Virtual Fools

The Virtual Fools are proud–and just plain excited– to be returning to Magfest (now in its 8th iteration, though this is our 7th). The event takes place at the “way too nice for a motley crew like us” Hilton Mark Center in Alexandria, Virginia. The imported Italian marble in the lobby contrasts sharply with grown adults dressed as Mega Man.

We are busy this year, just as busy (or busier) than in years past. [Note that I am still working off a "not finalized" schedule in posting this--for updates, follow @bokista on Twitter in case things, god forbid, get moved or delayed].

The whole caboodle kicks off tonight, with an “epic party” inclusive of Shael Riley & The Double-Ice Backfire and Virt concert performances, as well as a pervasive Goldeneye 007 theme.

Our guest/panelist contributions start on Friday. At 5pm in “Panels 1,” we present Game Studies 101, a comprehensive, hour-long introduction to the study of the videogame. We intend to introduce this nascent field and provide scaffolding for the various ways in which scholars discuss games. Then, starting at 6 pm, VF teams up with/against members of X-Strike Studios and PBC Productions in a majestic, bout of theatre-sports moderated improv! Come see your favorite goofballs compete against other goofballs. Time permitting, we’ll also do some long-form.

The Low Score Podcast with Bobby and J (special guest, me) will likely be podcasting on Friday and Saturday, at least once in public, so stop by and find us if so inclined. We’ve got a (thankfully) lighter day on Saturday, but will be made busy by all the great festivities–a definite highlight of which is the Sid Meier “keynote” at 1 pm.

Things get super busy again on Sunday. We are taking part in an illustrious “Gaming Intellectuals” panel from 12-2, with Ryan Soloby (ex of Chromelodeon), Tim Macneil, Robert V. Aldrich, and Shaun Cashman (believe it or not, a schoolmate of mine from NCSU)! In this two hour discussion, likely moderated by Aldrich, we’ll discuss game narratives, providing, hopefully, widely divergent views on their success, usefulness, and evolution.  Shaun’s got a “gaming immersion” panel right after, and the X-Strike Studios “premiere showcase” can surely tide you over until…our Password: Videogame Edition at 6 pm. Hey, remember Password? Need a refresher? We’ve resurrected this red-headed-stepchild of the game show world. Much like last year’s successful Match Game, we’ll be giving many contestants a chance to compete for some pretty nice prizes. There will be fun, jokes, celebrities, quips, zings, voices, impersonations, highs, lows, agonies, defeats, and triumphs.

So that’s what we’ve got planned for you. But there is much, much more. Take a peak at this semi-complete schedule, check the official site for the final deal, come to the convention, greet the New Year with force.