A little-known secret is that the Central Coast is home to a vibrant and growing board game community of all ages – from award-winning miniature hobbyists who work from their home garage to Pokemon players who recently represented Australia at the 2024 Pokémon World Championships in Hawaii.
Central Coast Board Game Club is central to the gaming community with an extensive club membership meeting weekly at Central Coast Leagues Club in Gosford.
These gatherings are not just about rolling dice and drawing cards; they are about building friendships and fostering connections through a shared love of games.
The club will celebrate all things gaming with a fantastic line-up of events and activities at Coast Con 2024, the ultimate gaming convention, to be held from 10am until late on November 2 and 3 at Central Coast Leagues Club.
Among exciting developments in the local board game scene is Hexcrement, an engaging conservation educational board game which centres on dungs beetles and was designed right here on the Central Coast.
It has been a community effort.
For Marcela Gigliotti, local school teacher and the dung beetle expert on the design team, Hexcrement is a blend of her passion for conservation education and the joy of board games.
The graphic designer, Stefan Petrov, is an avid Dungeons and Dragons amateur involved in the local arts community.
And Paul Mason is a father whose children extensively play-tested the game during its development.
Their game Hexcrement made its debut at Central Coast Comicon, capturing the imagination of players with its unique theme involving players to step into the roles of dung beetles collecting smelly treasures to bring home.
Gigliotti says that it has received enthusiastic support from independent stores across the region including Elemental Arcade in Gosford, NJ Collectables in Tuggerah, and Lovinn Lime in Wyong.
“Hexcrement stands out not only for its fun gameplay but also for its educational value and we use the game in educational settings, teaching players about biodiversity and the important role dung beetles play in our ecosystem,” she said.
“With its blend of strategy and chance, Hexcrement is designed for up to six players, making it perfect for family game nights or gatherings with friends.
“As the Central Coast Board Game Club prepares for Coast Con 2024 and continues to foster a love for gaming, local creations like Hexcrement are at the forefront, showcasing the talent and creativity of our community.
“No longer the jurisdiction of geeks and nerds, the Central Coast offers inclusive spaces to get involved and discover the joy of board games for all.”
For more details and bookings see the Coastcon 2024 page on Facebook or email centralcoadtboardgameclub@gmail.com.