The Origins Game Fair, a staple of the summer convention season, is going to change things up this year in the wake of COVID-19. Instead of its usual physical presence in Columus, OH in June, it will be presenting Origins Online which will occur at its original time. From June 19-21, 2020, Origins Online will be an online convention devoted to tabletop gaming accessible to everyone via their various devices. According to their website:
This online experience will feature an Exhibit Hall where attendees can demo and buy games and merchandise, plays hundreds of games online, sign up for workshops and educational seminars with guest authors, artists and game designers.
As this is being orgainazed by the Game Manufacturers Association (GAMA) and in support of the industry during this crisis, they aren’t charging for a badge and are instead going with a “pay what you want” model. They are doing this in efforts to help support the fans and make it still accessible (badge sales will begin on May 18th).
More details about the online convention are still being planned and on-going questions are being answered on an FAQ on their site. I will be continuing to update this story as information progresses. If you’ve wanted a taste of a gaming convention, this is a great chance to dip your toes into the waters.