FULL GAME PLAYTESTS 1 & 2 - Choose one:

Huichang Persecution of Buddhism in China, 841-845 - Geoffrey Goble 

This historical role-playing game immerses students in the intense debates preceding the Huichang Persecution of Buddhism (841-845). Set during the Tang Dynasty, students embody various factions—Buddhists, Daoists, Confucians, Pro-Buddhist Courtiers, and Monotheists—arguing for or against suppressing Buddhism and other foreign religions. Outcomes hinge on swaying neutral Grand Councilors, who ultimately decide the fate of these religions. Designed for 2-3 days of setup and 4-6 days of gameplay, the experience emphasizes persuasive writing, public speaking, critical thinking, and historical understanding.

Renewal or Removal? Urban Redevelopment and Pittsburgh's Hill District, 1949-1963 - Aaron Cowan

This Reacting to the Past game focuses on the debates surrounding urban redevelopment in Pittsburgh’s Hill District, a vibrant but economically struggling African-American neighborhood. Set between 1949 and 1965, players take on roles of city officials, business leaders, community activists, and media figures as they navigate complex issues of race, class, and economic development. The game explores themes of public housing, civic planning, and community displacement, challenging players to advocate for their factions while confronting broader questions of justice, progress, and power.

12:30 - 2:00 PM

LUNCH BREAK

2:00 - 4:00 PM

MICROGAMES 

Merchants of Justice: The Jewish Boycott of Ancona and the Court of Suleiman the Magnificent - John Giebfried

Quiet Revolutions - The Merchants of Oran - John Giebfried

Close Race, High Stakes: A 1960 Election Microgame - Ray Kimball

4:00 - 4:30 PM

BREAK

4:00 - 6:00 PM

PLENARY

Info to come!

7:30 - 10:30 PM

GAME NIGHT!

9:00 AM - 12:30 PM

PLAYTESTS 3 & 4 - Choose one:

Negotiating Peace at Westphalia, 1648 - Emily Fisher Grey

This Reacting to the Past game reenacts the unprecedented peace conference that ended the Thirty Years War, held in Münster and Osnabrück. Students embody European diplomats negotiating complex issues like religious toleration, territorial disputes, and the power of the Holy Roman Emperor. Through speeches, alliances, and even marriages, players attempt to resolve one of the bloodiest conflicts in European history and shape the modern state system. The game emphasizes negotiation skills, historical empathy, critical thinking, and the challenge of achieving consensus under pressure

Brazilian Constituent Assembly, 1987 - Eduardo Magalhães III

This Reacting to the Past game immerses students in the Brazilian Constituent Assembly of 1987-88, a pivotal moment when Brazil sought to transition from military dictatorship to democracy. Students take on the roles of delegates representing diverse political parties, states, and ideological positions, debating issues such as presidential versus parliamentary systems, military amnesty, minority rights, and economic policies. Through negotiation, speeches, and strategic alliances, players craft a new constitution while contending with the looming possibility of a military coup.

12:30 - 2:00 PM 

LUNCH BREAK

2:00 - 3:30 PM

PITCH SESSIONS - Learn about new games and help colleagues with tough problems

The Embassy to Caligula - John Giebfried

The First World Jewish Women's Congress of 1923 - John Giebfried

Religion, Rights, and Community – Buffalo, 1976 - Jonathan Lawrence

3:30 - 4:00 PM

BREAK

4:00 - 5:30 PM   

WORKSHOPS - Pick up a new skill, or learn about a new field

Beyond the Classroom: Alt-ac/Post-ac Options in Game-Based Learning 

Making Game Design Easier Using Engineering Design Principles 

7:30 - 10:30 PM

GAME NIGHT 2: ELECTRIC BOOGALOO

9:00 AM - 12:30 PM

PLAYTEST 5:

This Reacting to the Past game centers on the aftermath of the Mixtón War and the struggle to impose the New Laws of 1542 in New Spain. Students play roles as Spanish officials, encomenderos, clerics, and indigenous leaders grappling with questions of governance, religion, justice, and economic exploitation. Key debates include the legitimacy of Spanish rule, the treatment of indigenous peoples, and the enforcement of new laws aimed at curbing encomienda abuses. Players navigate alliances, moral dilemmas, and political power struggles to shape the future of New Spain.

12:30 - 2:00 PM

LUNCH BREAK & END OF CONFERENCE