Click Here to Visit the Official Origins Site

Check out the Latest Origins Events Update!

The 2007 Origins Onsite Addendum is available now, so you can take a look before you get to the show. It contains all of the last-minute additions, changes, and cancellations to the 4,000 events on the Origins 2007 schedule. Printed addendums will be available at Main Registration and at the Information Booth.  Download the addendum at www.originsgames.com.

Origins International Game Expo takes place July 5-8, 2007 in Columbus Ohio, USA.

See you at the show!

Rare Items at Origins Auction and Charity Items Return

Crystal Caste has announced that they are putting in 2 very rare items into the Origins Auction this year - a set of Amber Dice and a set of Petrified Wood Dice, of which less than 10 sets of each exist in the world.

Some very limited experimental dice are also being put into the auction.  Although the exact details haven't been released, in the past such dice have been made from Blue Tiger Eye, Red Malachite, Rutilated Quartz and other unusual or semi-precious gems.  Usually these are seven piece dice sets (d4, d6, d8, d10, d10%, d12 and d20).

The charity auction is also returning to Origins this year.  All proceeds will be going to the Make-a-Wish Foundation, the official charity of Origins.  Many of the manufacturers attending Origins have kindly donated items to this charity auction, and you can too.  When you come enter your items into the auction, you may choose to mark any of them as charity if you wish - no pressure though!

You've only got a few days left to dig out and pack some of your unused games and gaming items to put into the Origins Auction or Origins Consignment Store.  Hope to see you here!

                                                 - Troll And Toad,

Sponsors of the Origins Auction and Origins Consignment Store

WizKids Brings Dynamic Events to Origins

June 27 - The WizKids Tournament Hall (Ballroom 2) at Origins will be your destination for fun!  Offering a dozen storyline events, Battle Royale events, and pick-up games, you won't want to miss a moment of this convention schedule.

WizKids will not have any booth sales at Origins (though many retail vendors at the show will have our latest and our out of print products), so our HeroClix "Battle for Fin Fang Foom" events are the only way you can take Fin Fang Foom home from Origins!

Don't miss two big Pirates storyline events: "Fleet Wars" and "Vikings at Ocean's Edge."
 
Saturday night hosts the Star Wars(tm) PocketModel(tm)TCG event where you can build your empire and control the galaxy!

In addition, HeroClix and HorrorClix Battle Royale events will take place every hour from 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. (Thursday-Saturday) and 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. (Sunday). Star Wars PocketModel TCG Battle Royale events will take place every hour from 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday only.

As time and space allow, we will also be hosting pick-up games, so even if you can't attend one of the events above, drop by our tournament area and ask.

The Origins International Game Expo will take place July 5-8, 2007 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center in Columbus, Ohio. For more information on the full list of WizKids events, as well as the other 4,000 events being held at Origins, please visit the Origins Web site at http://www.originsgames.com/.

(c)2007 WizKids, Inc. All rights reserved. MechWarrior, HeroClix, HorrorClix, PocketModel, and WizKids are trademarks of WizKids, Inc. Marvel and all related characters and the distinctive likenesses thereof are trademarks of Marvel Characters, Inc., and are used with permission. (c)2007 Marvel Characters, Inc. http://www.marvel.com/ (c)2007 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All rights reserved.

Best Play-By-Mail games

Columbus, OH - June 25, 2007 -- The Academy of Adventure Gaming Arts and Design (aagad.originsgames.com) proudly announces this year's Origins Awards nominees for the best Play-By-Mail games.

