The Game Loft in Belfast, ME will be hosting a Dungeons and Dragons game event and fundraiser Saturday, August 17th generously sponsored by Bladerunners Systems. Experienced Dungeon Masters will run 6 game tables for two 3-hour sessions. Seats are available for all ages 9+ and can be reserved online at loftsandlegends.bpt.me. Cost is $10 per player per session cash at the door. All proceeds to benefit The Game Loft, a Waldo County nonprofit promoting Positive Youth Development through non-electronic games and community involvement.
“Role-playing games like Dungeons and Dragons are a really important tool in the Game Loft toolbox,” commented Game Loft Marketing and Development Coordinator, Allison Harrell. “Someone who doesn’t know much about these games may not think of them as educational. But not only are math and reading fundamental components, role-playing games in particular are also a great way to develop social and critical thinking skills.” Dungeons and Dragons, first published in 1974, pioneered a class of games that focused on individual character development and group storytelling. Players unite as a party and set out on a fantasy adventure interacting with the setting under the narrative guidance of the Dungeon Master. Harrell went on to say, “In a game like Dungeons and Dragons kids are really given an open playing field to make bold choices and have an extraordinary impact, which makes it a game that lends itself not only to self-exploration but empowerment.”
And it’s not just for kids. Dungeons and Dragons has been experiencing a sort of Renaissance in the last decade. No longer relegated to dim basements, adult players are proudly streaming their games online and garnering cult followings. “When I tell other adults (especially those around my age) that I work at the Game Loft I often hear, ‘Oh man, I wish I could still play there!’ or ‘You should really host an adult game night!’ Well, here’s their chance,” Harrell beams. “I’m really hoping to see the tables filled with fresh faces: adult players who’ve been looking for a game, parents and family members exploring their kids’ interests, new players who’ve always been curious, people who played back in the day, and kids, of course.”
Session 1 will run from 10am-1pm and Session 2 from 2-5pm with a 1-hour lunch break in between. Each table and session will run a unique one-shot campaign with 5 players per table; 2 tables per session will focus on family games while other tables will host groups teen plus. New players are welcome, and light refreshments will be provided. Pre-registration is strongly encouraged, as space is limited.
The Game Loft is located at 78A Main Street in Belfast, ME above All About Games. Find the Lofts and Legends event on Facebook and brownpapertickets.com. For more information, please call (207) 338-6447 or e-mail info@thegameloft.org.