The world’s most northern gaming and popular culture convention, the Ptarmicon 2024 convention, took place in Yellowknife from July 27-July 28 and showcased a variety of games, from medieval dungeons and dragons warriors to modern superheroes.
Ptarmicon is the most northern gaming and pop culture convention in the world. It is also the name of the non-profit organization which hosts a big summer convention, as well as bi-weekly game nights and special events throughout the year. The goal is to create spaces where everyone is welcome, regardless of whether you are an esports enthusiast, casual tabletop gamer, veteran LARPer, pop culture fan, or just curious about these activities. Ptarmicon also has a Discord community to bring people together from all walks of life. While there was a $10 ticket for adults, the event was free for kids under 12.
The president of the Ptarmicon Society, Reigh Foster DeBaie, reported that the “world’s most Northern” gaming event continues to grow in popularity. Last year, the event attracted over 600 attendees. Foster DeBaie described the event as a Comic-Con-style gathering that mainly features video games, board games, costumes, and tabletop gaming. The event typically includes five to ten vendors and has been running for 12 years. Foster DeBaie attributed the recent increase in interest in gaming culture to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Young people enjoy playing board games instead of spending all of their time on electronic devices. Parents, especially, are trying to get their kids to take a break from screens. Ptarmicon helps families and people who like tabletop gaming come together and have some good, old-fashioned fun. The team is finding ways to build community around the table – that’s why tabletop gaming has become more popular in the last few years.
Chris Bessey, a member of Yellowknife Live Action Role Playing (LARP), showed live-action role-playing during the convention. Bessey, dressed in medieval clothes and holding a long spear, and Phil Anderson, wearing knight’s armour, looked like characters from a Dungeons and Dragons game as they had an impromptu faceoff.
“We put these costumes together and trained with foam weapons because we run adventures for the group members every couple of weeks in the summer,” Bessey said. “In Dungeons and Dragons, you might be sitting around a table and narrating what you’re doing so that everybody understands.”
“We just do it. We’re physically there to do it in person. So it takes a little bit of training. You need to be prepared, especially if it’s hot and smoky. But we’ll still try to do it every opportunity that we get. New members are always welcome to join the fun,” Bessey said. Foster DeBaie mentioned that ‘Dungeons and Dragons’ has become very popular over the past decade, and the Ptarmicon event is a chance for everyone to try out the games with others.
The Ptarmicon convention, the world’s most northern gaming and popular culture event, is a significant benefit to society as it fosters community, inclusivity, and creativity. By bringing together a diverse group of people—from experienced gamers to newcomers and families—Ptarmicon creates an environment where individuals can connect over shared interests and experiences.
By providing a welcoming space for all, Ptarmicon strengthens community bonds and promotes mental well-being through creative play and social engagement.