The nominees are as follows:

It's A Crime
Moderated by: The Adventure Guild
Design Credits: Jack B Everitt, Robert I Cook, Michael Popolizio

Feudal Lords/Right of Kings
Moderated by: Last World Games
Design Credits: Vladimir Degen, John Van De Graaf, Robert Biggar, Sean
Hawley, Rick Ryker

Phoenix: Beyond the Stellar Empire
Moderated by: KJC Games
Design Credits: Dr David Bethel, Mica Goldstone

Spiral Arm
Moderated by: Mercury Games
Design Credits: Kevin Flynn

Starweb
Moderated by: Flying Buffalo Inc
Design Credits: Rick Loomis

Play by Mail/E-Mail Room at Origins

Origins attendees can learn more about this type of gaming at the Play by Mail/E-Mail Room at Origins. Play by Mail/E-Mail games are generally multi-player (more than two) with moves or turns on some kind of schedule. No player has an advantage over you, because the turns are processed once a day or once a week or even once every two weeks. Usually these are games where there is hidden movement and unknown events, which the moderator or referee keeps track of for you. This room is for folks interested in this kind of game, and you will find flyers, rulebooks, and sample turns for many games; plus fellow gamers who want to discuss the games, and possibly a demo game or two. This room sponsored by The Adventure Guild, Flying Buffalo Inc, Intelligent Life Games, Last World Games, Madhouse UK, and Reality Simulations.

Attendees Vote on Origins Awards

Attendees at the Origins International Game Expo will cast the final votes for the Origins Award winners in the Play-By-Mail category as well as a range of other categories. The nominees, announced earlier this year, will be on display for fans to review. Attendees will go to the Origins Awards booth to pick up their ballots. Ballots must be returned by the posted deadline on Saturday to be counted. The winners will be announced at the Origins Award Ceremony at 8 p.m. July 7, 2007.

For a complete list of this year's nominees, please visit the Web site of the Academy of Adventure Gaming Arts and Design at www.originsgames.com/aagad/ or visit the Origins Web site at http://www.originsgames.com/ and download the Origins Pre-Registration book.

Mayfair Games and GAMA Team Up to Support the Kids Wish Network!

(June 19) Mayfair Games will be working with the Game Manufacturers Association (GAMA) to collect games for the Kids Wish Network at Origins! And, both gamers and companies can get involved!

During the Origins International Games Expo (held July 5-8, 2007 in Columbus, OH), GAMA will be contacting companies to collect donations for the Kids Wish Network. All donations will be used to support their goals of "infusing hope, creating happy memories, and improving the quality of life for children." More about the organization can be found at http://www.kidswishnetwork.com/.

In addition to company donations, we're inviting gamers to help in the cause! Simply bring complete, usable games to the Mayfair Room (located near Hall E of the convention center) and they will be gratefully included.

Mayfair Games is offering a "New Start Incentive" to fans of our games! Bring complete, usable copies of any in-print Mayfair game, and we'll give you a 50% off coupon to replace that copy of the game! This is your chance to get a new edition or fresh copy of a game you enjoy, and help children at the same time!

We look forward to seeing you at Origins!

Origins Vanguard Award Winners Announced

Columbus, OH -- July 7, 2007 -- The Academy of Adventure Gaming Arts and Design (aagad.originsgames.com) proudly announces this year's Origins Vanguard Awards for innovative and unique gaming products.

The Awards go to:

• Pieces of Eight by Jeff Tidball, Atlas Games
• Harpoon 3 - Advance Naval Warfare Designed by Advanced Gaming Systems, Matrix Games

See both games and demo them at Origins this year! (Origins is July 4-7, 2007 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center in Columbus, OH - http://www.originsgames.com/.)

The Academy honors the recipients each summer at the Origins International Game Expo. "the Origins Vanguard Awardees represent the are 'the Cutting Edge' of new design in the gaming industry," said Pete Panzeri, 2007 Academy Chairman.

Game descriptions:

Pieces of Eight Atlas Games by Jeff Tidball    http://www.atlas-games.com/ Adventure and glory await you in Pieces of Eight, the rousing combat game of rival buccaneer ships on the high seas. You play the game with a stack of metal pirate coins held in one hand that represents your ship. The coins you choose and the order in which you place them determine your ship's strengths, and you use the special abilities of your coins to destroy your opponent's coins one by one. Your goal is to expose the Captain coin buried deep in the middle of your adversary's ship, then take him out!;;Dare to enter the age of blood and gold with either The Blade or The Maiden's Vengeance ship set. Each set includes all the coins needed for one player to construct his own ship. Your opponents will each need their own ship set to play, but there's no other limit to the number of players who can join in. The coins in each set are not randomized; you can combine ship sets to gain a wider selection of coins and the advantage over your foes. 2 players (each with own set) - 10 to 30 minutes - ages 10 and up

