An essential however hopefully comprehensible replace: we received’t be internet hosting a SHUX occasion this 12 months. That’s the dangerous information out of the way in which – with the GOOD information being that we’re already planning SHUX 2024 for subsequent October, and hoping to return to the Vancouver Conference Centre.
Clearly, this can be a bummer. We all know how particular and essential this occasion is to lots of people, partly as a result of WE are these folks too. It’s our spotlight of the 12 months, and as we’ve stated repeatedly on the occasions themselves, we’re amazed and humbled at what SHUX has grow to be – sprawling out to be one thing that’s greater and cooler and kinder than any of us.
Should you obtain and skim our month-to-month e-newsletter this seemingly received’t be a shock: bold tasks and post-lockdown exhaustion implies that 2023 is a rebuilding 12 months for the SU&SD staff – after a decade of making neat stuff at prime pace, we’ve wanted a little bit time to get again to the core focus of creating beautiful and attention-grabbing movies about video games.
Covid was clearly disastrous for conventions, scuttling plans and erasing whole companies: fortunately we had been capable of carry a few of the deposits and ticket gross sales from 2020 ahead to SHUX 2022 – however we merely didn’t have the money within the coffers to type the down-payments for one more present this 12 months.
Once more, we’ve been massively fortunate all through the difficulties the business has confronted up to now few years – however we’d be mendacity if we stated we weren’t hit fairly exhausting by the covid lockdowns: whereas “board video games” as an idea noticed a growth for these with households or people who lived with like-minded people, hobbyist had been – typically – enjoying fewer video games collectively, or pissed off by the imperfect digital alternate options.
Add that to instances being harder throughout the board for everybody, and it’s very comprehensible that our donations have dwindled – it’s simply unlucky that this coincided with some extent of “low batteries” – having simply spent a handful of years attempting to swivel and pivot our manner via a troublesome interval.
Fortunately although – actually simply due to our donors – we’ve been capable of maintain this ship collectively, plugging any of the holes with laminated cardboard and mouth-mashed chunks of tiny wood cubes. And whereas we’re actually unhappy not to have the ability to share the enjoyment of SHUX with a few of you this 12 months, we’re nonetheless emotionally buoyed by the vibes of final 12 months’s conference – truthfully, it may need been the very best one but?
A strong reminder of what life might be like when all the things aligns: nice folks connecting across the squidgy core of this extraordinary pastime – a beacon of laughter and keenness and enjoyable after such an extended stretch of glum isolation. Our staff misplaced family members to the pandemic, as I’m certain can also be true for a lot of of you – however as a lot because the previous few years might have modified us, one factor stays the identical: life is at its finest after we’re surrounded by the parents we love, at a desk, staring quizzically at far-too-many cardboard elements.
And since we received’t have an opportunity to see you in Vancouver, we’re doing our DARNDEST to get to extra conventions this 12 months. Right here’s what we’ve got within the works, we hope to see you there!
UK Video games Expo [confirmed!]: Birmingham, England: Jun. 2-4, 2023 – Matt, Tom, and friend-of-the-show Pip will likely be doing a little silly issues stay on a stage, and signing your stuff, sooner or later? That is the massive UK present we attempt to do yearly, and we’re thrilled to be returning. Sadly we received’t be doing “stay podcasts” this 12 months as a result of warhammer has most likely spend mad $$$$ to show the room we normally use into laser quest, or one thing? Actually we’re not even mad, that’s a glow-up.
Ropecon [confirmed!]: Helsinki, Finland: Jul. 28-30, 2023 – We now have been invited to be this 12 months’s visitors of honour at Ropecon! Quinns, Tom and Matt will likely be doing a little talks, and certain enjoying numerous roleplaying video games. What else will we being doing there? We don’t know! And legally, WE DON’T HAVE TO TELL YOU. Come and see for your self, along with your eyes!(???).
SPIEL [unconfirmed]: Essen, Germany: Oct. 5-8, 2023 – It doesn’t seem like SPIEL actually does stage occasions – or essentially has any dramatic curiosity in us BEING there – however we’re attempting to airdrop special-correspondent Tom proper into the beating coronary heart of SPIEL.
PAX Unplugged [confirmed!]: Philadelphia, PA: Dec. 2-4, 2023 – We’ve headlined this nice present a couple of instances up to now, and we’ll be again once more to do COOL STUFF. Extra particulars nearer to the time!
Clearly – not one of the above are SHUX – and we’re actually going to overlook it – and also you! – this 12 months. However right here’s to hoping that for October 2024 we are able to spring again greater and higher than ever. Thanks as at all times, from the entire staff!
