{{Short description|Annual game convention in Cork, Ireland}} {{Use dmy dates|date=May 2015}} {{Use Irish English|date=May 2015}} {{multiple| {{More citations needed|date=March 2008}} {{notability|events|date=January 2023}} {{single source|date=January 2023}} }} {{Infobox Convention |name = Warpcon |image = |image_size = 300px |caption = Lets play some games |status = Active |genre = Tabletop gaming, role-playing games |venue = UCC Student Centre |location = Cork |country = Ireland |first = 1990 |frequency = Annual |organised = WARPS |website = }} '''Warpcon''' is an annual wargaming and roleplaying convention held at University College Cork (UCC) in Cork, Ireland.<ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.warpcon.com/?page_id=2 | website = warpcon.com | title = About Warpcon | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20101021110610/http://www.warpcon.com/?page_id=2 | archivedate = 21 October 2010 }}</ref> As of 2010, the organisers reportedly described it as "Europe's largest student-run gaming convention".<ref name="examiner2010">{{cite web|url = https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-20110607.html | publisher = Irish Examiner | website = irishexaminer.com | title = Student wizards and goblins prepare for battle | date = 27 January 2010 | accessdate = 19 January 2023 }}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web|url = https://uccexpress.ie/warpcon-xxix/ | website = uccexpress.ie | title = Warpcon XXIX | date = 24 February 2019 | accessdate = 19 January 2023 }}</ref> The 20th anniversary event, in 2010, reportedly hosted approximately 700 attendees.<ref name="examiner2010"/>
== History == 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.<ref name="examiner2010"/>
In 2006, the ''Diana Jones Award for Excellence in Gaming'' was awarded to "Irish Game Convention Charity Auctions", including Gaelcon and Warpcon.<ref>{{cite web| title = The Diana Jones Award 2006 | url = http://www.dianajonesaward.org/06winner.html | website = dianajonesaward.org| accessdate = 19 May 2007 }}</ref>
In past years, Warpcon has invited writers, artists and other special guests to sign merchandise and occasionally run events such as games-making workshops.{{fact|date=January 2023}} Previous attendees and guests have included John Kovalic,<ref name="examiner2010"/> Steve Jackson,<ref name="examiner2010"/> Gareth Hanrahan,<ref>{{cite web|url = https://www.echolive.ie/corklives/arid-40283765.html | publisher = The Echo | website = echolive.ie | title = Cork author: 'Write or starve is a powerful motivator' | date = 8 May 2021 | accessdate = 19 January 2023 }}</ref> Games Workshop's Jervis Johnson,<ref name="examiner2010"/> and actor David Nykl.<ref name="examiner2010"/>
==Events and features== At previous Warpcon conventions, a charity auction of collectibles and other items has been held on the Saturday night. Past auctions have included signed first-edition and pre-publication books, slots to appear as a character drawn by John Kovalic in card game, Jayne Cobb's hat (as worn in the TV show ''Firefly''), and the first ever "My Little Cthulhu" plush toy.{{fact|date=January 2023}} In previous years various CCGs, from Magic: The Gathering to Yu-Gi-Oh!, have been hosted at Warpcon.<ref name="examiner2010"/> RPGs and LARPs from different systems are also run, with some based on the theme of that year's convention.{{fact|date=January 2023}}
==References== {{reflist}}
==External links== * {{official|https://www.warpcon.ie/}}
Category:Culture in Cork (city) Category:Gaming conventions Category:Annual events in Ireland Category:1991 establishments in Ireland Category:Recurring events established in 1991