ProtoCON: Where Games Begin
If there’s one thing game designers always need more of, it’s playtesters. The Board Game Designers Guild of Utah has always been a great resource for getting new games tested and critiqued, but now, they’re kicking things up a notch by organizing a new public playtesting convention they’re calling ProtoCON.
This one-day event will be held on Saturday, January 25th at Venue 6SIX9 in downtown Salt Lake City, and the event is free to attend as a player. Designers can reserve time slots starting at $15 each, although this year’s available spots quickly sold out after the convention was announced. On the morning of the convention, designers will have a chance to present their prototype to attendees, who will then choose which games they’d like to play throughout the day. After each playtest, designers and players will discuss the game and give feedback before moving on to the next session.
Four Keys by Jake Stuart 
Recess Rascals by Lyle Thatcher 
Midnight Hours by Dustin Dowdle 
Chrysopoeia Lords of Alchemy by Rick Lorenzon 
Four Keys by Jake Stuart 
Wizard Stones by Dustin Dowdle 
Recess Rascals by Lyle Thatcher 
Chrysopoeia Lords of Alchemy by Rick Lorenzon 
Four Keys by Jake Stuart 
Recess Rascals by Lyle Thatcher
The images in the gallery above feature locally-produced games that will be present at ProtoCON.
If you’re lucky, you might win one of the multiple raffle giveaways to be held throughout the day. Sponsors of the event include well-known industry giants like Panda Game Manufacturing, Tasty Minstrel Games, Red Raven Games, The Game Crafter, and others. As for food, Steve’s Killer Dogs food truck will be on-site throughout the afternoon and evening, and free pizza will be provided for lunch.
If you’d like a chance to shape the board games of tomorrow, you can register for the event at the ProtoCON website and join the discussion on their Facebook group.
