When a crisp winter chill hangs in the air, I know my favorite time of year is right around the corner. I’m not talking about the holidays, though—I’m talking about beginning preparations for Lock & Load GameFest! In 2015, we will once again take over the Meydenbauer Center in Bellevue, Washington, for the three biggest days of Privateer Press gaming in the world. Any of you who made it out in 2014 already know it was the biggest and best Lock & Load to date, but we aren’t going to stop improving now. When we began planning for next summer’s Lock & Load, I asked myself what more we could add, and the answer was really quite simple: MORE.

Let’s start with tournament space. Last year, tournaments were held upstairs, and our tournament hall was bustling with activity 24 hours a day. Everyone loves events, so we’ve added even MORE tournament space to the main ballroom. With all that extra room, we looked at the type of events people want to play in. Last year we ran a full 128-player WARMACHINE & HORDES Masters qualifier, and while one huge Masters qualifier is cool, we heard a lot of people asking for MORE. Now we’re ready to deliver. This year, attendees can look forward to not one but two 128-player Masters tournament qualifiers.

As we reviewed our staff feedback from 2014, one comment we kept seeing was a desire for MORE face-to-face time with our attendees. One of the best places to sit and chat with staff last year was the P3 Studio Hobby Lounge, so in 2015 we’re giving you MORE. Not only have we made the Hobby Lounge larger, but we’re also going to have additional lounges where you can hang out with staff members and discuss a wide range of topics or simply sit down to play a game.

Lastly, we took a look at how you spent your time during Lock & Load when you weren’t actually at the Meydenbauer Center. This year, we’ve teamed up with even MORE hotel options than ever before to secure you the best rates in the city:

• Bellevue Courtyard Marriott– Book your rooms online, or by calling (800) 321-2211 and asking for the Lock & Load GameFest Room Block.
• Seattle Marriott Bellevue – Book your rooms by calling 1-425-214-7600 and asking for the Lock & Load GameFest Room Block.
• Silver Cloud In Bellevue Downtown – Book your rooms by calling (425) 637-7000 and asking for the Lock & Load GameFest Room Block.
• Red Lion Hotel Bellevue – Book your rooms by calling 800-733-5466 and asking for the Lock & Load GameFest Room Block.

Badges for this incredible event will be on sale January 15, and I guarantee that you won’t want to miss Lock & Load GameFest this coming summer, June 5–7! Have a wonderful holiday season, and I’ll see you at the Meydenbauer Center!