The Playtester’s Guide to Unpub 8
Brad SmoleySo, you’ve decided to come to Unpub. I mean, there’s no reason not to since you’re a big fan of board games and the event is free! So, as an attendee, what do you need to know about the show? Here’s a quick guide detailing everything that’ll get you ready for Unpub 8!
When is it again?
The doors open for playtesters on Friday afternoon, March 23rd at 3pm. We have access to the entire venue and although playtesting ends at 7pm on Friday and Saturday evenings, open gaming will continue into the wee hours of the night.
The last playtest ends at 2pm on Sunday, March 25th. The event, however continues until 7pm on Sunday if you wish to stick around and take advantage of open gaming.
Tell me about the venue!
Our new venue for Unpub 8: Delta Hotels Baltimore Hunt Valley Inn
If you’re an Unpub veteran, you’ll remember that we used to be at the Baltimore Convention Center. Well, we’ve moved! This year we’re at the Delta Hotels Baltimore Hunt Valley, formerly the Hunt Valley Inn, in Hunt Valley, Maryland, a suburb of Baltimore:
245 Shawan Road
Hunt Valley, MD 21031
It’s a popular destination for geeky conventions in the Baltimore area, as they host Shore Leave and FaerieCon annually.
There’s FREE PARKING available on-site.
The hotel is also accessible to the Light Rail. It’s a short, half-mile walk from the Hunt Valley Light Rail stop to the convention:
If you think you’re going to be having so much fun that you just don’t want to go home, hotel room blocks are available for $129.00 a night plus tax. When reserving your room, please make sure to use the code: UG1.
Book at the Delta Hotels Website or by calling (410) 785-7000.
Ten rooms were recently added, but may be sold out soon!
So, what’ll you do?
You’ll playtest games! What does that mean? Well, during the hours in which our awesome game designers are demoing their games, all you have to do is show up, sit down, play the games, and give feedback! How will you know which games to play? Look for our happy mascot Bludle on each table. If he’s standing up, the designer is looking for players. You’ll also notice that Bludle will tell you the maximum number of players the game takes, the time it takes to play, and the name of the game.
There’s a printed program at Unpub 8, but this year, we’re not listing the games in it. To find out more about the games themselves, please download the Unpub app (currently iOS only).
Not only does the app list our great unpublished games, but it also gives you access to the feedback forms you’ll use to let the designers know how to improve their games. Feedback is the lifeblood of Unpub. We can keep the event free to the public as long as you’re continuing to give us great feedback for the games we bring to you! Also, every feedback form submitted is an entry into raffles for prizes (must be present to win).
If you don't have an iOS device, never fear! There will be several feedback stations provided in the main hall that you can use. We know you wanna chance to win a sweet game from our stockpile of donated treasures, and the designers want that delicious feedback. We got you!
You guys need any help?
Aren’t you sweet? Why yes! Yes, we could use your help. If you want to volunteer, all you have to do is fill out this form:
You will be representing the UNPUB Organization. The expectation of you is to adhere to the Unpub Attendee Policy. By agreeing to be a volunteer, and by filling out this form, the understanding is that you have read the Attendee Policy. Once the application closes, we will contact you via email with a link to sign up for specific duties on specific shifts. This will be no later than March 20, 2018. If you have any questions, please feel free to email volunteers@unpub.net or inbox us on Facebook!
That’s about it!
Thanks for attending Unpub. We literally couldn’t do it without your support!
