Heartland Gaming Convention builds community one roll at a time

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI) — Gamers from across the region gathered in Cape Girardeau this weekend — not just to shop, but to connect.

The second annual Heartland Gaming Convention brought together enthusiasts to play everything from classic board games to the latest video games. Alongside the games were vendors, artists, and a variety of interactive activities, all with one goal in mind: building community.

“We want them to be able to come here, but also walk away with new friends—a kind of gaming family they can meet and play with throughout the year,” said co-founder Chris Elfrink.

Inside the convention hall, more than 300 board games were available, ranging from classics like The Game of Life to newer international titles like the Korean game Four Gardens.

Ryan Palen, who attended with his brothers, said they picked up a cooperative strategy game called Keep the Heroes Out and learned it as they played.

“It’s adorable,” Palen said. “It’s a cooperative game, so we’re working together to— I think—prevent the heroes from going through our dungeon.”

Palen said the event provided opportunities to meet fellow gamers.

“We were playing a game earlier called Castle Panic that we hadn’t played before and somebody walks by and goes, ‘Oh, I love this game!'” he said, “and we’re like, ‘Great. We got a quick question for you.’ So it’s a really great way to get people to talk and meet each other and play some games.”

At the “paint & take” station, Lena Buerhle was carefully painting a dragon figurine she plans to use in her next Dungeons & Dragons campaign. She started gaming in high school and now leads games as a dungeon master.

“I loved getting to create a story and especially creating a story with people that you love and enjoy to hang out with already,” she said. “Being able to make that with them is so beautiful, and it gives you a better understanding of them and everything else.”

Elfrink said the convention’s momentum won’t end here. Heartland Gaming Con plans to host monthly public gaming events leading up to next year’s convention. For more information click here.