| Warpcon | |
|---|---|
| Status | Active |
| Genre | Tabletop gaming, role-playing games |
| Frequency | Annual |
| Venue | UCC Student Centre |
| Location(s) | Cork |
| Country | Ireland |
| Inaugurated | 1990 |
| Organised by | WARPS |
Warpcon is an annual wargaming and roleplaying convention held at University College Cork (UCC) in Cork, Ireland.[1] As of 2010, the organiser's reportedly described it as "Europe's largest student-run gaming convention".[2] Beginning in 1990, it is run annually over a single weekend in January. Run by UCC's Wargaming And RolePlaying Society (WARPS), games played at Warpcon include role-playing games (RPGs) from several systems, collectible card games (CCGs), live action role-playing games (LARPs) and tabletop wargames.[3] The 20th anniversary event, in 2010, reportedly hosted approximately 700 attendees.[2]
First held in 1990/1991, the inaugural event was attended by 40 people in a single-room venue, growing to approximately 650 people by the time of the 2009 convention.[2]
In 2006, the Diana Jones Award for Excellence in Gaming was awarded to "Irish Game Convention Charity Auctions", including Gaelcon and Warpcon.[4]
In past years, Warpcon has invited writers, artists and other special guests to sign merchandise and occasionally run events such as games-making workshops.[citation needed] Previous attendees and special guests have included John Kovalic,[2] Steve Jackson,[2] Gareth Hanrahan,[5] Games Workshop's Jervis Johnson,[2] actor David Nykl,[2] and actor and puppeteer Ross Mullan.[citation needed]
Warpcon stages a charity auction of collectibles and other items; Previous auctions have included signed first-edition and pre-publication books, slots to appear as a character drawn by John Kovalic in card game, rare collectible cards, Jayne Cobb's hat (as worn in the TV show Firefly), and the first ever "My Little Cthulhu" plush toy.[citation needed] The auction takes place on the Saturday night of the convention, with proceeds going to a local charity.[citation needed]
In previous years various CCGs, from Magic: The Gathering to Yu-Gi-Oh!, have been hosted at Warpcon.[2] RPGs and LARPs from different systems are also run, with some based on the theme of that year's convention.[citation needed] Wargames played at Warpcon have included Warhammer 40,000, Warmachine, X-wing, and historical wargaming.[citation needed]