The 2018 High Level Games Conference packed three days with live-action role-playing, tabletop RPG sessions, panels, workshops, and special activities. Below is the full lineup as it ran at the Showboat Hotel.
Marquee LARPs
- Blood & Betrayal — A Vampire: The Masquerade LARP of intrigue and predation.
- Paradigm 2018: Pandaemonium — Criminals, burners, reporters, and addicts converge in a shadowy pre-Halloween narrative. Full details »
- Magischola Escape Room: Detention Breakout — Immersive theatre meets escape-room tension, presented by Magischola. Full details »
- The Speakeasy: A Prohibition LARP — Ran Friday and Saturday, 7:00 pm to midnight.
Admission Hours
| Day | Date | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Friday | October 12, 2018 | 10:00 am – 10:00 pm |
| Saturday | October 13, 2018 | 10:00 am – 10:00 pm |
| Sunday | October 14, 2018 | 10:00 am – 5:30 pm |
Panels & Workshops
Sessions throughout the weekend covered game design, world-building, and industry topics. Featured guests Chris Spivey, Ericka Skirpan, Jason Andrew, and Contessa led discussions and shared insights from their work in tabletop and LARP communities.
Special Activities
- Magic: The Gathering with Gamers Vault
- Huldufólk @ HLG Con
Game Studio Guests & Exhibitors
Publishers, artists, writers, stores, and vendors filled the exhibitor hall. Attendees browsed new releases, met creators, and picked up gaming supplies throughout the weekend.
Additional Schedule Resources:
- Full Schedule — Complete session-by-session listing
- Event and Game Submission — Propose a game or panel
- No Spoilers Style Guide — For Paradigm 2018 participants
- No Secrets Style Guide — For Paradigm 2018 participants
All events took place at the Showboat Hotel, 801 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, New Jersey 08401.
The High Level Games Convention schedule is carefully curated to offer a diverse range of experiences for every type of tabletop enthusiast. From the moment doors open each morning, attendees can choose from an array of live-action role-playing games, traditional tabletop RPG sessions, and immersive workshops led by experienced game masters and designers. Panels throughout the day explore topics such as world-building, character development, and inclusive gaming practices. The schedule is structured to allow attendees to move between events, ensuring that everyone can craft their own unique convention experience. Whether you are a seasoned role-player or new to the hobby, there is something to discover at every hour.
A highlight of the convention program is the selection of marquee LARPs that transport players into richly detailed narrative worlds. These large-scale, live-action experiences are designed to be the centerpiece of the weekend, drawing players into intricate plots of intrigue, mystery, and collaboration. Each marquee LARP is a self-contained story that unfolds over several hours, with participants taking on defined roles and influencing the outcome through their choices and interactions. The creative team behind these events invests significant effort into crafting compelling scenarios, detailed costumes, and atmospheric settings that make each session memorable and deeply engaging for all involved.
Beyond the major LARP productions, the schedule includes a robust lineup of tabletop role-playing game sessions covering a wide variety of systems and genres. Game masters run adventures for both popular and indie RPGs, offering opportunities for players to try new mechanics and storytelling styles. Workshops and seminars provide hands-on learning, covering topics like game mastering techniques, narrative design, and the art of collaborative storytelling. These smaller sessions encourage direct participation and foster a sense of community among attendees, allowing players to connect with fellow enthusiasts and share their passion for the hobby in an intimate, supportive setting.
The convention also dedicates time to special activities and social events that bring the community together outside of formal gaming sessions. Evening events, open gaming areas, and social gatherings provide space for attendees to relax, trade stories, and make new friends. The schedule is designed with generous breaks between sessions, allowing time to explore the vendor hall, meet guests, and enjoy the unique atmosphere of the convention. This thoughtful pacing ensures that the weekend feels both full and manageable, giving everyone the chance to fully immerse themselves in the celebration of tabletop gaming without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.