Adventure Convention

This is an annual event that has been held in the UK since 1989. It is usually held on the last weekend in October.

Introduction

Back in the mid to late 80's, when home computers such as the Commodore 64, Sinclair Spectrum, BBC Micro and many others were popular, text adventure games (traditional puzzle-based Interactive Fiction as defined in the original "Adventure" or "Collossal Caves) were very popular, some people have called that period the "golden age."

There were programs such as "The Quill," "Graphic Adventure Creator" and "Professional Adventure Writer" (Quill 2) that allowed users to write their own adventure games without the need to learn complex programming languages, although the programs themselves could be quite difficult to master.

This lead to a thriving "home brew" adventure game scene, which inspired many non-profit "fanzines" to appear that were run by volunteers. The content was provided by the readership sending in articles and reviews. One such magazine, still going today, is called "Adventure Probe" and back in 1989 the Editor and some of the readership got together to put on the first "Adventure Probe Convention."

The First Convention

This took place at a Hotel in Birmingham, West Midlands, UK on Saturday ????? 1989 and was a success, being attended by up to 100 people. Many of the "home brew" software houses were in evidence, selling and demonstrating their games. A number of the readers of Adventure Probe brought their computers along and so there was plenty to do and see and play. Several of the more "interesting" members of the readership were present, including "The Wayfarer" who could be seen dressed in travelling cloak and holding a lantern on a pole. Although the hotel staff were somewhat unsure, most attendees simply treated his appearence as "normal" which probably didn't help the staff that much.

The second convention, often described by veterans as "The Big One with the Video" attracted up to 150 attendees. The highlight of this convention was the first "Adventure Probe Awards" which were awarded in several categories. Representatives from some of the professional software houses were present to accept their awards in person. This itself was an indication of the influence of not just Adventure Probe but the other “fanzines” that were around at the time.

Details are sketchy:

• It might also be called the "Adventure Probe Convention" or "UK Adventurer's Convention". Note: Most usually called "Adventure Convention 200x"
• The Megapoints Competition, in which the players must play as far as possible a text adventure in 20 minutes, is held at this event.
• Adventure Convention 2000 was held in October 2000.
• Adventure Convention 2002 was organized by Doreen Bardon.
• Adventure Convention 2003 might have also been called Adventure2003.
• Adventure Convention 2004 was held at the end of October 2004 at The Allesley Hotel in Coventry.
• Adventurers Convention 2005, organized by Doreen Bardon, was held on Saturday 29th October, 2005 at The Allesley Hotel in Coventry.
• Adventurers Convention 2006, organized by Doreen Bardon, will be held on the last weekend of October 2006 in Coventry. This will take place at the Allesley Hotel in Coventry on the Saturday 28th.

• The homesite of the convention is at www.adventureconvention.co.uk.