PLAINVIEW – “Nerd” culture returns to Wayland Baptist University from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 29 as Way-Con 2022 connects those who love comic books, science fiction, table-top games, video games, cosplay, and contests.
“This is our second Way-Con event,” explained Dr. Kimberlee Mendoza, Dean of the School of Languages and Literature and event organizer. “Last year was a raging success, with more than 400 people from several states in attendance. This year we are projecting 600-plus.”
Admission is free, but food and merchandise will be sold by more than 33 vendors and food trucks.
Gaming will be a big part of the event, according to Mendoza.
“We have tournaments being run by Stormcrow, Found Gaming, Plainview LimeLite, and the WBU E-Sports Team,” she said. “Along with that there is tabletop open play and game testing, video game open play, laser tag, face painting, caramel apples, an art walk, trivia, a cosplay contest, raffle prizes, and much more.”
Mendoza’s “much more” includes workshops for those who want to learn more and enhance their experience.
“One of the workshops I’m most excited for is being taught by Mike Edlin,” she said. “Mike used to work at Skywalker Ranch and will be doing a workshop on Star Wars from the perspective of someone who worked there.”
Lots of participants are expected to be costumed, and Mendoza encouraged everyone to put on their best cosplay costume and join in the fun.
“It should be a great event for those of all ages,” she said. “I should note that this is a family friendly event, therefore all costumes should be PG appropriate.”
Way-Con begins at 9 a.m. at Harral Auditorium, but participants can begin signing up for activities at 8:45 a.m. Laser tag open play begins at 9 a.m. with a scavenger hunt and open video game play starting at 9:15 a.m. Commander Magic, Pokémon Level Ball, Smash Bros and Mario Cart tournaments begin at 9:30 a.m. Lots of other activities take place from 10 to noon, which is check-in type for the Cos-Play Show and the ending time for the scavenger hunt.
The afternoon is loaded with more fun activities in workshops, tournaments and more. At 4 p.m., Mike Edlin’s Star Wars workshop wraps things up.
Mendoza and other Wayland faculty members will be at Way-Con to discuss the table-top gaming degree the university offers. The humanities degree focuses on game design, story-telling and marketing, and taking a game idea from concept to the marketplace.
For more information on Way-Con or the degree, contact Dr. Mendoza at 806-291-1106 or mendozak@wbu.edu.
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