They've done a poor job of marketing it (the first I heard of it was today), but Hugo House is hosting its annual Inquiry on the topic of Games this year. This coming weekend. No one from any major game company seems to be presenting, but then Hugo House's mission seems to emphasize encouraging amateurs. What the heck, I'm thinking I'll go.

The highlight of the schedule for me is Saturday, October 4th from 7:45 - 8:45 p.m., when Sherman Alexie will read "How D&D Saved My Life", a piece written for the event. I guess he's a big geeky gamer. You are shocked, non?

Also, James Ernest (of Cheapass Games and poker fame) and Matthew Baldwin (of Defective Yeti fame) will be doing panels etc. There will be beer and "A Guide to Visitors" style storytelling. Given their mainstream and empowerment biases, I suspect that Hugo House will probably totally miss the point of games, their cultural impact and their appeal, but at least they are trying. I'm certainly willing to be proven wrong.

More scheduled events here.