Roll the Dice on your Future: HSE's Board Game Future Convention is Back
Are you the person who plans ten moves ahead in chess, negotiates fierce trades in Catan, or weaves intricate narratives in a role-playing session? Do you have ideas for a game that could be the next big hit in the tabletop world? If your answer is yes, then clear your calendar for November 15th! The HSE University School of Design, with the support of the “GRaNI” Guild of Board Game Developers, is proud to announce the second annual student convention, Board Game Future.
This event is a dynamic incubator for creativity, a networking hub for the industry, and a vibrant celebration of game design. HSE is transforming the Cultural Center into the epicenter of Russia's tabletop scene for one unforgettable day. Whether you're a seasoned developer, a HSE student curious about design, an industry publisher, or simply a passionate board game enthusiast, this convention is your playground.
What is Board Game Future?
Board Game Future is a large-scale event designed to bridge the gap between budding creators, industry professionals, and the gaming community. It’s a unique platform born within HSE's innovative ecosystem, focusing on the future of tabletop games. Here, creative concepts are not just discussed — they are played, tested, and brought to life. The convention serves as a crucial meeting point for students from various Russian universities to present their projects, discuss cutting-edge trends in game mechanics and storytelling, exchange ideas, and find collaborators who share their vision. It's about building a community where a spark of an idea can evolve into a tangible, playable product.
What awaits you at the convention?
Prepare for a day packed with activities designed to inspire, educate, and connect. Project Presentations and Playtesting Sessions: this is the heart of the convention. Do you have a game prototype, even an early one? This is your chance to present it to a live audience. You will receive immediate, invaluable feedback from experienced developers, publishers, and, most importantly, players. For guests, this is a rare opportunity to be among the first in the world to play the games that might dominate shelves tomorrow. You can discuss your impressions directly with the authors and contribute your ideas to shape the future of their projects.
Beyond the prototypes, people will have a massive collection of board games available for open play. It’s the perfect opportunity to de-stress, have fun with friends, and analyze game design from a player's perspective. What makes a game engaging? What mechanics feel rewarding? Use this experience to fuel your own creative process or simply to enjoy a day immersed in fantastic worlds.
Besides, this event can be an unparalleled networking with colleagues and mentors. The tabletop industry thrives on community. Board Game Future is engineered to foster connections. Meet like-minded students from HSE and other universities, exchange contacts with industry veterans, brainstorm with potential partners, and find a team for your next big project. The conversations you have here could be the start of your future career.
The prestigious board game design contest: in the spirit of friendly competition and recognition of talent, the convention will host a contest for the best board game. Participants will present their projects to a professional jury comprising renowned developers, publishers, and critics from the "GRaNI" Guild. This is your shot at gaining serious industry recognition.
And yes, the winners will receive valuable prizes!
Why this event is essential for HSE Students
As a leading university in innovation and creative industries, HSE provides a unique environment for interdisciplinary growth. The Board Game Future convention embodies this spirit. It connects the analytical thinking of economists, the storytelling of philologists, the systemic logic of computer scientists, and the visual prowess of designers. Participating in this event allows you to:
- Apply your academic knowledge in a practical, real-world project.
- Develop soft skills like project management, public pitching, and teamwork.
- Gain a tangible advantage in the growing global market of game design and creative entertainment.
- Connect your personal passion with your professional path, all within the supportive HSE community.
Practical information for your quest:
Event: Board Game Future 2025 - the annual student Board Game Convention.
Where: HSE University Cultural Center (Pokrovsky Bulvar, 11, Building 6, Corpus Z).
When: Friday, November 15, from 11:30 AM to 7:00 PM.
For whom: HSE and other university students, game developers, industry publishers, and all board game enthusiasts.
Registration: mandatory for all participants and guests. Please ensure you register at least one week in advance to secure your spot and help the organizers prepare accordingly.
Don't just play the game — create it. Join HSE at the Board Game Future convention and be part of the next wave of tabletop innovation.
Shared by
