Library: Gen Con at UW-Parkside: Oral History Project

Gen Con Oral History Program

Tell us your Gen Con Gaming Convention Story!

ABOUT THE ORAL HISTORY PROJECT

Our aim is to learn more about Gen Con as it existed at UW-Parkside between 1978 and 1984. Table-top games, including Dungeons and Dragons, are rich in history, and they continue to grow in influence. Gen Con has been integral in table-top game development and culture; however, we have little information of its time at the UW-Parkside. Heather and Shauna, the librarians, have dug through the archives and
created a substantial beginning display of what we know, but I am hoping to gather additional information from people who may have been around or participated in Gen Con when it was held at the university.

We can interview in person, online, or phone call. Contact us gencon@uwp.edu.

Sample Questions

Sample Questions for Gen Con/D&D Oral Histories

(We’re completely open to additional questions, or ones that may make more sense!)

Demographics

Where are you from/where did you grow up?

D&D and Role-Playing Games

How old were you when you started playing Dungeons and Dragons or any role-playing games?
What Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) edition did you start with? (If you played D&D…)
Describe the first character you created (Class, physical description, alignment, personality, etc.)

Tell me about your favorite tabletop or gaming campaign; how long did it last and what was your role?

What was your most interesting or your favorite character?
How often did/do you meet?

A great Dungeons and Dragons campaign cannot be possible without the word and world-weaving abilities of a good Dungeon Master (DM). Did you ever run a campaign as a DM?

What is your favorite edition?

People say newer editions such as the 5th feel much like video games, deterring them from playing. What is your perspective, and do you agree?

Gen Con Specifics

Do/Did you have an official affiliation with TSR, Wizards of the Coast, or with Gen Con?
Can you tell us about what that organization did or does and what your role in the company was?
Did you attend Gen Con while it had a home at UW Parkside? (1978-1984)
- If yes, what are your favorite memories of Gen Con @UWP?
- What was your impression of the University?
- Where did you stay while attending Gen Con?
- Did you participate in any of the open games available to play? Which ones?
- Did you purchase anything from Gen Con @UWP?
Do you still attend Gen Con?

D&D Resurgence

How were you exposed to fantasy (D&D)? Was this a new genre or something had you been a part of the community before becoming mainstream? (Books, movies, specific authors/writers)
How do you feel now that Dungeons and Dragons has seen a surge in popularity, with a vast array of media personalities and celebrities claiming to play? When you started playing, was there stigma attached to the game in any form?
Are you glad Dungeons and Dragons has become more wide-spread, or would you have preferred it to stay tight-knit and niche?

·
During D&D’s surge of popularity in the late 70s – early 80s (and if you played at that time) did you ever have to navigate concern emerging from ‘satanic panic’?

If yes, what are some specific stories you can share? There was a lot of media coverage on fear stemming from the "dangers of playing Dungeons and Dragons" in the mid-1980s, as well as religious responses and concerns. These concerns are well-documented, but we want to hear from you and how it affected you directly. (Social conflicts? Family, Friends, outsiders?)

Closing Q’s

Have you ever had anything Dungeons and Dragons, Gen Con, fantasy, wargamer, etc. related published?
Do you play any other Role-Playing Games (RPGs) of any kind? (Tabletop, Live Action Role Playing [LARP], Video Games, etc.) If so, which ones??
What are some recommended media for someone who may want to get into Dungeons & Dragons or table-top games in general? (books, movies, etc)