Harpoon 3 - Advance Naval Warfare, Matrix Games Designed by Advanced Gaming Systems http://www.matrixgames.com/games/game.asp?gid=323 Harpoon 3 Advance Naval Warfare features solid AI that provides a good, deadly opponent that can challenge players of all skill levels. The overall game is geared more towards the advanced player due to the complexity of the included scenarios (there are a lot of ships), but the inclusion of the formation editor and missions makes controlling a large number of units a viable feat.

You decide who wins an Origins Award!

Attendees at the Origins International Game Expo will cast the final votes for the Origins Award winners in a range of categories. The nominees, announced earlier this year, will be on display for fans to review. Attendees will go to the Origins Awards booth  to pick up their ballots. Ballots must be returned by the posted deadline on Saturday to be counted. The winners will be announced at the Origins Award Ceremony at 8 p.m. July 7, 2007.

For a complete list of this year's nominees, please visit the Web site of the Academy of Adventure Gaming Arts and Design at www.originsgames.com/aagad/ or visit the Origins Web site at http://www.originsgames.com/ and download the Origins Pre-Registration book.

Mayfair Games Brings Thrilling Offerings to Origins...

Including the Chance to Win a Trip to Germany!

We're less than a weeks away from Origins in Columbus Ohio, and we couldn't be more excited. Here are some of the things we have planned:

In addition to our booth (#329), we have our very own Mayfair Room! Learn our new games in the booth, and then find almost all of our events being run here (with the exception of our rail games, once again being ably handled by the Puffing Billy folks). Just below the Board Room and War Room and across from the Tabletops Hall in Room E170-172, the Mayfair Room is a great place to play all of your favorite Mayfair games.

The Great Mayfair Ribbon Hunt will once again be at Origins! Anyone collecting a complete set of ribbons will receive--well, you'll just have to show up and find out!

The Origins Settlers of Catan World Qualifier, where we find one of our two U.S. representatives for the Catan World Championship in Germany in October. The winner of the tournament gets a plane ticket and a spot in the big show at Essen! Enter more than once during the show, and your best result will be taken for qualification. We hope that you'll consider putting your Catan skills to the test at the World Qualifiers!

And of course, New Games like Age of Discovery, Before the Wind, Kragmortha, China Rails and The Fishermen of Catan, and who knows what else.

Origins International Game Expo will take place July 5-8, 2007 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center in Columbus, Ohio. For a complete list of Mayfair events and times, visit the Origins Web site at http://www.originsgames.com/. While you are there, be sure to check out the over 4,000 events going on at Origins!

Fact Sheet

WHAT: 33rd Annual Origins International Game Expo

WHERE: Columbus Convention Center, 400 North High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215

HOURS: Registration: Exhibit Hall:

ADMISSION : Full Show Pass $70 One Day Pass $35

ATTENDANCE: In 2006, Origins International Game Expo hosted over 14,000 visitors during its four days.

SPACES: Origins hosts over 4,000 events. These events take place in the Greater Columbus convention Center, the Hyatt Regency Hotel, and the Crowne Plaza Hotel.

SPONSORS: The Game Manufacturers Association (GAMA), a non-profi t trade association for the games industry in cooperation with manufactures, retailers and supporters of the hobby games industry. GAMA, connects, supports, educates, and promotes the people and companies involved in the world of games. Sponsoring companies include Mayfair Games, Paizo Publishing, Pokemon USA, and Hyatt on Capital Square.

WHO ATTENDS: Anybody who loves games! Over 14,000 attendees converge on Columbus from all over Ohio, the rest of the US, and internationally from Europe, the Pacifi c Rim, and elsewhere. Our attendees cross many demographic and socio-economic categories.

