For its first official in-person event, Sorcery: Contested Realm elected to make its debut at GenCon, the renowned annual gathering of gamers, a pinnacle event that draws enthusiasts from all corners of the globe. With four days packed filled with learn-to-play events, drafts, and the final Championship tournament - the response to Sorcery was incredibly positive, with many players commenting on the art and mechanics.
However, for every successful event, there's a pivotal element that often remains behind the scenes but is crucial to its success: the volunteer judges. GenCon's triumphant journey would be incomplete without acknowledging the tireless efforts and unwavering commitment of these individuals.
The GenCon '23 Judges are a testament to the dedication that made the Sorcery events a success. Drawn from a select group of seasoned players, judges were handpicked through a rigorous process that involves both game-specific knowledge and a range of interpersonal effectiveness questions. Beyond mastering game rules, they exemplify traits of empathy, fairness, and tact, ensuring that the gaming experience at GenCon remains enjoyable and rewarding for all participants.
The volunteer judges of Gencon embody the spirit of Sorcery's vanguard supporters, standing as stalwarts of the gaming community. Michael of Trinity Games, LLC, one of the up-and-coming Sorcery locales in Pensacola, FL commented that "Being a judge and a volunteer for Sorcery at GenCon has been one of the most humbling experiences I have had in the TCG World! SorceryTCG Judging and volunteering have revived my love for TCGs!"
As judges their role extended beyond just enforcing rules; they served as guides, mediators, and ambassadors of the event's core values. Their presence enriched the convention by fostering a sense of camaraderie and fair play among attendees, truly encapsulating the essence of what makes the Sorcery community so special.
Team Covenant Volunteer “Pre-Con” Event
To help celebrate supporters of Sorcery and get GenCon off on the right foot, a pre-convention meet-up was hosted by Team Covenant for the judge team. Gathering at the Bluebeard Restaurant in Indianapolis, attendees were treated to an evening of drinks, dinner, and drafting. The event was graced by the presence of prominent figures, including Zach and Steven from Team Covenant, veteran TCG player Michael Hamilton and Sorcery Artists Jeff Menges and Drew Tucker. Jeff and Drew both participated in the opening of Alpha packs, as well as signing cards for the judges. The Sorcery team was also on hand to celebrate, with Simon Swan, Ira Fay, and Chase du Pont in attendance!
“It was a great time,“ Sorcery Community Manager, Chase du Pont noted, “As a testament to how infectiously friendly and welcoming the judges were - they even got the restaurant staff to join in on opening packs and enjoying the game!”
As we celebrate another successful year of GenCon, let us remember to extend our gratitude to the Gencon 2023 judges! You can find more information about the GenCon Championship event they facilitated here.
