📖Anecdotes from Demoing IADS: The Game at Tabletop Conventions

💪Before we begin this mini-series, I want to give a gigantic shoutout to Seth, without whom I couldn’t have physically made it through three full days of demoing at Kawaii Kon Honolulu earlier this year.

Seth running a demo using the more complex and in depth capabilities of the Maritime platforms!

🧩 The 5 Most Common Types of Convention Attendees at the IADS: The Game Demo Table

1. The “This is my favorite game now” Player

2. The Immediately Tickled Military Member

3. The Needs-a-Break-in-the-A/C Non-Gamer

4. The Geography/Cartography Enthusiast

5. The Historical Wargamer

1. The “This is My Favorite Game Now” Player

Scanning the Tabletop Gaming Room attendees from behind my demo table, I saw throngs of energy drink-hyped teenagers hurrying toward the DnD campaigns zone, couples in matching Ghibli tees promenading the vendor stands (shoutout to Janelle and Aj!), and the occasional cosplayer posing for photos with fans of the represented IP.

After a long day of demoing, social battery waning, I can easily feel a wave of renewed energy when I see the glint of air war tactical understanding shine in the eyes of a new group of gamers seated across the aeronautical navigational chart.

Con attendees from all backgrounds, ages, vocations — with no military affiliation, and just moments ago asking, “What’s an I-A-D-S?” — soon find themselves hunched over the map with their teammate, strategizing. Triaging countless tactical options in rushed, hushed voices: where to deploy what asset, which platform to upgrade, “What if we sent the...” (whispers behind cupped hands), raised eyebrows point toward the opposing team’s possible Headquarters card.

Ric rolling snake eyes during his last ditch effort to protect his Headquarters! GG!

These players often arrive mid-stroll, intending to “check out the tabletop room,” but end up staying until one of their con buddies drags them away. I’d hear:

• “Okay, I gotta go — will you be here later?”

• “I’ll come back tomorrow!”

And they did.

As will I — with tomorrow’s next installment of con stories!

– Madonna 💁🏻‍♀️

Looking forward to attending Kawaii Kon Honolulu again in April 2026! Stay tuned for the list of cons we'll be at this year as well!