Featured Events

• PLAY WITH A CREATOR - Origins offers game enthusiasts the opportunity to sit and play their favorite game with the designers of those games. Some of the featured designers of past years included Richard Garfi eld (Magic: The Gathering), Keith Baker (Eberron Roleplaying Game), Alan Moon (Ticket to Ride ), Reiner Knizia (Modern Art), Klaus Teuber (Settlers of Catan), and many more.

• SPECIALTY PROGRAM TRACKS - many game enthusiasts prefer a specifi c category or subject for their games. Origins offers programming tracks dedicated to super-heroes, history, horror, pirates and ninjas. For the board game enthusiast, there is the Board Room and the War Room for wargame fans.

• THE ORIGINS ART SHOW - One of the most rapidly growing art shows in the country, the Origins Art Show features a wide variety of artists and styles. This year, the Artist Guest of Honor will be Larry Elmore. Other featured artists include Ed Beard, Mark Poole, Nigel Sade, Jason Engle and Columbus natives Steve Prescott and Jeff Carlisle. The work of over 30 artists will be on exhibit and for sale. The Origins art show will be a stop on the Short North Gallery Hop in July.

• TEACHER’S HALL PASS PROGRAM - Part of a continued initiative to include games as part of a classroom curriculum. Origins offers this series of demonstrations, seminars, and brainstorming sessions. Educators, librarians and homeschooling parents are offered free admission to Origins with their teaching credentials. In the past, seminar subjects have included “Games for Language and Communication Arts,” “Board with History,” and “Implementation, Adaptation, and Metrics.” Many exhibitors offer an educators discount on products for Teacher’s Hall Pass participants.

• EDUCATIONAL SEMINARS - Learning has always been an important aspect to the hobby and social games industry.  Through a variety of programs and initiatives, we encourage game enthusiasts to continue to learn through their hobby. Many lovers of history will fi nd many subjects to interest them at Origins. Military history is the focus of the Origins War College, featuring notable speakers Carlo D’Este, Frank Chadwick and COL. David Glantz. Other subjects include the use of horror in gaming, how to create plots and settings, and designing your own game. The Very Mini GTS offers retailers useful suggestions to make their stores successful.

• FEED A VAMPIRE BLOOD DRIVE - Now in its third year, Origins and the Red Cross have partnered together to encourage blood donation. With the help of members of the national One World By Night live action roleplaying organization, attendees are encouraged to support their local vampire by giving blood. The drive has been so successful, this year the Red Cross will be offering two opportunities to donate blood, Friday and Saturday afternoons.

• LIVE ACTION ROLE PLAYING EVENTS - Games do not have to be limited to a tabletop. Origins supports the largest assortment of live action roleplaying games in the country. Players dress in costume and use props to further the plot. Many remain in convincing costumes of modern vampires, cowboys of the wild west, or space marines of the future.

• NATIONAL TOURNAMENTS -National and regional competition from Pokemon, Flames of War, Out of the Box, Mayfair Games, and many more. Many of these tournaments drawn participants from across the country.

• FAMILY OUTREACH PROGRAMS - Origins is a family event. As such, we offer options for those family members who are not hobby game enthusiasts. The Spouse Track offers activities and trips to Columbus points of interest including the Columbus Zoo, Short North Gallery Hop, and the Columbus Clippers. For families with young children, there is a Kids Room staffed with adult supervision. Children who are pre-school age can play games and enjoy activities just for them.

Here is a list of commonly used terms in the community of game-players

BOARD GAMES : An “old school” term used in reference to most games that come in a box, get set up, and are played by a group of people at a table. The more relevant and inclusive term we prefer at Origins is Tabletop Games

CCGS: The typical and well-known abbreviation for Collectible Card Games.

LARPS: Commonly-used abbreviation for Live Action Role Playing Games.

MINIATURES GAMES: One of the oldest forms of “adventure gaming,” whereby players manage one or more miniature fi gures representing combative forces on a table or other surface. There are almost always two sides, though sometimes more, and the focus is on maneuvering and resolving combat be tween the represented forces. There are two recognized styles these days – traditional (most often using metal miniatures purchased, customized, and painted by the owners) and collectible featuring miniatures, sold in starters and boosters, on special bases that have the game play directly handled on the fi gure).

