Virtual U-Con Tech Post

Good Day All! It’s less than a week until U-Con 2021 so let’s talk about GMing online games. GMs – you probably already have a platform picked out (but if you don’t, Scott R. and Cheryl O. wrote a great post last year about Running Board Games using Teleconferencing. It’s a great quick guide for how to choose your online medium). After a year, there are some updates to keep in mind; Blue Jeans has waned in popularity and Google Meet will only give you 60 minutes before it boots you from the session (similarly Zoom will boot you after 40 minutes unless you have a paid account). The plus to all of this is U-Con has its own Discord server you can use and several platforms have their own communication systems.

In order for online games to happen successfully, the gamemaster must provide information to the players on where to meet and how to access the virtual game. This article is your guide to filling out the VTT information for the event you are running, in order to share that information with players.

Once Friday rolls around, you will want to log onto U-Con’s Discord server (need an Invite? Here’s one just for you!). We wrote a whole article on Discord last year so take a peek if you need a refresher. There is a new feature this year; the Online team has added LFG channels to each gaming area.  What’s LFG?  Looking for group!  These channels are for GMs to post that they are looking for more players for their games that haven’t filled up yet.  They are also for players who are looking for an impromptu game.  So please check out those channels throughout the entirety of U-Con if you’re looking for something to play!

Lastly, everyone should double check their game rooms and times (GMs and players), GMs, this is a good time to refresh your memory about the rules of your game and everyone make sure you have fresh batteries in their cordless equipment. Looking forward to seeing you all on the 19th!