by Martha Schulze. The fondue party was such a success that it became a Dexcon tradition.
The video game suite featured some favorites: Rock Band, Street Fighter and Soul Caliber. RPGs abound with several versions of Dungeons & Dragons and enough Cthulu based competitions to satisfy those with the fantasy-horror itch. Over 20 LARPs were on this impressive schedule as well including the familiar Cthulu Live!, Vampire: the Masquerade and some local organizations like Knight Realms and Brimsteam. There’s a small vendors area where you can the staples like dice, books, videos, fantasy garb and essential geek t-shirts too.
When you need a break, the Hyatt’s bar and grill area provides the most tranquil setting of wall length water features, candle light and dark wooden furniture giving one the sense of serenity so you can recuperate before the next match up. So next time you have the strong urge to compete in endless championships or friendly gaming, don’t forget to check your calendar for the next Double Exposure event and give Jersey a chance. For more information, visit dexposure.com.
July 15th, 2009 at 8:04 pm
Sounds fun!
Omg fondue /drools
July 17th, 2009 at 6:04 am
It was