RPGS: A very common abbreviation for Role Playing Games.

TABLETOP GAMES: A broad category that includes board games, non-collectible card-based games, “party” games, and war games. A board is often involved, but not necessarily. The category is better defi ned by examples: Settlers of Catan, Apples to Apples, Sid Meier’s Civilization, Lunch Money, Ticket to Ride, Axis & Allies, and Carcassonne. Note that there are many classic tabletop games that are so well-known and mainstream that we put them in the Traditional Games category.

TCGS: A common abbreviation used for Tradable Card Games.

TRADABLE CARD GAMES:

Though considered a sub-category of Tabletop Games, these games specialize in presenting tactical and/or strategic scenarios where two or more players take on the role of a commander of military forces attempting to achieve goals through warfare and confl ict management. In many ways, War Games are the foundational heart of the adventure game market, originally invented by military offi cers to train offi cers centuries ago.

Origins Event Purchase System to Go Live!

You will have the ability to purchase your 2007 Origins eventsbeginning Thursday, 24 May at Noon Eastern Time.

To make this process as easy as possible, please log into the OriginsWeb site now at http://www.originsgames.com/ to verify your user name and password. Please contact us if you have any problems before events go live so that we can get you ready to log in ahead of time. Also note, password registration is based on fields in your profile. If you do not have the profile fields filled in, you need to contact custserv@gama.org to get your password reset. Save yourself future time and trouble by filling in your profile information by clicking on your username once you have logged into http://www.originsgames.com/.

Don't forget that right NOW you can also download the Pre-Reg Book to see all of the events we're highlighting at the show; and the Event Charts so you can sort and arrange them any way that you need to help you to best plan your Origins trip!

Thursday at Noon, you will be able to register for events and purchase badges and ribbons. If you have not registered online before, here are the step-by-step instructions:

How to Buy Badges and Events Online

1. We have color-coded the buttons on the site, green buttons take you forward through the checkout process, red buttons cancel or go back a step, and grey buttons help you gather information.
2. Remember that each badge can only purchase one ticket to an event! You cannot purchase multiple spots in a single event on a single badge.

If you do NOT already have a badge

1. First you need to be logged onto the site. You can create an account using the login box in the upper right corner of the page.
   Then choose a badge from the list on the REGISTRATION page.
2. You will then need to complete the information for the badgeholder and click CONTINUE.
3. (Optional) Now you can add events to this badge using the SEARCH EVENTS and ADVANCED SEARCH event search functions. Once you have selected your events you can click ADD CONTENTS TO CART to move this badge and its events into your shopping cart.
4. (Optional) At this point you can add another badge (and events) by repeating the process above. You can add as many badges as you want.
5. Finally, click CHECKOUT on your shopping cart and complete your purchase.

If you have previously purchased a badge and now want to add events

1. First you need to be logged onto the site.
2. Instead of choosing a badge from the list, select MODIFY EXISTING BADGE. This will bring you to a list of any badges you have purchased and you can choose to ADD EVENTS TO BADGE by selecting that option under the appropriate badge. (See step 4 above. Repeat for additional badges that you have purchased.)
3. Once you have added all of the events, click ADD CONTENTS TO CART then click CHECKOUT on your cart.

We thank you for your patience and look forward to seeing you at Origins 2007! Remember, events go live Thursday, May 24, 2007 at noon Eastern Standard Time.

Win a Warhammer Online Beta Account at Origins!

Visit the EA Mythic booth to play the Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning Beta and enter to win a beta account!* War is everywhere in Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning (WAR), the new MMORPG from the creators of Dark Age of Camelot(r). Based on Games Workshop's popular Warhammer(r) fantasy war game, WAR features next generation Realm vs. Realm(tm) (RvR) game play that will immerse players in a world of perpetual conflict.

*Names drawn daily