GaymerX Convention May Return In 2015; WoW Developer Donates $10,000

Start / News / GaymerX Convention May Return In 2015; WoW Developer Donates $10,000

August 25, 2014

Though funding concerns put its future in jeopardy, GaymerX will indeed live on, though that depends on the success of a Kickstarter campaign launched today. The new name for GaymerX is GX3: Everyone Games, and the event--GX3--is described as "the gaming convention for everyone." For it to become a reality, organizers are asking for $80,000. Funding currently stands at more than $7,000 from 76 total backers.

"Inclusive conversations, exciting games, and panels with a fresh perspective on gaming" are promised for the event, which will be held in the San Francisco Bay Area in November or December 2015. The location and exact dates for GX3 are still to be decided, and will depend on how much money is raised through the Kickstarter.

As for why the GaymerX title was dropped, organizers said it didn't accurately or effectively encapsulate the group the event was trying to reach.

"We've become more and more aware that not all of our attendees identify with the 'gaymer' label," reads a line from the Kickstarter campaign. "And while we love all our gay dude friends, we realize there are more people than that who want an awesome space to hang with their friends in a safe and diverse environment. We want to make sure we represent everyone who feels like they've been left out of mainstream gamer culture."

Though GX organizers are looking for $80,000, they have already received thousands in funds from developers like Goat Simulator developer Coffee Stain Studios, indie game publisher Devolver Digital, and Thomas Was Alone creator Mike Bithell, who each contributed $3,000 last month after publisher NIS America backed out of a sponsorship at the funding level. The company has since reinstated its pledge.

In addition, World of Warcraft creator Blizzard Entertainment--which recently found itself in a bit of hot water over the lack of diversity in its games--pledged $10,000 to the event.

The total cost of running GX3, according to organizers, is $159,500--meaning the Kickstarter is aiming to make up about 51 percent while the rest will be covered by sponsorships and ticket sales if the Kickstarter is a success. Tickets to GX3 will cost $60 if you contribute to the Kickstarter; otherwise, they will go for $70 when the event rolls around. In addition, organizers point out they are setting up the event on their own and will not draw any kind of salary until funding reaches $157,701.

Finally, GX organizers admitted that the original GaymerX suffered from poor planning, and last year's Gaymer X2 was held at a venue that was too large and expensive. For GX3, however, they have chosen an off-peak time of year (fall/winter) when hotel room rates are less expensive. You can read more about GX3 at the Kickstarter page.