Lock & Load GameFest turns five in 2015, and it’s been one hell of a ride getting to where we are today. This week, we’ll feature a variety of Insiders to fill you in on all of the most exciting things happening at this year’s show, but right now I’d like to look back at where we’ve been before we take a look at where we’re going to be.

Back in 2010, we set out to create a truly unique and special event. Lock & Load would be a gathering of friends and volunteers to hang out, play games, and celebrate all-things Privateer Press. There would be seminars and classes, a Privateer Press Store, and plenty of opportunities to hang out one on one between staff and players. Lock & Load GameFest was born. Jason Martin, now our Director of Production, put his head down and started making plans to create something special for the greatest gaming community in the world.

The very first Lock & Load GameFest was held in 2011 at the Red Lion Hotel in downtown Seattle. Hundreds of players made the trip to hang out with staff and spend a weekend enjoying everything Privateer Press had to offer. In 2012, we did it again—this time for even more people, with bigger events, more prizes, and even more fun. Lock & Load GameFest had grown into something to be truly proud of, and the number-one not-to-miss event for Privateer Press gaming.

I took over as convention coordinator in time to plan Lock & Load 2013 at the Red Lion, and it was amazing. It was my very first Lock & Load, and I will always remember how awesome an experience it was and how huge of an undertaking. I made a lot of friends that weekend, and now I get to look forward to seeing you all year after year. Lock & Load 2013 was the first time we live-streamed game footage to the world, a real milestone for us and the beginning of a new era of competitive play in Iron Gauntlet. The Red Lion was an impressive venue, and we had a lot of great times there, but we soon realized we had outgrown the space available to us there.

Last year, Lock & Load 2014 moved across the water and right down the street from Privateer Press HQ to the Meydenbauer Center in Bellevue, Washington. More space meant bigger tournaments and more casual gaming. We were able to expand the Privateer Press Store and create a more intimate hobby experience by opening the Formula P3 Studio Hobby Lounge. More gamers came from more countries than ever before to kick back and spend some time with us playing all of the games that we love. Lock & Load 2014 was even bigger and better than 2013, and I didn’t think that was possible. I watched some amazing games, played my Cephalyx army, and met even more awesome people. My favorite moment of the weekend, though, had to be naming our first Iron Gauntlet World Champion, Jay Larsen.

Lock & Load 2015 is right around the corner, and we have a lot of new and awesome stuff to share with you. Keep your eye on the Privateer Insiders every day this week to learn more about what to expect this year. From the whole crew at Privateer Press, thank you for making Lock & Load GameFest the awesome success it has been for coming up on five years. We can’t wait to see you all again in June. Badges are still available, so if you’re not set to join us for the biggest party of the year, get yours today!