While board games are at the heart of Gen Con, some of the most magical moments happen when you sit down with strangers and turn into collaborators, rivals, and friends.
That makes the First Exposure Playtest Hall (FEPH) such a special part of the convention. It is where creators and players meet, ideas come alive, and the next generation of games takes shape.
Today’s feature takes us inside the FEPH with Kiea Cooks, designer of Tribal Dynasty and first-time exhibitor in FEPH.
A Designer’s Playground
Hey everyone! My name is Kiea, and I’m a board game designer based in Charlotte, NC. This year was my first time in the First Exposure Playtest Hall, and I have to say it was unforgettable. Imagine a room buzzing with creativity where every table offers something new: a game idea, a spark of innovation, or even the seed of the next big hit in tabletop.
Unlike the Exhibit Hall, where polished products dominate, the FEPH is all about possibility. As a designer, it’s both exhilarating and humbling. You bring in your prototype, sit down with complete strangers, and watch them breathe life into your vision. You hear their honest feedback, see their reactions in real time, and leave with a notebook full of insights that no solo playtest could ever provide.
Showcasing Tribal Dynasty
For me, that game was Tribal Dynasty, a project I started during the pandemic. It’s an asymmetric area-control game inspired by African culture, featuring four tribes — Yoruba, Maasai, Zulu, and Bushmen. Also, 24 different Orisha (Dieties) — each with unique abilities. The game blends strategy, combat, and spiritual lore, with the ultimate goal of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro to secure victory. I like to say it’s a mash-up of Catan, Root, and Magic: the Gathering.
At Gen Con, I had players who’d never heard of the game sit down and immediately immerse themselves in the world. Some were drawn to the cultural depth, others to the mechanics, but everyone leaned in with curiosity. Seeing people debate strategy, laugh over a combat roll, or get excited about an Orisha card reminded me why I designed it in the first place: to celebrate heritage, spark competition, and create memorable stories around the table.
More Than Playtesting
What struck me most about the FEPH wasn’t just the feedback (though that was invaluable), but the sense of community. Players genuinely wanted to help improve my game. Fellow designers shared encouragement and swapped tips. Volunteers made sure the hall ran smoothly, and there was always a sense of “we’re in this together.”
I also had the chance to connect with people who might never have had the chance to play my game. Some were casual gamers curious to try something new, others were die-hard playtesters who make the FEPH their Gen Con tradition. Every playthrough added a new perspective, and every conversation left me more energized to keep building.
Why FEPH Matters
If you’ve ever dreamed of designing a game, or if you just love being part of the creative process, FEPH is the place to be. It’s where raw ideas meet eager players. It’s where you get to say, “I played that game before it was published.” And for designers like me, it’s where you’re reminded that the journey, not just the destination, is worth celebrating.
As I left the hall, notepad full of notes and heart full of gratitude, one thing was clear: FEPH isn’t just about playtesting. It’s about connection, creativity, and the future of gaming.
For more about Tribal Dynasty and its journey to release, follow Kiea on TikTok.
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