One of the leading board game publishers has a room with their games all set up on tables in open display waiting to be enjoyed. Volunteers flitter about, teaching games to onlookers and those dedicated enough to take a seat in front of a new experience, whether it be in the form of cards, wooden figures (known as "meeples"), or a flat board with beautiful artwork. One of the games looks interesting and has been left completely vacant. You sit down and idly thumb through the rulebook to decide if you want to take the plunge. Two people approach.

Him: "Do you know how to play this game?"

You: "No, do you? Well, I guess that's kinda self-explanatory."

Her: "Haha, I guess we can learn together, right?"

A volunteer approaches. "Hey, are you folks looking to learn this game?"

What follows is introductions, handshakes, stories of experiences thus far, jokes, laughter, and an exchange of contact information. The night closes and you walk back to your hotel room bearing a smile, unaware that you've made friends not just for the rest of the convention, but for life. Oh, and I guess the game was fun and someone won, but who can remember how it went?

This is Origins.

We've put together a feature so that you, RPGFan readers, can get a brief update of what Origins Game Fair has to offer, as we have in 2012 and last year. This isn't your typical console or PC feature, but an introduction or continuation of what board gaming and other aspects of the convention can provide. Taking place in Columbus, OH just about every June (around E3, cruelly enough), Origins is an organized event where gamers, hobbyists, designers, and artists can join one another in celebration of their passion. Origins has something for everyone, whether it's merchandise (and deals!), classes on game design and getting your game published, meet-and-greets with movers and shakers in the industry, or just plain old gaming with friends and yet-friends, to name only a few. We hope you enjoy the feature!